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Atom - 2006-2007

OMHA Playdowns and SCTA Playoffs

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Regular Season - OMHA SCTA AAA

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Final Regual Season Standings

Tournament Games

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Game Write-Ups

Notes about the write-ups for our visitors - the write-ups are done as a keepsake for years down the road, to preserve memories.  They are all done by one parent and do not necessarily reflect the views of any of the players, coaches or parents on the team.  To the extent that they include any comments, they are mine alone.  I enjoy watching the talented players our team plays against and I make an effort to avoid saying anything negative about our opponents.  If you ever have a concern about a write-up, feel free to send me an e-mail: jgweb@excite.com

Atom - 2006-2007

OMHA Playdowns

Rangers vs. Brampton Battalion

February 10, 2007 - Brampton Battalion @ Brampton Memorial 1-3 L:  The sign on the Battalion dressing room door asks "Who will win?", which is always a good question when these two teams match up.  Although Brampton has come away with the wins so far, the games have been close and competitive.  This game was no different.  To the pleasure of their fans, the Rangers played and competed very well in a game that could easily have gone either way.  Alex Riche scored the lone Ranger goal off a pass from Foster Cuomo.  Assists to Cuomo and Stefan Leblanc.  Back to Results

February 14, 2007 - Brampton Battalion @ Maple Grove 4-3 OT W:  The Rangers proved once again that no lead is safe against them.  They entered the third period down 0-3, but did not relent until they earned the win.  Needing a jump start, they scored on the first shift of the last stanza.  Alex Webster started the breakout, with Luke Nicol and Ryan Garvey moving the puck up ice quickly.  Nicol dashed behind the net and fed a pinching Stefan Leblanc, who scored on a one timer.  Alex Riche put the team within one goal, then Mark Martone tied the game with six seconds to play.  It took the Rangers less than a minute to score in overtime, with Foster Cuomo calmly deking, then burying it on a breakaway.  Lucas Zitmanis absorbed some heavy hits early, but came back with some solid checks of his own later on.  Assists to Luke Nicol, Martone (2), Luke Hatfield and Eric Luzar.  Back to Results

February 17, 2007 - Brampton Battalion @ Brampton Memorial 3-0 W:  The Rangers' well rounded and consistent effort was rewarded with a dominating victory.  Apart from a Batallion breakaway off the opening faceoff, the Rangers were in complete control throughout.  Wave after wave of Ranger shifts hit the ice and did their job.  Alex Riche scored in the first period and Foster Cuomo scored in the second.  Cuomo later added an empty netter.  Marko Jugovic made a nice defensive play and had a big hit to boot.  Lucas Zitmanis unloaded a heavy hit of his own.  Matthew Gwillam earned the shutout.  But for a goal called back on a close high sticking call, it would have been 4-0.  Assists to Riche and Stefan Leblanc.  Back to Results

February 19, 2007 - Brampton Battalion @ River Oaks B 2-3 OT L:  The Rangers carried on from a strong last game and continued to roll.  They poured it on and built a 2-0 lead, on goals by Antoine Brochu and Mark Martone.  The Rangers seemed to take their foot off the gas a bit.  Three power play goals against later, Brampton had found the luck they needed to eek out a win.  Matthew Gwillam was unbelievable in net tonight, making some extraordinary saves.  Marko Jugovic had another mutli-hit game.  The thoughts of the whole team are with Stefan and the Leblanc family tonight.  Assists to Marko Jugovic, Luke Hatfield, Alex Riche and Andrew Howarth.  Back to Results

February 20, 2007 - Brampton Battalion @ Victoria Park 2-3 OT L:  The players on both teams are laying it on the line and working hard.  The fans appreciate their efforts.  Zach Murray and Luke Mascotto were on the roster tonight and both played strong games.  They carried and moved the puck up ice with confidence.  Both teams had difficulty getting quality scoring chances in the first period.  Mark Martone got the first goal in the second period.  The Rangers carried the play in that period and Luke Nicol scored a sweet goal later on.  The tide turned mid-way through the third period, after the Rangers got into more penalty trouble, giving up a shorthanded goal with less than a minute to play, then another shorthanded goal in overtime.  Assists to Foster Cuomo, Eric Luzar, Alex Webster and Ryan Garvey.  Back to Results

February 23, 2007 - Brampton Battalion @ Maple Grove 2-3 OT L:  Every game in this series was fiercely contented, and this game was no exception.  Oakville continued to play its most competitive hockey of the season.  Brampton, meanwhile, seemed to step its game up a notch, riding on a wave of success from the last two games.  Matthew Gwillam was outstanding in net, giving the Oakville skaters a real chance to win this game.  Foster Cuomo opened the scoring on a breakaway deke, but Brampton responded shortly after.  With only a few seconds remaining in the 2nd, Alex Riche stepped off of the bench, picked up the puck, and dangled to the net to put Oakville ahead again.  Brampton was relentless, and tied it up with a couple minutes left in the 3rd. Steph LeBlanc was back in the line-up tonight, and was playing like a man possessed - rushing the puck well, skating back hard to cover on D, and laying waste to any opponent attempting to penetrate the Oakville zone.  Eric Gordon was called up from AA for this game, and showed good hustle. Brampton ended the series early in overtime.  The game was clean, and the teams shook hands outside the dressing rooms in a display of good sportsmanship.  [Scoring summary to follow]  Back to Results

SCTA Playoffs

March 4, 2007 - Guelph Storm @ West End Rec Centre 4-1 W:  Oakville got the job done in the first game of the SCTA Playoffs.  Both teams battled to shake off the rust of an extended layoff between games.  Each of the Ranger lines had solid first shifts, including a solid hit by Alex Webster, a great backcheck by Alex Riche and a corner-boards battle by Eric Luzar.  The Ranger defensive squad was very spirited today, showing high energy and intensity.  Andrew Howard made several nice one-on-one defensive plays.  Stefan Leblanc hammered a man a split second before he would have gotten off a point blank shot.  Lucas Zitmanis unloaded a big hit.  Each of the forward lines was in on the scoring, with goals by Riche, Mark Martone, Luke Hatfield and Webster.   Josh Morton was sharp in net, gobbling up a number of loose pucks to prevent second opportunities.  [Scoring summary to follow]  Back to Results

March 7, 2007 - Niagara Falls @ Stamford Arena 0-1 L:  Hockey fans were treated to a good old-fashioned goalies dual.  Matthew Gwillam made a number of scintillating saves, and the Thunder goalie held the fort at his end.  Luke Hatfield was feisty and had a great game.  He made things happen all over the ice with hard work and extra effort.  The Rangers made good, hard, clean hits.  Ryan Garvey and Marko Jugovic did so within 20 seconds on the same shift.  Lucas Zitmanis had the best hit of the game in the small space between the blue lines at Stamford Arena.  Back to Results

March 10, 2007 - St. Catharines @ Twin Rinks 2-1 W:  It was a low scoring affair at Twin Rinks tonight.  Rangers' goaltending and defence continue to excel, having given up only three goals in three playoff games.  It was Josh Morton's turn to shine in net tonight, including with a save on a breakaway.  Foster Cuomo made a long backhand lead pass to send Mark Martone in on a breakaway.  Despite an impressive effort by the Falcons defender to catch him, Martone unleashed an accurate shot into the twine.  Mid-way through the second period, Conor Holly won a face-off clean, to Luke Hatfield, who scored into the bottom left corner.  Marko Jugovic has a solid and well-rounded game, making a number of strong defensive plays and adding solid body checks as well.  Assists to Cuomo and Holly.  Back to Results

