Rangers win fourth straight
Fourth line comes up big in win over Windsor Spitfires
KITCHENER — Jay McKee was playing a hunch.
The Kitchener Rangers coach has really liked the play of his fourth unit of late and didn’t want to break it up.
But the return of Cole Carter from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury gave the bench boss and extra body up front against the Windsor Spitfires Friday at the Aud.
To avoid juggling lines, he shifted winger Joseph Garreffa to defence.
“The fourth line has been great lately and has really worked hard,” said McKee. “I thought they were coming off one of their best games.”
The trio rewarded the skipper for his faith by scoring a critical goal in Friday’s 4-3 win against the Spits.
“When they score it raises everyone on the bench,” said McKee, whose club improved to 11-6-1-0. “They’re providing an element that a lot of teams don’t have. They’re all playing inspired hockey.”
All three fourth liners played a part in their goal.
Winger Jonathan Yantsis sacrificed his body and took a hit to create some space. Nick McHugh delivered a pretty pass from the corner and rookie Michael Petizian deposited his first Ontario Hockey League goal early in the second period.
“It’s definitely a relief,” said Petizian, who was the team’s fifth round pick in this year’s draft. “I went ten games without scoring so I’m just happy to get it. Hopefully I can keep it going from here.”
Windsor struck first about seven minutes into the game when captain Aaron Luchuk potted his 19th goal in as many games. But Kitchener’s Adam Mascherin answered on the power play late in the frame to tie things up before the break.
Petizian’s marker was part of a two-goal second that also saw Connor Bunnaman beat Spitfires netminder Michael DiPietro and the home side never lost the lead.
Kitchener’s Greg Meireles added one with the man advantage in the third while Tyler Angle and Luke Boka replied for the Spits.
Rangers goalie Luke Richardson made 25 saves to notch his — and the team’s — fourth consecutive win.
“We’re just trying to work hard and bring energy,” said Petizian, of the fourth line grinders. “But if we can chip in and get a goal here and there it’s a big confidence booster for us.”
Rangers held a pre-game ceremony for Remembrance Day and continued their tradition of wearing sweaters in honour of Canada’s troops. This year’s edition was inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Rangers goalie Anthony Dumont-Bouchard (upper body), defencemen Grayson Ladd (shoulder) and Alex Peterson (healthy) and centre Eric Guest (undisclosed) all missed the tilt.
Windsor will get a chance to avenge the loss when it hosts Kitchener Saturday at the WFCU Centre at 7:05 p.m.