The North York Rangers had a hectic schedule where they played four games across six days. The Rangers came away with an overtime victory over the No. 18 Toronto Patriots, but dropped the other three contests.
It all started with back-to-back games at the Buffalo Showcase. The Rangers kicked off their week against the Stouffville Spirit. Austin Brimmer and Adam Panacci recorded the goals for North York. The two squads were evened up at 2-2 heading into the final period. The Spirit took the advantage thanks to Andre Anania at 6:28 into the third. That turned out to the be the final score. Eli Shiller stopped 31 shots for the Rangers in a losing effort.
Less than 24 later, the team had a tough task on their hands with the defending OJHL champion and No. 3 team in country Oakville Blades. North York turned to James Gray and the rookie did not disappoint stopping 29 shots. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t find the back of the net the entire game. The Blades added a late empty netter to take it 3-0.
The next battle was against the South Division rival Toronto Patriots on Saturday night. North York came out flying in the first frame thanks to Cole O’Hara. The second-year forward registered two goals, one of which in the final minute of the first. The Rangers were up 2-1 after the first. The Patriots tied up the score less than four minutes in. North York responded on special teams, recording two powerplay of the stick of Connor Rudderham Brimmer in the span of two minutes midway through the second. The made the score 4-2 after 40 minutes. The No. 18 team in the country responded in a massive way in the third. They outshot the Rangers 19-5, which ultimately resulted in two goals and a 4-4 deadlock. Neither team could find the winner in the third or first overtime frame. It wasn’t until the opening minute of the second overtime that Rudderham scored the winner. Schiller was spectacular making a career-high 52 saves for the victory.
The Rangers didn’t end the week well when they hosted the Brampton Admirals. Even though the Rangers dominated the opening period, it was scoreless after 20 minutes. It went south afterwards. Brampton scored a shorthanded goal in the opening 90 seconds, then added four powerplay goals to take the contest 5-0.
(Feature Photo: s Shawn )