March 13, 2007 - Guelph Storm @ Oakville Arena 2-2 W:  The Rangers somehow found a way to squeeze out a point on a night where most of the team struggled.  Once again, the goaltending stole the show, with Matthew Gwillam putting in another strong performance.  Ryan Garvey scored the first goal of the game, drilling a shot through the five-hole.  With the team down 1-2, and things looking bleak, Alex Riche worked hard and was the first to the puck after it was sent up-ice on a penalty kill.  He deked the Storm defender and scored over the Guelph goalie to tie the game.  Lucas Zitmanis had the best hit of the game, making a Storm player pay at the blue line.  [Scoring summary to follow]  Back to Results

March 17, 2007 - Niagara Falls @ Oakviile Arena 3-2 W:  The Rangers stayed in the hunt for a berth in the finals with a hard-fought win over the Thunder, who are playing well in these playoffs.  The team was fairly flat and were down 0-1, when Alex Webster landed a solid body check in the neutral zone.  Webster followed up with a strong overall game.  The Rangers became more physical, which energized them.  Antoine Brochu scored twice.  The turning point came at the start of the third period, with the Rangers on a power play.  They showed patience and composure leading to a nice three-way passing play, topped off when Foster Cuomo made a perfect pass to Alex Riche out front of the net, who scored on a one-timer.  On the defensive side, Eric Luzar used his long reach to prevent a breakaway, Andrew Howarth later raced back to prevent another one, and Lucas Zimanis prevented a scoring opportunity with just over a minute to play.  Assists to Cuomo (2), Webster, Luzar and Riche.  Back to Results

March 18, 2007 - Welland @ Glen Abbey 4-7 L:  The Rangers took it on the chin, with a tough loss to the Tigers.  Ranger fans left scratching their heads after this game, wondering how it could have ended in a lopsided loss.  The Rangers displayed great puck movement all night, controlling much of the play, which predominantly took place in the Tigers' end.  The Tigers, to their credit, were effective when scoring opportunities presented themselves.  Oakville scorers included Alex Webster, Ryan Garvey, Conor Holly and Foster Cuomo.  Lucas Zitmanis unloaded a terrific slapshot from a deep slot that just missed.  Luke Nicol rang one off the post on a breakaway.  Assists to Cuomo, Antoine Brochu, Luke Hatfield, Garvey and Zitmanis.  Back to Results

March 20, 2007 - St. Catharines @ Glen Abbey 3-2 W:  [Scoring summary to follow].  Back to Results

March 22, 2007 - Welland @ Welland Main 3-2 W:  It was a wild one in the do-or-die last game of the round robin.  Whoever won this game was likely to move on, and these two teams have been back and forth all year.  The Rangers had a challenge ahead of them, with a number of players out of the lineup.  They started with a vengeance, building a 3-0 lead before the first period was over.  Alex Riche was "feeling it" in the first period, making some incredible dekes, as if the puck were glued to his stick.  He scored on a deke and brilliant shot to the bottom right corner.  Alex Webster tallied next on a weird one.  He stretched and tapped the puck toward the net only to see the goalie's stick somehow block it just on the line.  But the puck then deflected off a Tiger defender, coming back to help, and just snuck over the line.  Eric Luzar's superb breakout pass to Riche set up the next goal, with Antoine Brochu burying the puck.  Luke Nicol followed up with a highlight reel shot into the top of the net, but the referee judged that it had hit the crossbar, so no goal.  The Rangers seemed to sit back, which spells trouble.  The Tigers came at them in waves, but the way Matthew Gwillam was playing in net, it was clear that the Rangers would triumph.  There was a wild finish, but the Rangers held on.  Connor Chambers moved up to forward for this game and played with energy and determination.  [Scoring summary to follow]  Back to Results

SCTA Championship Series vs. Niagara Falls

March 28, 2007 - Niagara Falls @ Stamford 1-4 L:  [Game and Scoring summaries to follow]  Back to Results

March 29, 2007 - Niagara Falls @ Oakville Arena 6-3 W:  [Game and Scoring summaries to follow]  Back to Results

Regular Season Games

September 22, 2006 - St. Catharines @ River Oaks - 6-0 W:  The Rangers opened their regular season against the hard working Falcons.  Although there was lots of offence, it was the defencemen who stood out.  Andrew Howarth was a wall at the blue line, particularly on one shift, and he added a solid bodycheck to boot.  Marko Jugovic played his typical "solid as a rock" game.  He's great at anticipating the play and neutralizing the other teams' opportunities before they develop.  Connor Chambers was strong along the boards, winning the battles and getting the puck.  He also added an assist.  Stefan Leblanc works both ends of the ice and has the knack of making rushes at the right time.  Eric Luzar held the Falcons at bay many times with his long reach.  Lucas Zitmanis was his ornery self, making some hard hits.  On the rare occasions that the Falcons broke through, Matthew Gwillam gave them nothing to shoot at.  He stopped two breakaways in earning his shutout.  In terms of offence, Mark Martone scored first, deking the defenceman and beating the goalie.  Alex Riche passed to Alex Webster on a 2-on-one, then buried the rebound.  Luke Hatfield generated the next goal, making a drop pass to Webster then tipping in Webster's shot.  Conor Holly picked up his rebound close to the net and, with almost no room to score, roofed the puck into the net.  Luke Nicol grabbed a loose puck out front fired it past the Falcons' goalie. Foster Cuomo finished it off with one of his classis bursts of speed and an accurate shot.  Other assists to Cuomo, Holly, Webster (2), Hatfield, Howarth, Martone, Antoine Brochu, Ryan Garvey and Chambers.   Back to Results

September 24, 2006 - Welland @ Twin Rinks - 3-1 W:  In the St. Kitts game, there were only two penalty minutes for both teams, combined.  Today, there were thirty minutes in penalties, making it difficult for either team to get a flow going.  Even so, the teams treated the fans to an entertaining Sunday afternoon game.  The Tigers were on the prowl early, as they found themselves on a 5 on 3 power play.  The Ranger penalty killers did their jobs and kept the game scoreless.  Foster Cuomo continued his hot streak by scoring on a rebound late in the first period.  Marko Jugovic and Stefan Leblanc each made strong defensive plays to break up scoring chances, deep in the Rangers' end.  Josh Morton shone in net all game.  In the third period, with the game tied, Morton twice made key saves, which were followed up by Ranger goals.  Alex Riche was in all all three goals, assisting on the first and scoring on breakaway dekes on the last two.  Riche's last goal was scored while the Tigers had a two man advantage.  Not only did Morton and the Rangers keep the Tigers from scoring, but Riche had two breakaways, scoring on the second unassisted.   Other assists to Antoine Brochu and Jugovic.  After only five games this year, each of the Ranger players has recorded at least one point.  They are working together as a team and generating balanced scoring opportunities.    Back to Results

