Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[RangerNation]

Texting a friend last night during the game, and I think this was the first time I mentioned the term "swagger" in a long long time. We all know it's incredibly early, but I can't ignore how refreshing this feeling is. Another game where the core players are out contributing the "trade bait". The future is bright.

 

[Ward Cornell]

To be honest, I hope Birch has no say in trades. As Brian Burke once said, he can’t drive the car if someone else has their hands on the wheel.

This is / should be MM’s show. Period.


We won’t contend this year or next. To get the most out of Rehkropf in trade, it has to be this year. There’s no need to hang onto him if the return is right.

Outside of London, Kitchener is the last team in this league that has to worry about getting fans in the seats.

Here's hoping the lure of a playoff gate doesn't factor into the rebuild. With the past history of low attendance in the first round this shouldn't even factor into a hockey decision.
Re: trades, I know it's early and this can turn on a dime. But if this staff is as good as it currently appear, these sought after players to contending teams could garner even more than under a sub-par staff.

 

[EvenSteven]

Here's hoping the lure of a playoff gate doesn't factor into the rebuild. With the past history of low attendance in the first round this shouldn't even factor into a hockey decision.
Re: trades, I know it's early and this can turn on a dime. But if this staff is as good as it currently appear, these sought after players to contending teams could garner even more than under a sub-par staff.

I agree with the lure of the playoff date. I don’t think we want to outright tank, but I’m also not interested in hanging onto players we could get a ton for in trade just to squeeze into 8th place. We just can’t afford to with our thin draft pick cupboard.

Move out as many of the graduating players as we can, make a push to move Rehkopf in an Owen Beck type deal to maximize his return, and if this coaching staff can push the remaining roster to overachieve their way into a playoff spot, then it is what it is. It’ll mean our coaching staff is legit and the development of our young players will have ramped up on or ahead of schedule.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

I agree with the lure of the playoff date. I don’t think we want to outright tank, but I’m also not interested in hanging onto players we could get a ton for in trade just to squeeze into 8th place. We just can’t afford to with our thin draft pick cupboard.

Move out as many of the graduating players as we can, make a push to move Rehkopf in an Owen Beck type deal to maximize his return, and if this coaching staff can push the remaining roster to overachieve their way into a playoff spot, then it is what it is. It’ll mean our coaching staff is legit and the development of our young players will have ramped up on or ahead of schedule.

I am alright with a tank, but a not so obvious one.

I'm for competing. Staying in games. Hell winning to I suppose.

The things about tanking I hate are trading any player that starts to produce. Dressing 3rd goalies when your number 1 is fine. I am not down with that stuff.

This team is going to lose some games. Just be in the games.

That said,

I would love one of the top 4 picks in next years OHL Draft. We've got an Erie 2nd which will be in the top 25 for sure.

Of the solid teams that would make good trading partners
Barrie has a PTBO 2nd
Sudbury has Niagaras 2nd. And Kits 2nd


Would be nice if the deadline this year brought in some high 2nds and maybe entering next season with 2 or 3 of the top 40 OHL eligible prospects. Maybe we can also convince Cole Longacre and Lex Tarrance to jump ship as well.

I love the fact that we're all talking about a real foundation here though. It's never a good sign when you have to trade for more quality than your rosters produce.

 

[Tim Wallach]

You think Erie will “for sure” be bottom five? I really don’t. They’re underrated.

 

[EvenSteven]

I figure Erie to finish somewhere around the middle of the league. 5th or 6th in the west.

 

[Krangers08]

I am alright with a tank, but a not so obvious one.

I'm for competing. Staying in games. Hell winning to I suppose.

The things about tanking I hate are trading any player that starts to produce. Dressing 3rd goalies when your number 1 is fine. I am not down with that stuff.

This team is going to lose some games. Just be in the games.

That said,

I would love one of the top 4 picks in next years OHL Draft. We've got an Erie 2nd which will be in the top 25 for sure.

