Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[Krangers08]

Looking to follow the team on the road. What is the best road arena to see a game(not including London). Was planning on going to the Niagara game but it’s a Thursday.

 

[Tim Wallach]

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.

Full disclosure: It is me who does the podcast with Farwell now. So first, thanks Even for the kind words and more thanks for listening.

I am certainly no professional broadcaster nor do I expect everyone to agree with all my opinions or even like what we do. Media is tough and no matter who you are, you’ll have plenty who can’t stand you.

So all I have to offer on the topic is a thank you to anyone who gives up part of their day to listen and always happy to hear feedback or suggestions. Love the OHL community and especially love respectful conversations. It’s why I always come back here.

 

[K2]

Do many get drafted out of the BCHL?

Probably 3 or 4 in the top 10 if you look back far enough and several some years deeper through the rounds. Riley Nash was an Oiler 1st rounder out of Salmon Arm who went on to Cornell (!) and bounced around the NHL/AHL for years if not still.

 

[MediaCritic]

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.

I listened to the pregame show for both games this weekend because I wanted to hear Fixter. The FM morning show stuff you describe is gone, so I don't know what "normalcy" you're missing. Since you seem to know a bit about radio, I'll add that the real problem on both the pregame and postgame show is the production, which is the stuff the hosts don't say. The shows are being let down by production that doesn't match the show at all. As for intermissions, I heard a great interview this weekend with Matt Andonovski talking about his draft selection and first career goal and the new broadcaster in Flint! The intermissions are usually the responsibility of the colour commentator (did you ever hear Don do an intermission?) so maybe you need to give Fixy some time to grow into it. He's only done two games! You're right about playing the podcast clips, though. Not every listener to a game would have heard the podcast but it still lacks creativity and screams laziness. Really awful programming in most cases.

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.

At least someone finally made a point! So when you see Farwell and Furfaro they make you feel annoyed. Fair enough. Completely subjective but at least it's something better than "they push opinions on the broadcast" without offering specifics. For what it's worth, if Farwell and Furfaro read this board, you probably get on their nerves too. Guess that makes it a wash.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Looking to follow the team on the road. What is the best road arena to see a game(not including London). Was planning on going to the Niagara game but it’s a Thursday.

My personal favorites are

Owen Sound, Stop into Kettles on the way up. Go for a walk around the path by the bay.

Peterborough- The Hall of Fame in the arena is awesome! Its a free tourist attraction. Arena is unique

Sudbury- Always a good time in the North. Love the grand ole barn up there.

Erie- Loudest fans in the league. Always a good time.

 

[rangersblues]

Full disclosure: It is me who does the podcast with Farwell now. So first, thanks Even for the kind words and more thanks for listening.

I am certainly no professional broadcaster nor do I expect everyone to agree with all my opinions or even like what we do. Media is tough and no matter who you are, you’ll have plenty who can’t stand you.

So all I have to offer on the topic is a thank you to anyone who gives up part of their day to listen and always happy to hear feedback or suggestions. Love the OHL community and especially love respectful conversations. It’s why I always come back here.

Listened to the predictions. Great job

 

[rangersblues]

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.

I'm quite capable of deciding for myself what annoys me and what doesn't. Fyi it annoyed me enough that I turned off the broadcast Saturday evening.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Listened to the predictions. Great job

Thank you.

 

[EvenSteven]

I listened to the pregame show for both games this weekend because I wanted to hear Fixter. The FM morning show stuff you describe is gone, so I don't know what "normalcy" you're missing. Since you seem to know a bit about radio, I'll add that the real problem on both the pregame and postgame show is the production, which is the stuff the hosts don't say. The shows are being let down by production that doesn't match the show at all. As for intermissions, I heard a great interview this weekend with Matt Andonovski talking about his draft selection and first career goal and the new broadcaster in Flint! The intermissions are usually the responsibility of the colour commentator (did you ever hear Don do an intermission?) so maybe you need to give Fixy some time to grow into it. He's only done two games! You're right about playing the podcast clips, though. Not every listener to a game would have heard the podcast but it still lacks creativity and screams laziness. Really awful programming in most cases.


At least someone finally made a point! So when you see Farwell and Furfaro they make you feel annoyed. Fair enough. Completely subjective but at least it's something better than "they push opinions on the broadcast" without offering specifics. For what it's worth, if Farwell and Furfaro read this board, you probably get on their nerves too. Guess that makes it a wash.

I concede it’s been only two games so yes, I suppose Fixter should get a chance to see if he can iron out his game.

I go back to when Nick Kypreos first started up on TV after his playing days were over. Talk about green! But he got more and more comfortable and became much better to the point where he’s one of the top hockey voices out there.

Let’s hope Fixter goes the direction that Kypreos did and not the way that, say, Lance Roberts did on the Rogers telecasts. Ouch!

 

[RB76]

I was wondering about the ideal number of players and draft picks we could hope to accumulate this year if all goes as planned:
1) how many draft picks and what year/age?
2) number of players and ideal age?
3) etc..