September 25, 2006 - Hamilton @ Mohawk Quad - 2-3 L:  The Rangers ran into penalty trouble throughout the game.  The calls did not appear even-handed, but, to their credit, the Rangers kept their composure.  They killed off a number of penalties, playing with confidence and clearing the puck repeatedly.  The Bulldogs scored at the 6:28 mark of the first period.  The Rangers tied it up less than two minutes later.  During a hardworking shift by Antoine Brochu, Alex Riche and Luke Hatfield, they kept the puck in the Bulldogs end and won a series of battles.  Brochu finished by putting a shot up and over the Hamilton goalie.  Hatfield continues to impress with his hustle, hard work and puck control.  He put the Rangers ahead 2-1, while they were shorthanded.  He fought off a check on the boards, passed to Riche, then roofed the puck when it came back to him out front of the net.  It marked the second straight game in which the Rangers scored a shorthanded goal.  Marko Jugovic was the king of the blue line on a Rangers power play, keeping the puck in the Bulldogs end three times of difficult plays.  The Bulldogs scored two goals in the third period to earn the win.  Foster Cuomo, Lucas Zitmanis, Stefan Leblanc and Mark Martone each made solid bodychecks during the game.  Assists to Riche (2), Hatfield and Andrew Howarth.  Back to Results

October 1, 2006 - Brampton @ Twin Rinks - 1-3 L:  The Rangers had a good start to the game, but did not covert it into goals.  After that, neither team seemed to have their "A" game today, but Brampton had more success in converting their offence opportunities into quality scoring chances and goals.  The Battalion also did a nice job communicating with each other, as we could often hear calls of "man on" or "get it out" floating up from ice level.  The Rangers seemed to have a hard time receiving passes, which often gave possession of the puck to the Battalion.  All three Brampton goals were a little unusual, but the puck ended up in the net nonetheless.  On the Rangers' goal, Connor Chambers made a solid defensive play, taking out his man and winning the puck for Oakville.  Luke Nicol blazed up ice with the puck, made a nice move on a near breakaway deke, then scored after a scramble.  Foster Cuomo hit the post on a close call.  Stefan Leblanc continues to show prowess at making timely, clean, hard hits.  He had three solid bodychecks today.  Andrew Howarth dug the puck from out front of the net on a goal mouth scramble, preventing a goal.  Assists to Mark Martone and Ryan Garvey.  Back to Results

October 4, 2006 - Guelph @ West End Rec Centre - 4-5 L:  Oakville jumped out to an early lead, when Alex Riche went to the net after he won a faceoff, then stuffed in a rebound off a shot by Luke Hatfield (wearing number 15).  Eric Luzar won a battle behind his own net and sent the puck up ice for a scoring chance.   Later, Luzar made a precise long pass to send Antoine Brochu in on a partial breakaway.  The Rangers went up 2-0 on a great play.  Luke Nicol fought off two Storm players on the boards and passed to Brochu, who droped the puck to the point.  Nicol won the puck back for Brochu after the point shot was deflected.  Brochu weaved through opposing players and made a perfect pass to Ryan Garvey, who was open beside the net.  Garvey zipped out front and scored on a backhand.  Connor Chambers is great at digging deep and pushing himself to skate hard.  He did so on a penalty kill and prevented two Storm players from getting the puck alone in the Rangers end.  Guelph stepped it up in the second period, first by playing more physical, then by scoring.  Guelph tied the game on a two man advantage in the third.  The Rangers re-took the lead while shorthanded, when a Storm player came out from behind his own net.  Foster Cuomo "picked his pocket", then scored in the top corner on a backhand.  Not to be outdone, the Storm scored their own shorthanded goal a few minutes later.  Riche scored his second of the game, on a breakaway, to put the Rangers up again.  Guelph scored during another 5-on-3 situation, then on a power play, to get the win.  Tanner Fabiano was in the lineup tonight, playing well and earning an assist. Other assists to Hatfield, Brochu, and Lucas Zitmanis.  Back to Results

October 8, 2006 - Halton Hills @ Powerade Centre - 3-5 L:  A strong overall effort bodes well for the season.  There were numerous "extra effort" plays by Rangers. For example, Antoine Brochu sprinted up ice from his blue line, beating the Hurricanes' defencemen to the left corner.  The Hurricanes took a penalty trying to recover from Brochu's effort, which lead to a Rangers' power play goal by Luke Hatfield.  There was good puck movement on the play, with a pass back to Eric Luzar at the right point, over to Stefan Leblanc on the left point.  Hatfield tipped in Leblanc's shot. Foster Cuomo dove forward to try to tap forward a loose puck before the Halton Hills defenceman arrived.  Later, as Luke Hatfield came off the bench, he realized that if he pushed hard from his first stride, good things might happen. He did so and nearly scored on an ensuing breakaway.  There were other examples of "extra effort" plays.  Josh Morton was dazzling in net, including on some point blank shots.  Both Alex Riche and Mark Martone scored “beauties” breaking down the right side and ripping shots high into the net.  In the end, the Rangers battled not only a solid Hurricanes' team, but questionable refereeing (to put it mildly).  A slew of penalties led to Hurricanes' goals and prevented the Rangers from getting a flow going in the game. As in an earlier game this year, the Rangers did not let the questionable refereeing get to them. They continued to work hard, with discipline, to stay focused and battle through the shorthanded situations. Assists to Leblanc, Howarth and Marko Jugovic.  Congratulations to Alex Webster, who was awarded an assist by the alert refs (even though he was sitting out the game with an injury).  Back to Results

October 12, 2006 - St. Catharines @ Sportsplex - 9-3 W:  I'm afraid I missed this game, so I'm stuck only with the score sheet.  By the looks of things, the Rangers kept the penalties to a minimum and were on a roll.  Tanner Fabiano was in the line up and earned a hat-trick.   Conor Holly and Alex Riche each potted two goals and two assists.  Mark Martone had a goal and two assists, with Foster Cuomo also scoring.  Single assists to Marko Jugovic, Andrew Howarth, Ryan Garvey and Luke Hatfield.  Back to Results

October 15, 2006 - Guelph @ Twin Rinks - 2-1 W:  Despite another penalty-laden game, and having two players sidelined, the Rangers controlled most of the play and led throughout.  There was no let up in the Storm, though.  A goal in the third period brought them to within one goal. Marko Jugovic looked sharp all game. He was solid on the penalty kill and even-strength, breaking up plays, blocking shots and clearing the zone.  He added a couple nice rushes to boot.  Alex Riche got all the scoring Oakville needed in the first period.  He passed to Luke Nicol, then banged home a rebound off Nicol's shot.  Later, he gobbled up a rebound off a Mark Martone shot and scored on a wrap around.  The Rangers scored again in the second period, but the goal was called back on a high stick. It was hard to tell whether it hit a Ranger stick or a Storm stick from the stands.  The video shows that the referee made the right call.  It was enjoyable watching the Ranger forwards working hard on the back-check, time and again.  They also battled hard for loose pucks.  Assists to Nicol, Luke Hatfield, Lucas Zitmanis and Martone.  Back to Results

October 17, 2006 - Burlington @ Central - 4-2 W:  Both teams get an "A" for effort in this tight contest.  The players were pushing themselves hard, trading tough checks, digging for the puck and battling throughout the game, which was closer than the score reflected.  Burlington was laying on the body in the first period, which seemed to give them the momentum.  They took a 1-0 lead before it was over.  The Rangers gave it right back, with Alex Webster dolling out two big checks in the first shift of the second period.  The Rangers began to pick up momentum, but the Eagles capitalized on a power play and took a 2-0 lead.  From then on, Josh Morton stopped everything that came his way, including a breakaway.  Just after the Eagles' second goal, Alex Riche scored into the top left corner.  The Rangers then scored three unanswered goals in the third.  Antoine Brochu scored on a rebound to tie the game.  Connor Chambers did it all on the winning goal, with just 1:21 to play, picking off the puck just outside the blue line to prevent an Eagles' rush, stepping over the line, then scoring on a low shot.  Before the Eagles could regroup, Mark Martone added one more.  Luke Nicol played well at both ends of the ice and made several solid bodychecks.  Assists to Nicol, Lucas Zitmanis, Riche and Luke Hatfield.  Back to Results

