Rangers drop season opener to Buzzers

NORTH YORK, ON - MARCH 14: Adam Panacci #18 of the North York Rangers battles for the puck with Ben Lawrick #4 of the St. Michael's Buzzers in the second period on March 14, 2019 at Herbert Carnegie Centennial Arena in North York, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andy Corneau / OJHL Images)
September 8, 2019

6:43 PM EDT

The North York Rangers fell 7-4 in their season opener against the St.Michael’s Buzzers at the Herbert H. Carnegie Centre on Sunday (Sept 9th) afternoon.

The Rangers found themselves down early on in the first period. On the powerplay, Nick Enero was open at the top of the circle and he snipped top corner at 3:53. The Rangers responded thanks to Michael Periera first career OJHL goal on the powerplay and Connor Rudderham within a three minute span. Ryan Alexander tip in a point shot from Liam Beaudoin to even up score for St. Michael’s at 10:46. Once again Pereira out muscles a couple Buzzers for a loose puck and found the back of the net at 13:01. North York maintained the 3-2 advantage after 20 minutes.

In the second the Buzzers got out to a fast start. Kobe Desmond shot beat goalie Eli Shiller to equal the score at 3-3 at 1:41. Late in the period, the two teams exchanged goals within 54 seconds in the final three minutes. The score sat at 4-4 heading into the final period.

The score remained even until just past the midway point of the period. After Noah Holm was called for a delay of game penalty, the Buzzers only needs 10 seconds to regain the advantage. Ben Lawrick point shot hit mesh at 12:18. St. Michael’s added two empty net goals to finish off the contest.

Eli Shiller made 31 saves for the Rangers in a losing effort, while rookie Oscar Carsley made 17 saves in relief of starter Sebastian Labora.

The Rangers have a week and a half off before their next game. They travel to Brantford to battle the 99ers at 7:30 p.m.

(Feature photo: Andy Corneau)