 

[Gondrex]

Listened to the predictions. Great job

Agreed. I'll take whatever podcast or broadcast I can get my ears / eyes on.

I'll bring it up again (sorry) - when growing up, to get my fill of junior A hockey I was stuck with only watching Tuesday night CHCH TV broadcasts of the Hamilton Red Wings in the (very) early 70's. It was my only option. Waiting for Bill Barber, Paul Evans, Rick Chartraw and the boys to drop into the Hamilton Forum seemed like eternity.

So needless to say, I'm grateful for anything over the internet, airwaves or cable that is Ranger-related. Bring on the podcast, Farsie and Fixie, and the Rogers broadcast. All I want is to get my fill. I may not agree with everything they say, but they do a better job than I ever could.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

I'm quite capable of deciding for myself what annoys me and what doesn't. Fyi it annoyed me enough that I turned off the broadcast Saturday evening.

And now Media Critic is annoying us. LOL

 

[Ward Cornell]

Agreed. I'll take whatever podcast or broadcast I can get my ears / eyes on.

I'll bring it up again (sorry) - when growing up, to get my fill of junior A hockey I was stuck with only watching Tuesday night CHCH TV broadcasts of the Hamilton Red Wings in the (very) early 70's. It was my only option. Waiting for Bill Barber, Paul Evans, Rick Chartraw and the boys to drop into the Hamilton Forum seemed like eternity.

So needless to say, I'm grateful for anything over the internet, airwaves or cable that is Ranger-related. Bring on the podcast, Farsie and Fixie, and the Rogers broadcast. All I want is to get my fill. I may not agree with everything they say, but they do a better job than I ever could.

Watched those Tuesday night broadcasts religiously. I knew the Red Wings players better than the Rangers.
Marty Gateman(future Ranger) Mike Visser, Ed Gilbert and Bob Neely. Those teams were led by one of the most colorful owners ever in Nick Durbano (recently passed away) who may also been the father of hockey's most "colourful" players in Steve Durbabo. Norm Marshall the play x play guy to me remains one of the top broadcasters of junior hockey right up there with Don Cameron.

As for this media topic, I wish they would drop those nic names, seems juvenile.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I listened to the pregame show for both games this weekend because I wanted to hear Fixter. The FM morning show stuff you describe is gone, so I don't know what "normalcy" you're missing. Since you seem to know a bit about radio, I'll add that the real problem on both the pregame and postgame show is the production, which is the stuff the hosts don't say. The shows are being let down by production that doesn't match the show at all. As for intermissions, I heard a great interview this weekend with Matt Andonovski talking about his draft selection and first career goal and the new broadcaster in Flint! The intermissions are usually the responsibility of the colour commentator (did you ever hear Don do an intermission?) so maybe you need to give Fixy some time to grow into it. He's only done two games! You're right about playing the podcast clips, though. Not every listener to a game would have heard the podcast but it still lacks creativity and screams laziness. Really awful programming in most cases.


At least someone finally made a point! So when you see Farwell and Furfaro they make you feel annoyed. Fair enough. Completely subjective but at least it's something better than "they push opinions on the broadcast" without offering specifics. For what it's worth, if Farwell and Furfaro read this board, you probably get on their nerves too. Guess that makes it a wash.

Reading this I get the twilight zone tingle up my spine that makes me feel like one of them is reading this board .

I concede it’s been only two games so yes, I suppose Fixter should get a chance to see if he can iron out his game.

I go back to when Nick Kypreos first started up on TV after his playing days were over. Talk about green! But he got more and more comfortable and became much better to the point where he’s one of the top hockey voices out there.

Let’s hope Fixter goes the direction that Kypreos did and not the way that, say, Lance Roberts did on the Rogers telecasts. Ouch!

I saw Kyper the other day and to tell the truth, I can't believe he's still in the biz. He was solid for a stretch in the 2000-2009s, but it's rough imo...granted it's not just him, sportsnet is a gong show imo these days.
Maybe just listened to too much TO sports radio in college, it definitely soured me on the field.

Ferraro is the only PbP I've really liked in recent years. Mike Johnson seems to be decent so far as well.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Thank you.

No....thank you!

 

[Ward Cornell]

Reading this I get the twilight zone tingle up my spine that makes me feel like one of them is reading this board .


I saw Kyper the other day and to tell the truth, I can't believe he's still in the biz. He was solid for a stretch in the 2000-2009s, but it's rough imo...granted it's not just him, sportsnet is a gong show imo these days.
Maybe just listened to too much TO sports radio in college, it definitely soured me on the field.

Ferraro is the only PbP I've really liked in recent years. Mike Johnson seems to be decent so far as well.

Ferraro is IMHO head and shoulders above all.

 

[K2]

I concede it’s been only two games so yes, I suppose Fixter should get a chance to see if he can iron out his game.

