Rangers under Attack out of gate
KITCHENER — The Aud will be under Attack, at least early on.
The Ontario Hockey League released its schedule for the upcoming season Tuesday and the mighty Owen Sound Attack — likely front-runners in the Western Conference — visit East Avenue three times before the end of October.
In all, the Kitchener Rangers will face their Midwest Division foes eight times before the season is done; while the club also has an octet against the Guelph Storm during the 68-game campaign.
Owen Sound was 7-1 against the Rangers last season and knocked the Blueshirts out of the playoffs in five games during the conference quarter-finals, before losing in the west final to eventual league champs the Erie Otters.
On the whole, it’s a fairly even schedule for the Rangers, who play 18 home and 18 away games before New Year’s Day, and 16 more at the Aud and 16 on the road the rest of the way.
Friday is their marquee night, with 24 games (21 at home). Sunday is second busiest with 13 total contests followed by Saturday (12), Tuesday (7), Wednesday (5), Thursday (4) and Monday (3).
Here are a few notable matches to mark down: Friday, Sept. 22 vs. Flint: It’s the home opener and the first chance to see new faces, such as first round draft pick Grayson Ladd, in action. Friday, Oct. 20 vs. London: Come boo the “hated” Knights, as Kitchener’s foremost foe makes its season debut at the Aud. It’s one of six games between the rivals. Thursday, Nov. 23 at North
Bay: It’s the beginning of a Northern Ontario road trip that we’re calling the “Commuter’s Delight.” Drive to North Bay, then head to Sault Ste. Marie for Friday’s tilt before retracing your steps back to Sudbury for a Sunday matinee. This is made all the more enticing if it snows. Tuesday, Dec. 5
vs. Windsor: It’s Teddy Bear Toss night. See if forward Connor Bunnaman can send the fur flying for the third consecutive season, by scoring the Teddy Bear goal against the Memorial Cup champs. Monday, Jan. 1 at Peterborough: Keep the New Year’s Eve party going here. History suggests it’ll be an explosive affair, as the Rangers have scored seven goals in each of their past two trips to the Memorial Centre. Saturday, Feb. 10 at Hamilton: The annual clash with the Bulldogs is turning into one of the best road games of the season. A sea of Rangers blue fills the stands and helps make it one of the highest-attended games of the year in the Hammer. Friday, March 9 vs. Sault
Ste. Marie: On paper it looks like a kind finish for the Rangers who end the season by playing Guelph three times, Sarnia twice and Saginaw once. This game against the Soo should be the toughest among the final seven tilts and could be key in determining playoff position.