October 24, 2006 - Niagara Falls @ Stamford - 3-5 L:  Ugh!  It was one of those games in which nothing seemed to go right.  It started to feel a little ominous in the first period.  The Rangers had the puck much of the time, but did not convert their play into a goal.  The longer they let the Thunder hang in, the more they were playing with fire.  The Rangers did not do a very good job keeping their feet moving and they paid dearly for it in the second period.  The Thunder got the first goal and then followed up with three more, scoring them all within about four minutes.  After the second goal, you could tell that the Thunder players got pumped.  They poured it on and were rewarded for their effort.  Even though they seemed to be "fighting it" all night, the Rangers did not let up.  They plugged away and ended up scoring three goals of their own.  Ryan Garvey scored the first two, with Luke Nicol and Antoine Brochu each assisting on both goals.  Alex Riche scored the last goal, assisted by Alex Webster.  Back to Results

November 2, 2006 - Hamilton @ River Oaks A - 0-3 L:  The Ranger fans awaited this game with a level of anticipation.  The Rangers had really stepped it up in the Little Caesars tournament and the fans hoped the team would build off its success and hard work.  Unfortunately, the team took a step backwards.  Numerous flubs, soft passes, lackadaisical skating and failures to win (or even battle in) races showed that quite a few of the Rangers were not concentrating and did not have their heads or hearts in this game.  Although the Bulldogs appeared unexpectedly soft, the Rangers did not take advantage.  If not for the concentration and effort of Matt Gwillam, and hard work by the majority of the Rangers, the game could easily have gotten out of hand.   It only takes weak efforts by a few players to cripple a team, and tonight there were four or five who did not show up to play.  Back to Results

November 5, 2006 - Niagara Falls @ Twin Rinks 3-2 W:  It wasn't pretty, but the Rangers picked up two points with a win.  The Thunder players were playing with confidence, coming off a recent victory against the Rangers.  Connor Chambers caught his man in the first period, making a nice check to prevent a break.  Later, Josh Morton squeezed his pads together to stop a five-hole shot on a Thunder Breakaway.  Luke Nicol has been making nice hits this year, and added a few more in this game.  The Thunder got the first goal, in the second period.  The game itself was choppy, with both teams having difficulty getting a flow going.  Antoine Brochu tied the game in the second, only to see the Thunder go back ahead.  The "TSN turning point" came in the third period, with the Rangers down by a goal.  Alex Webster made a big hit behind the Thunder net.  The Thunder player retaliated and took a penalty, then Niagara Falls went down by two men on a bench penalty.  Foster Cuomo and Mark Martone got hot, just as the Thunder players seemed a bit distracted by the off-ice events.  They combined on two goals during the ensuing power play, with each of Cuomo and Martone scoring and assisting.  The Rangers took the lead and held it, including for more than a minute at the end of the game when they were down by two men.  The Thunder pulled their goalie to add a sixth attacker, but the Rangers held the fort.  Other assists to Ryan Garvey and Luke Nicol.  Back to Results

November 12, 2006 - St. Catharines @ Twin Rinks 6-1 W:  The Rangers broke out of a minor "funk" with a solid effort against the Falcons.  Foster Cuomo scored the first goal on one of his patented bursts of speed up ice, followed by a top shelf shot.  The forward lines were tweaked a bit before this game.  The new Alex Riche/Alex Webster/Ryan Garvey line clicked, with the three players combining for 11 points.  Riche scored a goal and made 4 assists.  Webster got two goals and two assists, with Garvey scoring once and assisting once.  Webster seemed to be all over the ice, getting involved in offensive opportunities and getting back to help on defence as well.  The Falcons deserve credit.  They haven't picked up wins this year, but they continue to battle and keep their heads up for the full game.  They were rewarded with some nice scoring chances, but Matt Gwillam was stingy in net, allowing just one goal - on a two-man disadvantage.  The Falcons goalie made some nice saves too, or the victory would have been quite lopsided.  Mark Martone showed jump, putting on forechecking pressure, battling along the boards and backchecking.  Several times during the game, a Rangers' defender slipped into the slot while a forward had the puck behind the Falcons net.  The forwards often fed the defenders, to set up scoring chances.  Stefan Leblanc converted on such a play, blowing a shot up an over the Falcons' goalie.  Other assists to Leblanc and Andrew Howarth.      Back to Results

November 17, 2006 - Brampton @ Glenn Abbey 1-2 L:  Often, the Rangers' pre-game stick smakin' chant gives an indication of how the game will go.  When the team chants loud and smacks their sticks with energy, the game goes well.  When they do the chant without much enthusiasm, they seem to lack "jump" in their game.  At first, it looked like they would break the trend.  The pre-game cheer was not very energetic, but then the game got off to a quick start.  Both teams were skating well early, creating some free-flowing back and forth action.  Ultimately, however, the trend proved true.  Brampton stepped up their play more than Oakville, thereby producing more quality scoring chances and more goals.  Although there was only one penalty in the game, it was a bruising affair, with players on both teams landing solid, clean hits.  On the defensive side, Connor Chambers and Stefan Leblanc both made nice plays.  In the second period, Chambers deftly picked a Battalion players' pocket to prevent a breakaway, then turned the play back up ice.  In the third period, Leblanc had some strong shifts, including one where he made at least four top notch defensive plays.  The Rangers finally started to get hungry late in the game.  They started putting on offensive pressure with about seven minutes to play, resulting in scoring chances and a Foster Cuomo goal.  Conor Holly and Mark Martone assisted on the goal.  Back to Results

November 19, 2006 - Welland @ Twin Rinks 3-7 L:  The first three shifts gave the impression that Oakville would triumph.  Each line played high intensity hockey in short shifts, culminating in a semi-breakaway for Ryan Garvey, who came within a whisker of scoring.  The tide quickly turned, as the Tigers showed themselves to be hungry tonight, outskating, outworking and outscoring the Rangers for the remainder of the game.  Lucas Zitmanis ripped a shot into the net from the point on a power play.  On the second goal, Mark Martone made a drop pass to Conor Holly, who fired a hard high shot.  Foster Cuomo pounced on the rebound and scored.   The last goal was scored with only 4 seconds on the clock.  Luke Hatfield shot on net.  Antoine Brochu got one rebound, then Luke Nicol deposited the second rebound into the net.  Assists to Alex Riche, Alex Webster, Brochu, Holly and Hatfield.  Back to Results

November 22, 2006 - Hamilton @ Mohawk Quad 2-5 L:  The Bulldogs were hot tonight and jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead.  After that, each team scored two goals.  Stefan Leblanc wore number 1 tonight and showed that he plays solid defence no matter what number he is wearing.   The game was not overly physical, but Lucas Zitmanis managed to make three hard bodychecks in one shift.  There was a lot of line juggling, allowing the forwards to play with lots of their teammates.  Alex Riche scored the first goal just as a penalty kill was coming to an end.  The goalie stopped his shot, but the puck rebounded out and off a Bulldog, then back into the net.  The referees conferred and agreed that the goal counted even though Riche did not "call the rebound shot", like you have to do in a billiards game.  Luke Nicol scored his second goal in as many games, with assists to Conor Holly and Antoine Brochu.  Back to Results