Fixter is quite engaging and funny in person so he probably sheds the awkwardness before long and he's equipped to deliver unusually well-informed commentary which he's been doing a bit early on. Perhaps he also helps curtail Farwell from going off on prolonged incendiary rants where Pope seemingly served as catalyst or threw gas on the fire.

 

[EvenSteven]

Full disclosure: It is me who does the podcast with Farwell now. So first, thanks Even for the kind words and more thanks for listening.

I am certainly no professional broadcaster nor do I expect everyone to agree with all my opinions or even like what we do. Media is tough and no matter who you are, you’ll have plenty who can’t stand you.

So all I have to offer on the topic is a thank you to anyone who gives up part of their day to listen and always happy to hear feedback or suggestions. Love the OHL community and especially love respectful conversations. It’s why I always come back here.

The OHL podcast has become a not miss content if you are an OHL fan. I can take or leave some of the interviews. They aren’t exactly Spittin Chickletts calibre. Some guests are good and some are duds.

But as I said before, the content provided when you and Farwell are on is top shelf.

 

[OHL4Life]

The OHL podcast has become a not miss content if you are an OHL fan. I can take or leave some of the interviews. They aren’t exactly Spittin Chickletts calibre. Some guests are good and some are duds.

But as I said before, the content provided when you and Farwell are on is top shelf.

interviews are boring, but the content is good. no rangers talk this week so it was more balanced and a good episode

 

[Tim Wallach]

The OHL podcast has become a not miss content if you are an OHL fan. I can take or leave some of the interviews. They aren’t exactly Spittin Chickletts calibre. Some guests are good and some are duds.

But as I said before, the content provided when you and Farwell are on is top shelf.

interviews are boring, but the content is good. no rangers talk this week so it was more balanced and a good episode

Thank you both. Appreciate that. (And yes, consciously trying to keep it balanced).

 

[Krangers08]

With McKenzie looking for picks and prospects in trades. Who are some players to keep an eye on/want in the return. When does the first trade happen?

 

[Habsrule]

With McKenzie looking for picks and prospects in trades. Who are some players to keep an eye on/want in the return. When does the first trade happen?

Lots of options;

Brzustewicz is in his 19 year old season and will be AHL bound next year. He will be traded.

Rehkopf may be traded. He has another year left so whatever team that picks him up would pay a premium for a year and a half of service. See Owen Beck trade from last year.

Martin, Sop and Motew are all overagers. If a team views one as an upgrade over who they have that would be an option. Expect to get another overage in return plus picks. Overager trades don’t tend to get as big of returns.

Parsons and Maboeuf are both 19. If you are looking forward to next season then only one would be back as an overager.

Misaljevic, Swick and Pugliese are all 19 year olds. You need to think about overagers for next year but that can be a next year problem. All three are off to a great start and should be playing as overagers next season.

 

[MediaCritic]

I'm quite capable of deciding for myself what annoys me and what doesn't. Fyi it annoyed me enough that I turned off the broadcast Saturday evening.

Yes you've made it very clear what annoys you and you can certainly decide that for yourself. It's just a really strange hill to die on. Maybe the 8-0 score on Saturday was what really bored you. Or maybe it was something else entirely.

 

[MediaCritic]

Full disclosure: It is me who does the podcast with Farwell now. So first, thanks Even for the kind words and more thanks for listening.

I am certainly no professional broadcaster nor do I expect everyone to agree with all my opinions or even like what we do. Media is tough and no matter who you are, you’ll have plenty who can’t stand you.

So all I have to offer on the topic is a thank you to anyone who gives up part of their day to listen and always happy to hear feedback or suggestions. Love the OHL community and especially love respectful conversations. It’s why I always come back here.

You do the podcast with Farwell? I have thoughts! The first of which is why you'd stick your neck out like that on this board.

 

[MediaCritic]

Reading this I get the twilight zone tingle up my spine that makes me feel like one of them is reading this board .


I saw Kyper the other day and to tell the truth, I can't believe he's still in the biz. He was solid for a stretch in the 2000-2009s, but it's rough imo...granted it's not just him, sportsnet is a gong show imo these days.
Maybe just listened to too much TO sports radio in college, it definitely soured me on the field.

Ferraro is the only PbP I've really liked in recent years. Mike Johnson seems to be decent so far as well.

Reading this I get the twilight zone tingle up my spine that makes me feel like one of them is reading this board .


I saw Kyper the other day and to tell the truth, I can't believe he's still in the biz. He was solid for a stretch in the 2000-2009s, but it's rough imo...granted it's not just him, sportsnet is a gong show imo these days.
Maybe just listened to too much TO sports radio in college, it definitely soured me on the field.

Ferraro is the only PbP I've really liked in recent years. Mike Johnson seems to be decent so far as well.

In Kitchener it's possible the broadcasters might read this board. Or maybe anywhere in the OHL. Hard to say. But most broadcasters worth their salt wouldn't pay any attention to the rantings of anonymous internet trolls.