Of the solid teams that would make good trading partners
Barrie has a PTBO 2nd
Sudbury has Niagaras 2nd. And Kits 2nd


Would be nice if the deadline this year brought in some high 2nds and maybe entering next season with 2 or 3 of the top 40 OHL eligible prospects. Maybe we can also convince Cole Longacre and Lex Tarrance to jump ship as well.

I love the fact that we're all talking about a real foundation here though. It's never a good sign when you have to trade for more quality than your rosters produce.

Longacre is a burned Bridge, education demands could not be met was the wording of the article. He was also in a weird year where the import draft was after the entry so he would have verbally committed before hamara and Brzustewicz signed, the twins were also on the team with 8 signed D.Any word on lex Terrence I haven’t been able to find where he’s playing this year, although I’ve heard that he’s unfollowed the team on Instagram (idk if that’s a big deal) and asked if they could give up his rights.

 

[EvenSteven]

I am alright with a tank, but a not so obvious one.

I'm for competing. Staying in games. Hell winning to I suppose.

The things about tanking I hate are trading any player that starts to produce. Dressing 3rd goalies when your number 1 is fine. I am not down with that stuff.

This team is going to lose some games. Just be in the games.

That said,

I would love one of the top 4 picks in next years OHL Draft. We've got an Erie 2nd which will be in the top 25 for sure.

Of the solid teams that would make good trading partners
Barrie has a PTBO 2nd
Sudbury has Niagaras 2nd. And Kits 2nd


Would be nice if the deadline this year brought in some high 2nds and maybe entering next season with 2 or 3 of the top 40 OHL eligible prospects. Maybe we can also convince Cole Longacre and Lex Tarrance to jump ship as well.

I love the fact that we're all talking about a real foundation here though. It's never a good sign when you have to trade for more quality than your rosters produce.

One of Sudbury’s 2nds in ‘24 went to Windsor in the recent DeAngelis deal.

And, Barrie received Pete 2nd in ‘24* as part of the Ryan Suzuki deal (2020 deadline) with Saginaw. Unsure what those conditions are or if they were met.

 

[MediaCritic]

Agree. I wish they’d run a more mature, professional broadcast. I’d rather Mike and Paul or Mike and Chris any day.

I long for the days of Don and Gary and the professionalism they brought.

I hoped with Pope’s exit we’d get a different broadcast. I guess “Farsie” just can’t help himself.


There’s more on this roster you may be interested in along with Martin.

Longing for the good old days. Of course! Everything was better yesterday. Just ask anyone about anything. Have you actually listened to the broadcast? What's unprofessional about it?

Loving this "team" approach.

It's clear the new coaching staff has given everyone a fresh, clean look and start. Our 4th line has contributed nicely. Pugliese isn't hampered by injury anymore, is working his butt off and getting rewarded for it. Morey has made the most of his chances too and Mercer is solid both ways. That's a great 4th line, they check like crazy and when they get a chance, they can score too.

LOVE Campbell, great trade. Brzustewicz is so dependable and smooth. Andonovski is tough to play against and he's scoring. He has ben a favourite of mine since day one with his work ethic and toguhness. Mamara and Motew are both at a new level and Reid does not look like a rookie, actually none of our rookies, look like first year players. Of course over time, they'll make mistakes as they play more against experienced players, but this is definitely a draft for the ages.

Martin is a beast, a great power forward. Swick is really improved and Misaljevic, wow, his speed and skill are why he's done so well so far. Sop and Rehkopf are both leading by example.

A great start, but realistically we're still in for a challenging season. As long as we get the effort and excitement we've seen so far, I'll be happy. This is the start of something really good.

As for the broadcast. It's Farwell's show. I think Fixter has good knowledge of the game and knows what coaches and players might be dealing with during a game. He's got stories from his coaching days to add to the broadcast. He's not the professional broadcaster that Pope is. Pope had a good grasp on the OHL, did his homework before each game and performed well. The biggest difference is Don Cameron didn't push his opinions on the broadcast, he made great observations and let fans come up with their own thoughts. Don put the focus on the game.

