Coming off a win for the first time in almost two months, things looked up for the Rangers. Three games in three nights this past weekend was an uphill battle to say the least. It started out on the road against Pickering on Friday, a Panthers team that beat the Rangers 6-1 in the middle of October.
After 20 minutes the Panthers led 1-0. But 40 seconds into the second period Connor Irwin (5) would score against his former team tying the game up at 1. Six more goals were scored in the frame, Pickering scored to make it 2-1 before Luca Spano (2) would answer for North York. Pickering would score two more in the second with an Ervie Terwilliger (3) powerplay goal sandwiched in between them and after 40 minutes the Panthers were up 4-3. That’s where the game would end as the despite North York outshooting Pickering 39-30. Amir Valiullin stopped 26 of 30 shots in the loss.
No time to pout though Saturday the boys headed out to Georgetown to take on the Raiders. Similar to Friday nights game after the 1st period the Rangers were down, but this time it was 2-0. In the middle frame the lone goal came from OJHL prospects team member Jacob Owsicki (7). The Raiders outscored the Rangers 3-1 in the third, the lone Rangers goal coming from Cole Kirton (3) but North York fell 5-2.
Sunday the Rangers returned home for the first time in a week, looking to make it two consecutive home victories. Taking on the Oakville Blades they didn’t get off to the start they were looking for with Oakville scoring just over 3:30 into the game to take a 1-0 lead. Nico Economopoulos (2) would tie the game shortly after and this game was tied at 1 after the first period. The Rangers scored two straight in the middle frame, a powerplay goal by Anthony Di Trani (4) and an even strength marker by Matthew Babiy (9) to take a 3-1 lead. But a late Oakville goal would cut the lead to one goal after 40 minutes. From there Amir Valiullin shut the door stopping all 15 Oakville third period shots and the Rangers would win their second straight home game by a score of 3-2.
Here’s whats to come as the Rangers close out November
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday November 22 @ Lindsay (11-12-1-1 8th in East)
Sunday November 24 vs St. Michaels (15-9-1-2 4th in East)
Tuesday November 26 @ Aurora (6-17-0-2 10th in East)
TRADE
The Rangers were busy this week making a couple of moves.
First they traded Alexey Kulikov to the Toronto Patriots in exchange for Mason Wharton. Wharton made his debut with the Rangers against the Blades on Sunday.
Elias Greenwood was traded to the Stouffville Spirit.
We wish Elias and Alexey the best of luck in the future!
FAST FACTS
North York has now won consecutive home games for the first time since the 2021-2022 season.
Jacob Owsicki played for Team McBain at the Battle of Ontario Prospect Showcase. He scored 1 goal in 2 games.
Matthew Babiy has 9 goals on the season, tied for 9th amongst rookies.
Amir Valiullin has made 850 saves this season, no other goalie has hit the 675 mark.
Anthony Di Trani has 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 5 games since joining the Rangers.
