By Jamie Neugebauer
Friday night’s series clinching Game 6 victory against the Oakville Blades was special for many reasons.
Everything Liam Kerins touched turned to gold as he scored all three of his hat-trick goals in the second period, helping the Rangers cruise to a 7-4 win in Oakville.
It was North York’s first win at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex after six tries this season, and it was done in style with three of the Blades’ goals coming in the third period when the result of the game was no longer in question.
Yet what it means to the organization is bigger than the one, dominating performance.
The Rangers have not made it past the second round of the playoffs in the current incarnation known as the ‘OJHL’.
Corey Kalk’s impressive 14 points in the six games is the most any North York player has racked up in the post-season since current Italian pro league winger Paul Zanette had 11 points back in 2005-06.
While these team and individual achievements are impressive and to be cherished, the talent level on this team dictates a lack of satisfaction with simply being happy about making it past round one.
The Rangers will get a chance to prove it in Round 2 where they will do battle with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres starting Wednesday night in up-state New York.
Check back soon for an Oakville series recap, and a Buffalo series preview!