I haven't listened to both games from start to finish but what opinions are being pushed on the broadcast?

 

[rangersblues]

Longing for the good old days. Of course! Everything was better yesterday. Just ask anyone about anything. Have you actually listened to the broadcast? What's unprofessional about it?


I haven't listened to both games from start to finish but what opinions are being pushed on the broadcast?

"Farsie" and "Fixxy" for starters. That's my biggest complaint.

I can't imagine "Farsie and Donsy" back in the day

 

[Krangers08]

"Farsie" and "Fixxy" for starters. That's my biggest complaint.

I can't imagine "Farsie and Donsy" back in the day

I can’t get through a full game on either TV or radio and find myself mostly just watching the box score. Farwell and Furfaro get on my nerves.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

You think Erie will “for sure” be bottom five? I really don’t. They’re underrated.

I am not sold at all. Like Kitchener. a great crop of rookies.

But they've got gaping holes in net. Lalonde has stood on his head considering the teams that have been put in front of him but they lack a true number 1 in net.

They will finish 5th or 6th just due to the fact Sarnia, Windsor, Kitchener and Flint are going to finish behind them which they should. Top heavy conference with London and Saginaw, Questions in Owen sound, soo and Guelph, Then its everybody else. Not to mention their coach is severely outdated and doesn't understand how to keep up in todays game.

Almost certainly will need to move some bodies out at some point too. They have no 2nds and one 3rds over the next 2 drafts.

I hate being negative. I love Erie. Love visiting. Best in house setting in the league. Always loud. Leagues better when they're a good team. This is why my all time favorite ohl goalie is still Jaroslav Janus.

 

[dirty12]

I am not sold at all. Like Kitchener. a great crop of rookies.

But they've got gaping holes in net. Lalonde has stood on his head considering the teams that have been put in front of him but they lack a true number 1 in net.

They will finish 5th or 6th just due to the fact Sarnia, Windsor, Kitchener and Flint are going to finish behind them which they should. Top heavy conference with London and Saginaw, Questions in Owen sound, soo and Guelph, Then its everybody else. Not to mention their coach is severely outdated and doesn't understand how to keep up in todays game.

Almost certainly will need to move some bodies out at some point too. They have no 2nds and one 3rds over the next 2 drafts.

I hate being negative. I love Erie. Love visiting. Best in house setting in the league. Always loud. Leagues better when they're a good team. This is why my all time favorite ohl goalie is still Jaroslav Janus.

Not certain, but Erie might only be missing ‘24-3rd, 5th and ‘25-2nd, 6th.

 

[MediaCritic]

"Farsie" and "Fixxy" for starters. That's my biggest complaint.

I can't imagine "Farsie and Donsy" back in the day

If that's your biggest complaint, maybe you should stop calling them that. I heard a few references to "Fixxy" this weekend (which is what everyone in the game calls Paul Fixter) but not a single "Farsie." Sounds like you're just making up things to complain about.

 

[EvenSteven]

You yourself said you didn’t listen to both games in their entirety, but, if we didn’t hear a “Farsie”, then maybe Farwell should take the hint and lay off with the “Fixxie”?

If that's your biggest complaint, maybe you should stop calling them that. I heard a few references to "Fixxy" this weekend (which is what everyone in the game calls Paul Fixter) but not a single "Farsie." Sounds like you're just making up things to complain about.

 

[MediaCritic]

You yourself said you didn’t listen to both games in their entirety, but, if we didn’t hear a “Farsie”, then maybe Farwell should take the hint and lay off with the “Fixxie”?

Do you spend your day yelling at clouds too? It's just such a weird thing to be fixated on (pun intended) and judge the professionalism of a broadcast on. Does the broadcast provide good information? Is it entertaining? If I'm not at the game, does the broadcast give me an idea of what's happening? Most reasonable people would base their opinions of a broadcast on these things as opposed to what the hosts call each other.

