The North York Rangers put an end to the Oakville Blades seven-game winning streak on Friday night, grabbing their fifth straight win with a 3-2 victory over the Blades.
The last player teams should want in front of their net is Nick Campoli, a draft pick of the Vegas Golden Knights. He made Oakville pay at 3:06 in the first period after picking up Grayden Gottschalk’s shot and bumping in the rebound to the right of Chris Elliot, giving the Rangers the 1-0 lead early in the contest.
Then, five minutes later, Gottschalk helped double the lead for the Rangers. This time, Ross Krieger set the play up in the neutral zone, sending Gottschalk in on a one-on-one opportunity. Gottschalk, a former QMJHLer, doesn’t miss many opportunities, sending it over Elliot and in to make it 2-0 for North York.
James Fletcher may have had zero goals heading into the contest on Friday, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had a huge impact on the roster this year. He was rewarded with his first goal of the season at 8:02 in the third after Matthew Hubbarde’s shot was flubbed by Elliot, leaving the puck around the crease. Fletcher was there to grab his first goal of the season, knocking it over the red line to make it 3-0 for the Rangers on the road.
Jett Alexander was on fire for the Rangers all night, stopping 43 shots that were fired his way. Unfortunately, with under four minutes to go, Jeff Clarke would score one on the power play to end his shutout. Spencer Kersten would score to cut North York’s lead to one, but Alexander kept strong to keep Oakville’s chances out and to secure the 3-2 win for the Rangers.
The Rangers will welcome the St. Michael’s Buzzers in a battle of two Toronto teams on Sunday afternoon at the Herb. Puck drop is at 3:00 PM, hope to see you there!
Photo from Steven Ellis/North York Rangers