December 2, 2006 - Burlington @ Oakville Arena 6-0 W:  Specialty team play was important tonight.  Oakville's first goal came shorthanded, their second on a power play and the third just seconds after killing off a penalty.  Alex Riche made beautiful passes, setting up three goals.  On the first, he passed to Antoine Brochu then scored off Brochu's rebound.  Later, he fed Luke Nicol, who buried his own rebound.  Later, Riche dished to Ryan Garvey, who scored.  Riche fired one just inside the post for another goal.  Brochu and Luke Hatfield rounded off the scoring.  Josh Morton was extremely focused form the outset.  He was in that zone a goalie gets in when he's hot.  The Eagles threw everything at him, including high shots, low shots, dekes, point blank shots, wrap arounds, and more, but Morton had all the answers.  Marko Jugovic and Stefan Leblanc scored big hits in the game.  Assists to Brochu, Riche(2), Stefan Leblanc, Mark Martone and Foster Cuomo. Back to Results

December 3, 2006 - Guelph @ W.E.R.C. 1-4 L:  Luke Nicol scored, with assists to Conor Holly and Alex Webster.  Back to Results

December 7, 2006 - Halton Hills @ W.E.R.C. 0-7 L:   Back to Results

December 10, 2006 - Guelph @ Twin Rinks 4-1 W:  The Rangers continued to struggle in their own zone for the first half of this game. Inevitably, one thing lead to another, and the Rangers found themselves shorthanded again and again for tripping, hooking and holding. The Guelph Storm peppered the Rangers' goal with shots, but goalie Matthew Gwillam was brilliant in net. Gwillam's team-mates returned the favour by capitalizing on their few chances: first on a goal by Alex Riche, and then again when Conor Holly nicely one-timed on a beautiful set-up from Antoine Brochu. The Storm, however, kept up the pressure, and were rewarded with a goal, and seemed to be re-gaining control of the game. Things changed when Eric Luzar halted a rushing Guelph player in his tracks at the Ranger's blue line. Big E's thundering bodycheck seemed to re-ignite the Ranger's physical game, which has been notably absent throughout much of the season. In short order, Andrew Howarth, Marko Jugovic, Riche, Brochu, Holly, Lucas Zitmanis and Mark Martone all served up crunching bodychecks, and the message was received by Guelph. With the Guelph players now looking over their shoulders, the remainder of the game was played with the Rangers in control. Brochu scored when he attempted to repeat his earlier passing play, but the puck deflected off a Guelph defender, and into the net. Holly added his second on the empty net. Assists to Howarth, Foster Cuomo, Brochu, Ryan Garvey, Luke Hatfield and Stefan Leblanc.  Back to Results

December 12, 2006 - Burlington @ Central 2-5 L:  Burlington flew out of the gates, building a 2-0 lead in the first minute of play.  The Eagles then began taking a number of penalties, mostly on interference calls.  The Rangers were unable to capitalize on the power plays.  Eric Luzar had another big body check.  A few minutes later, Luke Hatfield was dragged down in front of the Eagles net, just before he had a chance for a clean break.  The ref's arm went up, and Hatfield pushed the puck towards the net as he was being tripped.  Somehow, the puck found its way into the net and the Rangers were within one goal.  Josh Morton stopped a breakaway to give the Rangers a chance to tie it up, which they did.  Early in the third period, Foster Cuomo broke down the left side.  He spotted Alex Webster racing towards the net and sent a sure, hard pass to the slot.  Webster drilled the puck past the Eagles' goalie to knot it up at two.  A few minutes later, the Eagles scored off a rebound.  They added another goal with 2:48 to play, then scored an empty netter.  Assists to Cuomo and Stefan Leblanc.   Back to Results

December 17, 2006 - Halton Hills @ Twin Rinks 1-3 L:  Things started badly for the Rangers, as they gave up a first-minute goal to the powerful Halton Hurricanes.  Fortunately, Matthew Gwillam was solid in net, and kept it close.  The Rangers' on-again-off-again hitting game flickered to life with Eric Luzar, Antoine Brochu, Alex Webster and Connor Holly delivering several solid bodychecks.  The physical play upset Halton's free-wheeling offense, and allowed the Rangers to draw even when Brochu threaded a perfect pass through two defenders to Ryan Garvey alone in front of the net, who scored.  The Rangers almost took the lead when the duo of Foster Cuomo and Alex Riche executed a perfect 2-on-1, only to be robbed by Halton's tiny goalie.  The Rangers had a short bench with 3 players out due to illness and only 4 defensemen.  Things looked bleak when another Rangers' D went down with injury, half-way through the game, but Cuomo and Mark Martone filled in admirably, drawing on their past experience at defense.  All-in-all, the final result was a victory for the pride of the Rangers, having played one of their better games this season.  Brochu picked up the only assist.  Back to Results

December 19, 2006 - Brampton @ Victoria 2-5 L:  Mid-way through the first period, Eric "the Big E" Luzar made it four games in a row with a bruising bodycheck, and Conor Holly came close to scoring on the turnover and ensuing play.  Alex Webster had a hard hit a couple minutes later, then Foster Cuomo came close with a sweet cut in front of the net.  Josh Morton was his typical fast-reflex self, making an amazing kick save.  After the Battalion took a lead, Lucas Zitmanis did well to break up a 2-on-1.   With the team down 0-2, they reeled off 2 goals in about 20 seconds.  They looked like clone goals with Antoine Brochu and Alex Riche each zipping over the blue line, making a deke then scoring high into the right side of the net.  The Battalion  went back ahead on the power play, then pushed the lead to 4-2, and eventually scored an empty netter.  [No score sheet for this one]   Back to Results

December 23, 2006 - Welland @ Welland Youth 1-2 L:  The Tigers/Rangers games this year have been enjoyable to watch.  The teams match up well and play entertaining hockey against each other.  It was a fairly even game.  The Tigers' goalie stopped well placed breakaway shots by Alex Riche and Antoine Brochu.  Brochu is one tough "hombré".  He took a big hit, got himself up, found a way to get to the bench, dusted himself off, then got back into the game a couple minutes later.  Both Ryan Garvey and Alex Webster delivered hard body checks immediately after Brochu was hit.  Webster scored the lone Ranger goal on hard work.  He pressured the Tigers defence after a face-off, caused a turnover, then pushed the puck into the net while sprawling to connect as the loose puck was going by.  Back to Results

January 2, 2007 - St. Catharines @ Sportsplex 4-2 W:  Both teams seemed to be suffering from the effects of a late New Year's celebration, with a general lack of energy in the skating strides.  Nevertheless, the Rangers eked out a win after St. Catharines opened the scoring.  Alex Riche tied it up on an unassisted shorthanded effort.  Riche then added his second to give the Rangers the lead.  Mark Martone scored a power-play goal on a nice passing play from Conor Holly and Luke Nicol.  The Rangers were missing a couple of forwards, so Connor Chambers was moved onto wing, and almost scored on a 2-on-1 setup from Riche.  Lucas Zitmanis found the empty net from 120ft to close-out the scoring.  Luke Hatfield, Alex Webster and Martone led the physical play with several solid bodychecks each.  Assists to Martone (2), Nicol (2) and Holly.  Back to Results