 

[EvenSteven]

Do you spend your day yelling at clouds too? It's just such a weird thing to be fixated on (pun intended) and judge the professionalism of a broadcast on. Does the broadcast provide good information? Is it entertaining? If I'm not at the game, does the broadcast give me an idea of what's happening? Most reasonable people would base their opinions of a broadcast on these things as opposed to what the hosts call each other.

When Farwell stepped in and replaced Gary Doyle, the broadcast didn’t miss a beat. Don and Mike gave us just as professional and mature a show that Don and Gary gave us and because it didn’t include Gary’s sarcasm, I found it a tad better.

But once Don left and Pope moved in, the show veered into a blatant attempt to imitate sportsnet’s Tim and Sid show. Enter Farsie and Poper. We got lame attempts at humor in the way of puns to open the show where one of them would say “I saw what you did there”, to let us know that “hey, we made a joke there”. When Farwell opened the show, we got Pope saying “Hi” or “Hi there” in a lame way, seemingly looking for laughs, that you might hear on an FM morning drive show. The only thing missing was the laugh track.

When he was replaced by Fixter, I expected a return to normalcy.

The reason I expected that was because when Pope left the OHL podcast, which with Farwell and Pope, mirrored the same issues as the hockey broadcast, the show turned into a more listenable show with the Farwell and Meagher.

But now it looks like we’ll still get Farsie and now Fixxie. Unfortunately.

By the way, while I’m “yelling at clouds”, another issue I have with the game broadcast is the playing of clips of the OHL Podcast during intermissions. I listen to the OHL Podcast. But now, the intermissions are “turn off radio” for me because I’ve already listened to the podcast. What happened to interviewing a print or radio personality during intermissions? Pre record them if you must. I’d rather hear from Ryan Pyette, Josh Brown or Terry Doyle, or any of the other guys covering teams in this league.

 

[GeoBlue]

When Farwell stepped in and replaced Gary Doyle, the broadcast didn’t miss a beat. Don and Mike gave us just as professional and mature a show that Don and Gary gave us and because it didn’t include Gary’s sarcasm, I found it a tad better.

But once Don left and Pope moved in, the show veered into a blatant attempt to imitate sportsnet’s Tim and Sid show. Enter Farsie and Poper. We got lame attempts at humor in the way of puns to open the show where one of them would say “I saw what you did there”, to let us know that “hey, we made a joke there”. When Farwell opened the show, we got Pope saying “Hi” or “Hi there” in a lame way, seemingly looking for laughs, that you might hear on an FM morning drive show. The only thing missing was the laugh track.

When he was replaced by Fixter, I expected a return to normalcy.

The reason I expected that was because when Pope left the OHL podcast, which with Farwell and Pope, mirrored the same issues as the hockey broadcast, the show turned into a more listenable show with the Farwell and Meagher.

But now it looks like we’ll still get Farsie and now Fixxie. Unfortunately.

By the way, while I’m “yelling at clouds”, another issue I have with the game broadcast is the playing of clips of the OHL Podcast during intermissions. I listen to the OHL Podcast. But now, the intermissions are “turn off radio” for me because I’ve already listened to the podcast. What happened to interviewing a print or radio personality during intermissions? Pre record them if you must. I’d rather hear from Ryan Pyette, Josh Brown or Terry Doyle, or any of the other guys covering teams in this league.

Speaking of intermissions. We sit at one end of the rink and often need to use the video clock to see what is happening at the other end when the play shifts. Nothing drives me more mad than when there is some serious action at the other end and I have watch an entire roll of birthday greetings on the video board. Can they show these at a better time?

Also an observation from game 1 regarding our resident cheerleader. "Twig, bucket and barn". Yeah, hockey terms. Same ones and the same order she read them last year. If she can't get any new material, then it is time to move on.

On the positive side, love what I am seeing so far from this team!

