The North York Rangers managed to overcome a tough slump in the season with a 5-2 win over the Orangeville Flyers on Sunday afternoon.
The Rangers knew a goal early in the game would do wonders for the squad, who came into the game with a 9-0-0-1 record when scoring first this season. At 14:02, Tyler Flack would help set up the first goal of the game when he sent the pass out to James Fletcher in front of the net, with Fletcher wiring home the power play goal to make it 1-0 for the home team.
Then, at 16:29, Ross Krieger finally was able to snap a six-game pointless streak to take the 2-0 lead for the Rangers. This time, Krieger’s shot was too much for Kristian Hufsky, keeping at the play before knocking it in to double the team’s advantage.
The Flyers would score a pair of goals in the early portion of the second to knot the game up at two. First, Hudson Lambert’s wrister at 2:58 would give the Flyers some life, only to have Vincent Bonaiuto bring the game to a standstill just 59 seconds after.
But Krieger wasn’t too happy about Orangeville’s momentum. At the six-minute mark, the small, yet powerful skater placed himself in a perfect spot at the doorstep to pounce on the loose puck, taking Nick Campoli’s original play and finishing it off to make it 3-2 for the Rangers.
Krieger came so close to scoring his third goal of the game in the final period, but just missed his opportunity as he hit the post. But on the same shift, he’d help set up Grayden Gottschalk in front of the net, with the former Oshawa General absolutely sniping the wrist shot top corner for the 4-2 goal.
The Rangers weren’t done just yet. With only one previous goal this season, Fletcher would have a night to remember when he found the back of the net with the final period about half over, putting the Rangers up by three. The 5-2 advantage would stand, with North York closing off a four-game losing streak with a win over Orangeville.
The Rangers will head on the road next Friday with a contest against the Milton Icehawks on Friday evening. North York’s next game at home at the Herb Carnegie Centennial Centre will be next Sunday when the team hosts Stouffville at 3:00 PM. Hope to see you there!
Photo by Shawn Muir / OJHL Images