January 7, 2007 - Hamilton @ Twin Rinks 1-3 L:  The Rangers brought intensity and high energy to this game, playing well throughout.  Foster Cuomo got  the first goal early in the game on a face-off, after Alex Riche won the draw clean.  Cuomo put a quick release shot into the bottom left corner.  The Rangers defenders were on their game today.  Soon after Cuomo scored, Andrew Howarth won a long battle in the right corner, leading to a clear.  Less than a minute later, Stefan Leblanc neutralized a dangerous two man rush, poking the puck away from the Bulldogs.  Josh Morton had a strong game in net, highlighted by an amazing kick save.  It was a virtual big hit parade, with many of the Rangers dishing them out, including Conor Holly, Ryan Garvey, Eric Luzar, Alex Webster, Luke Nicol and Leblanc (I probably lost track of others, there were so many).  All three Bulldog goals were well-earned.  The Rangers were in it to the end, but the Bulldogs squeaked out a win.  Assist to Alex Riche.  Back to Results

January 13, 2007 - Welland @ Welland Youth 4-2 W:  It was a rough and ready Rangers crew that crashed the Welland Youth Arena, leaving a wake of Welland players reaching for Tiger balm.  With the Ranger victory, these evenly matched teams are fittingly 2-2 against each other this year.  Matt Gwillam let it be known from the outset that he was walking away from this game with a "W", then continued to play impressively in net throughout.  Eric "Big E" Luzar has been on a tear and continued it with confident and physical play.  On at least three occasions, he made a super play to prevent a Tiger clearing attempt at the blue line.  The Rangers were downright ornery, with Mark Martone and Marko Jugovic leading the heavy hit parade.  The Ranger goals came from Luke Hatfield, Antoine Brochu, Alex Riche and Foster Cuomo.  The Rangers battled the refs tonight too, who seemed to only see one colour when calling penalties.  The Ranger penalty killers played well and Brochu's goal was scored shorthanded.  Cuomo showed resilience and great hands on his goal.  After getting sent head first into the boards from behind, he not only stayed up and shook off the hit, but he won the puck and scored a sweet goal.  Assists to Antoine Brochu, Lucas Zitmanis and Mark Martone.  Back to Results

January 14, 2007 - Niagara Falls @ Twin Rinks 3-0 W:  Oakville won its second game in two days, earning a decisive 3-0 win against the Thunder.  Specialty team play was important, as there were a series of penalties to each team in the first period.  The Rangers capitalized with a power play goal by Alex Riche, and an even strength goal 20 seconds later.  The penalty killers did well.  On one PK, Ryan Garvey and Alex Webster not only shut down the other team, but generated quality scoring chances in the offensive end.  Josh Morton showed that Oakville's goaltending tandem is second to none, following up yesterday's win with a shut out.  Luke Hatfield had a hot hand, scoring twice.  The whole defensive squad stepped it up in support of Morton.  Assists to Mark Martone, Foster Cuomo, Antoine Brochu (2), Lucas Zitmanis and Stefan Leblanc.  Back to Results

January 22, 2007 - Niagara Falls @ Stamford 2-0 W:  The Thunder made a lot of hard hits tonight, probably winning the physical battle, but the Rangers withstood it and notched their third straight victory.  Oakville got off to a flying start, with Foster Cuomo hitting the crossbar on a breakaway on the first shift.  Matt Gwillam was tested twice within the first three minutes.  He stopped both shots, then everything else that came his way.  Although the Rangers carried the play and outchanced the Thunder, it was well into the second period before they cracked the scoreboard.  Cuomo made the most of what initially looked like an unlucky turn of events.  He got knocked down in the offensive corner while working hard to kill a penalty, and got caught up ice.  By the time he was breaking back hard towards the Rangers end, Alex Riche had picked up the puck deep in the Oakville end.  Riche sent a long lead pass to Cuomo, who ended up with a breakaway.  The resulting goal was inevitable, as Cuomo is guaranteed to score when he gets two breakaways in one game.  Luke Nicol wore the "C" tonight and was a sparkplug, igniting high energy Rangers' play.  Marko Jugovic had a great shift in the second period, making two big hits and a poke check within 30 seconds.  Down 1-0, the Thunder pulled their goalie with a minute to play.  There was mayhem as the Rangers held the puck in the Thunder end for more than 30 seconds with the goal empty, but without scoring.  Riche put an end to the nail biting when he fired into the empty net with just over 10 seconds to play.  Assists to Riche and Andrew Howarth.  Back to Results

January 27, 2007 - Brampton @ Memorial 3-4 L:  Brampton caught Oakville on a slow start and won the first period.  They ultimately won the game too, albeit on a strange combination of goals (a buzzer beater, the "falling down" goal and one just as a whistle went).  Give Brampton credit though.  The win did not fall into the fluke category.  But forget about the score, there were lots of fantastic Ranger performances after the team shook off the slow start.  First and foremost was Josh Morton's stellar play in net, giving his team a chance to win this game when it could easily have gotten out of hand.  Stefan Leblanc put in one of the best defensive performances of the season, blocking two shots on his first shift, several later, breaking up plays, dishing out hard hits and displaying potent offensive abilities to boot.  Foster Cuomo scored a true "goal scorers" goal, taking a perfect feed from Alex Riche and sending a backhand shot into the tiniest of openings at the top of the net.  Conor Holly scored a beauty, just when his team needed a lift.  Riche also scored.  Alex Webster made several crushing body checks.  All in all, there was lots to enjoy and be pleased about for the Ranger fans.  Assists to Leblanc, Ryan Garvey, Webster and Lucas Zitmanis.  Back to Results

January 28, 2007 - Burlington @ Twin Rinks 6-4 W:  Both teams turned up their level of play, in a game with playoff intensity and, likely, playoff match-up ramifications.  The Ranger defensive corps continues to play well.  Examples today included Andrew Howarth using his reach to tip away a centering pass, to prevent a point blank shot, and Lucas Zitmanis breaking up a dangerous Eagles rush.  Mark Martone scored first off a set-up pass by Foster Cuomo.  The Eagles scored the next three goals.  The Rangers found themselves behind 1-3 with 12:41 to play in the game.  Cue the comeback.  Antoine Brochu scored the next two goals, including on a top corner shot on a breakaway.  Martone put the Rangers ahead with his second goal of the game.  The teams then exchanged power play goals, with Alex Webster jamming in a rebound for the game winner with 3:20 left.  Foster Cuomo got the insurance goal on a breakaway deke.  It was quite a tilt and both teams deserve praise for their play.  Assists to Alex Riche (2), Cuomo, Eric Luzar, Luke Hatfield (2), Marco Jugovic, Luke Nicol and Martone.  Back to Results

February 4, 2007 - Halton Hills @ Powerade Centre 2-3 L:  Both teams got off to a sluggish start and had difficulty getting rolling.  Even so, there were some nice Ranger efforts.  Eric Luzar had a terrific shift, playing with intensity and carrying the puck deep into the Hurricanes' end.  There was a buzz when the Hurricanes were awarded a penalty shot, but Josh Morton slammed the door shut and kept the game scoreless.  Halton Hills broke things open in the second period, scoring three goals in less than three minutes, but it was far from over.  The Rangers scored two goals in the third period.  The first goal banked in off the goalie as the play came from behind the net and was credited to Antoine Brochu.  From the sidelines, it was difficult to determine who scored.  Ryan Garvey then scored on a high snap shot that he unloaded from the deep slot.  The Rangers pulled the goalie looking for an equalizer, but it never came.  Assists to Alex Webster and Conor Holly.  Back to Results