 

[RangerNation]

Speaking of intermissions. We sit at one end of the rink and often need to use the video clock to see what is happening at the other end when the play shifts. Nothing drives me more mad than when there is some serious action at the other end and I have watch an entire roll of birthday greetings on the video board. Can they show these at a better time?

Also an observation from game 1 regarding our resident cheerleader. "Twig, bucket and barn". Yeah, hockey terms. Same ones and the same order she read them last year. If she can't get any new material, then it is time to move on.

On the positive side, love what I am seeing so far from this team!

The in game entertainment has taken a nose dive since covid. I don't know how they still have mic feedback issues, and randomly hit the horn button during play. Amateur hour every game. Also, use the the on ice projection again. They had amazing pregame graphics. Now they show a dimly lit rangers logo for 2mins before the game. Lame.

 

[GeoBlue]

They had amazing pregame graphics. Now they show a dimly lit rangers logo for 2mins before the game. Lame.

Those things cost money. The illegal beer smuggling has really cut into the projector budget. LOL!

 

[EvenSteven]

Those things cost money. The illegal beer smuggling has really cut into the projector budget. LOL!

That’s why we need to show birthdays instead of replays. It isn’t cheap to have little Johnny’s mug on the scoreboard telling us he just turned 10. Lol.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Pregame Primer:

Sarnia on the schedule for a Wednesday showcase down at the Bee Hive

Ben Gaudreau is back for his OA year with the Sting. He's likely back in Sarnia and could be Wednesdays starter.

I hope to see the Boys just treat it like they have the last two games. Go in, no expectations and battle it out till the final buzzer.

Missle has been excellent and really would like to see him continue

Parsons has been not quite elite but very good.. I'd like to see him back in on Wednesday and let the beef take on the bears at home friday.

Bruzer has been elite. Would love to see him continue to rack up the points and increase that already high price tag.

4th line has been incredible. They should be rewarded with some more minutes.

Martin needs to keep playing his game but one less penalty a game will suffice.

Matty Sop looks like a man on a mission. He didn't have the best weekend but he looks bigger and stronger then ever and the goals and points will come. He had 5 points in 4 games against the Sting last year. Perfect game for a few points.

Would love to see Lam and Romano finally bury one.

Sarnia is coming off a very close loss against the Spirit. The roster, much like the Rangers is fast and young.

Prediction

4-3 Kitchener win. Sop hits the back of the net twice. Ando scores his 3rd of the season. Morey 2 Assists.

 

[K2]

Longacre is a burned Bridge, education demands could not be met was the wording of the article.

Seems so but Cole has left the USHL and is now in Canada with Salmon Arm (BCHL). Next year he's committed to Merrimack College in MA which is a 'seriou$' private college on the opposite side of a different country. Kids choosing the NCAA route have quite often come here shortly after the reality of starting school strikes home. I wish Cole every success but if he's not at least as good an academic as he is a hockey player, we (or the OHL) may somehow find our way back on the Longacre family's radar.

 

[Krangers08]

Seems so but Cole has left the USHL and is now in Canada with Salmon Arm (BCHL). Next year he's committed to Merrimack College in MA which is a 'seriou$' private college on the opposite side of a different country. Kids choosing the NCAA route have quite often come here shortly after the reality of starting school strikes home. I wish Cole every success but if he's not at least as good an academic as he is a hockey player, we (or the OHL) may somehow find our way back on the Longacre family's radar.

Congrats to him. If I find it interesting he left his team, if he had interest in trying to go pro you would think the best chance of him coming would be his draft year. There been a couple USHL guys switch to the BCHL. Do many get drafted out of the BCHL?

 

[EvenSteven]

Congrats to him. If I find it interesting he left his team, if he had interest in trying to go pro you would think the best chance of him coming would be his draft year. There been a couple USHL guys switch to the BCHL. Do many get drafted out of the BCHL?

I believe the BCHL is on par if not a better league than the USHL.