Tournament Games

Kawartha Early Bird Challenge - Peterborough

September  15, 2006 - Hamilton Reps @ Evinrude - 7-0 W:  The Rangers displayed hustle and they passed the puck well and often.  Alex Riche opened the scoring on a blistering high shot, after Alex Webster raced up ice and dug the puck out of the right corner.  Antoine Brochu and Luke Nicol combined on what will surely be one of the year's highlight goals.  They passed back an forth, turning a 2-on-one into a 2-on-none.  As they approached the net with speed, the goalie committed to the shot.  Brochu made a quick accurate pass to Nicol, who scored into a gaping net.   Luke Hatfield proved two hockey adages on one play, namely that hard work pays off and its always a good idea to shoot on net.  Hatfield raced up ice and caught a long pass to prevent an icing call.  He fired low a low hard shot from a sharp angle, finding the five hole.   Matthew Gwillam completely shut the door on the Reps.  Both Riche and Nicol had two-goal games.  Other goals to Webster and Conor Holly, with assists to Riche (2), Webster (2), Brochu (2), Hatfield (2), Eric Luzar, Lucas Zitmanis, Martone and Foster Cuomo.  Back to Results

September  15, 2006 - Wexford Raiders @ Evinrude 0-2 L:  The Rangers struggled throughout this game.  They did not skate hard, which they had done in the morning.  There were a lot of flubs and their passing was off target.  Josh Morton held the Rangers in the game as they tried to improve their play.  He made a number of quality saves.  The Rangers started to create some good scoring opportunities.  The fans tipped their caps to the Wexford goalie, who stopped everything that came his way.  The Raiders scored on a power play in the third period.  Stefan Leblanc made a fantastic play, that looked like it might turn the game around.  The puck was sent into the Rangers end with the net empty and an extra attacker up ice.  A Raider had at least two steps on Leblanc, who put his head down and drove hard.  He won the race to the puck to send the play back the other way, preventing a sure goal.  Unfortunately, the Raiders later re-gained the puck and added an empty netter just before the final buzzer sounded.  The fans are hoping it was an isolated case, caused by a combination of too much food (and overconfidence) just before the game began.  Back to Results

September  16, 2006 - Richmond Hill Stars @ Kinsman - 5-1 W:  The Rangers rebounded nicely from a tough loss, playing their most well-rounded game of the tournament.  The Stars were obviously a solid hockey team, but the Rangers managed to control the game.   The forward lines are really starting to gel.  There were two great three-way passing plays that led to goals.  On one, Foster Cuomo passed to Mark Martone, who quickly moved the puck to Conor Holly, stationed out front of the net.  Holly scored.  Later, Alex Webster picked up the puck with speed in the Rangers' end.  He sent a breakout pass to Alex Riche, who passed to Luke Hatfield.  Hatfield sent it back to Riche, who scored.  Riche later scored again.  Antoine Brochu showed grit and determination, battling out front of the net.  He won a rebound off a shot by Stefan Leblanc, then scored on the second rebound.  Ryan Garvey took a pass from Luke Nicol and deposited it high into the net.  Lucas Zitmanis put on a one-on-one defence clinic, repeatedly stopping Stars forwards and gaining control of the puck.  Assists to Cuomo, Martone, Hatfield, Leblanc (2), Nicol and Webster.  Back to Results

September  16, 2006 - Peterborough Petes @ Kinsman - 4-6 L:  In this tournament, teams get one point for winning a period and two points for winning a game.  A tied period earns each time 1/2 point.  The Rangers needed to pick up points to enhance their chance of moving on to the playoff round.  In the end, they earned only 1/2 point and ended up 1/2 point short.   The Rangers scored first.  After breaking over the blue line, Luke Nicol moved left.  When the goalie moved left, Nicol scored into the right side of the net.  The Petes scored the next two goals.  The Rangers tied it, but the Petes took the lead for good, mid-way through the second period.  The Rangers picked up their physical play and appeared to be mounting a comeback.  Then, a series of penalties gave momentum back to the Petes.  Foster Cuomo scored twice and Ryan Garvey got a late goal.  The Rangers came to within on goal, then the Petes added an empty-net goal.  Assists to Mark Martone, Stefan Leblanc, Antoine Brochu and Nicol.   Back to Results

Little Caesars Invitational - Detroit

The Rangers participated in a successful and enjoyable weekend, filled with on-ice and off-ice fun.  On the hockey side, the 16-team tournament included a number of Michigan and Ontario teams, as well as teams from across the United States, including Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Colorado.  The Rangers went undefeated before bowing out in the Semi-Final.  They played five games in three days, all against our neighbors to the south.  Their "never-say-die" attitude allowed them to come back from behind in many games, earning themselves the nickname of the "Comeback Kids".  They took their game to a new level and will hopefully be able to build off their success as the season continues.

October 27, 2006 - Rochester Rattlers @ Troy Sports Center - 2-2 T:  The first game pitted the Rangers against the Rochester Rattlers.  The game started at 7:15 a.m. on a Friday morning, and it looked like the Rangers had not quite woken  up when it began.  They got off to a dubious start, spotting the Rattlers a quick two-goal lead.  Josh Morton then made several huge saves to keep Oakville within two goals.  They turned out to be game savers.  The Luke Nicol/Antoine Brochu/Ryan Garvey line had some great shifts in the second period, sparking the offense into higher gear.  The whole team seemed to pick up momentum.  Even so, the prospects of finishing high in the division appeared bleak, as the Rangers headed into the third period down 0-2.  Fortunately, good things were about to happen.  Just after the period began, Oakville scored on a four-way passing play.  Andrew Howarth had the puck deep in his end.  He moved it up the right side to Alex Webster, who fed Alex Riche heading up ice.  Riche passed to Luke Hatfield, who completed the breakout scoring play.  A couple minutes later, after playing well defensively all game, Connor Chambers sent a "seeing eye" shot into the net from the point to tie the game.  On the defensive side, Eric Luzar used his reach and size to his advantage in breaking up Rattler threats.  Alex Webster assisted on both goals and Alex Riche also picked up an assist.  Back to Results

October 27, 2006 - Colorado (Littleton Hawks) @ Troy Sports Center - 4-3 W:  Next up were the Littleton Hawks from Colorado, who had flown in for the tournament.  With 16 teams vying for playoff spots, every game was critical.  The Hawks had just come off a big 5-2 win over the hosts and eventual champs, Little Caesars, sending the message that they were one of the teams to beat.  The Rangers were ready to roll early and had a good pre-game warm-up.  They translated it into the first goal, with Foster Cuomo scoring short-handed later in the first period.  Alex Riche added an unassisted goal just over a minute later.    Andrew Howarth made a break-saving defensive play at the end of the first period.  The Rangers ran into penalty trouble and the Hawks eventually scored 2 power play goals, but the Rangers never relinquished the lead.  Lucas Zitmanis played standout hockey in this tournament.  He really began to shine in this game.  Marko Jugovic also put on a strong performance, maintaining composure and making smart plays time and time again.  Matthew Gwillam played his typical top notch game in net, frustrating the Hawks' shooters.   Cuomo and Riche each scored again before it was over.  It was "H" night on the assist side, with each of Conor Holly, Andew Howarth and Luke Hatfield getting helpers.  Back to Results

October 28, 2006 - Dearborn Brand @ Troy Sports Center - 4-2 W:  Game three was "crunch" time.  Both teams needed points to reach the playoff round.  The Dearborn coach urged on his team before the game, telling them, "We need this game - get focused".  The Dearborn players responded, coming out hard and building a 2-0 lead.  Once again, the Rangers dug deep and found a will and a way to come back.  Mid-way through the second period, they pulled off a rare hockey feat, when each of the three Ranger lines scored on consecutive shifts, after three complete line changes.  In doing so, every Ranger skater earned a "plus" within a minute and a half time span, turning an 0-2 deficit into a 3-2 lead.  Conor Holly, Alex Riche and Antoine Brochu got the goals (although the refs credited the second goal to Andrew Howarth and the third to Stefan Leblanc).  Dearborn continued to battle until the end of the game.  With just over a minute to go, Josh Morton stopped a breakaway at one end.  As often happens, the play turned back up ice.  Foster Cuomo scored an insurance goal at the other end, sealing the win.  Assists to Cuomo and Luke Nicol.  After three hard-fought games, the Rangers earned first place in their division along with a spot in a Quarter-Final.  Back to Results

October 28, 2006 - Livonia Knights @ Troy Sports Center - 5-4 Double OT W:  The Rangers met the Knights in the Quarter-Final.  For this observer, this was the most enjoyable game of the season to watch to date.  The two teams matched up very well and all players, on both teams, were determined to win.  The Knights showed focus before the game, repeatedly chanting "Skate! Shoot! Score!", then "Two minutes to go we gotta skate!".  The Rangers burst out of gates with a strong first shift, but the Knights got the first goal.  Antoine Brochu tied it up on a strong shot.  The Knights re-took the lead, only to see Alex Riche rip a high shot into the net.  Mark Martone gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead in the second period, but it was the Knights turn to play comeback, as they went back ahead 4-3.  With the clock ticking down, and just over four minutes to play, Andrew Howarth timed a pinch perfectly.  He stepped into the slot, got the puck and sent a backhand towards the net.  Martone deflected it up and over the Knights' goalie, sending the game to overtime.    Matthew Gwillam continued to stymie the Knights.  Stefan Leblanc made a number of terrific plays during the game.  The teams played four-on-four in the first overtime, without a goal.  The second overtime involved three-on-three play.  Late in the double overtime, after Leblanc and Connor Chambers both caught a Knights forward to prevent a breakaway, then Gwillam made a save, Foster Cuomo got possession of the puck deep in the Rangers' end.  He rushed up ice and deked the last defender, scoring on a point-blank shot and sending the Rangers to the Semi-Final.  Assists to Riche, Eric Luzar, Conor Holly, Howarth and Leblanc.  Back to Results

October 29, 2006 - Tampa Bay Lightning @ Troy Sports Center - 1-4 L:  The host team pulled a "fast one".  The Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning won the two divisions.  In a typical two-division tournament, the division winners could only meet in a Final, not in the Quarter or Semi-Final.  However, Little Caesars set it up so that their team would avoid both division winners, who would meet each other if they each one their Quarter-Final, which they did.  If Little Caesars advanced, they would play a team with less points in the Semi, then meet either  Oakville or Tampa Bay in the Final, after they had beaten each other up a bit.  In any event, Tampa Bay is a regional team that fields only eleven skaters.  Heading into this game, they had outscored their opponents by a collective score of 23 to 6.  The Rangers had their hands full, but they were undaunted.  The Rangers came out on fire and carried the play for much of the first period.  Before it was over, the Rangers had taken a 1-0 lead.  Alex Webster made a quick breakout pass to Luke Hatfield, who flew all the way up ice and scored into the right side of the net.  Tampa Bay took control in the second period, scoring four unanswered goals.  The Rangers shut the Lightning down in the third period, but could not put the puck into the net themselves.  Webster had the only assist.   Back to Results

Guelph Power Play Tournament

November 24, 2006 - Richmond Hill Stars @ West End Rec Centre - 2-1 W:  Goals by Luke Nicol and Alex Riche, with assists to Antoine Brochu, Lucas Zitmanis and Foster Cuomo.  Back to Results

November 24, 2006 - Cambridge Hawks @ Fergus - 0-2 L:  No Oakville scoring.  Back to Results

November 25, 2006 - Guelph @ Exhibition - 0-1 L:  Do not let the low score fool you.  This was fast-paced, hard nosed and high intensity hockey.  The players from both teams put on a show for the spectators.  During blistering end to end action in the first period, both Luke Hatfield and Stefan Leblanc made quality shots on net.  Matt Gwillam was lightning fast in net, including on a magnificent kick save.  The Guelph goalie responded, including by saving a sweet deke by Alex Riche, and a close in shot from Antoine Brochu.  Good body checks were thrown by both teams, including heavy hits by Eric Luzar, Alex Webster and Marko Jugovic.  Back to Results

Don Mills Pointstreak Tournament

December 27, 2006 - Chicago Chill @ Don Mills Arena - 2-8 L:  The Rangers scored first.   When Alex Webster got the puck in the corner, Luke Nicol broke for the net.  Webster passed and Nicol threaded a difficult backhander, back across the grain, and into the net.  Chicago quickly tied up the game, then went on to pour on a storm of offence.  They skated fast and were even allowed to do some "dipsy doodling", which they never would have gotten away with if hitting was allowed.  Alex Riche earned player of the game on a beautiful goal, breaking free with his great speed, making a nice deke, then finishing with a shot past the outstretched glove arm of the Chill's goalie.  Assists to Webster, Ryan Garvey, Antoine Brochu and Foster Cuomo.  Back to Results

December 28, 2006 - Toronto Red Wings @ Victoria Park - 2-6 L:  Although the score was somewhat lopsided, the Rangers should be proud of their effort.  They played hard and put in a strong effort.  Give credit to the Red Wings, who showed a lot of talent.  They continuously broke out of their own end, and into the Rangers end, with speed, which generated pressure and scoring opportunities.  Foster Cuomo scored with another of his tremendous shots, roofing the puck from in close.  Luke Hatfield scored a fun goal.  The puck was sent up ice towards the Red Wings goalie and there was a race between Hatfield and the goalie.  Hatfield won and poked the puck by, only to have several other players pour into the play.  Hatfield was the only one who put on the brakes fast enough to control the puck, scoring into an empty net.  The team was down to four defenceman today.  Eric Luzar, Lucas Zitmanis, Andrew Howarth and Connor Chambers did themselves proud, working tirelessly as the Red Wings came at them.  Hatfield won player of the game.  Both goals were unassisted.  Back to Results

December 28, 2006 - Wisconsin @ Don Mills Arena - 5-3 W:  After dropping the Red Wings game, the Rangers traveled straight to another arena for an exhibition game against the Wisconsin AAA regional team.  Wisconsin were riding high, having won both of their two opening tournament games, including a win against the powerhouse York-Simcoe Express.  The Rangers, meanwhile, did not even have time to change out of their equipment before hitting the ice again.  The Rangers, however, surprised Wisconsin with a total team approach, and built a 4-2 lead on goals by Foster Cuomo, Antoine Brochu, Connor Chambers, and Alex Riche. The Rangers looked organized, and broke out easily from their own zone with a short D lineup of Chambers, Andrew Howarth, Lucas Zitmanis, and Eric Luzar. This game was one of the best games that the Rangers have played this season. Ryan Garvey added the empty net goal.  Josh Morton and Matthew Gwillam shared the net, and were both solid.  Assists to Mark Martone, Riche, Zitmanis, Garvey and Chambers.  Back to Results

December 29, 2006 - Toronto Jr. Canadiens @ Don Mills Arena - 5-6 L:  Despite the Rangers' recent lack of offensive production, this game proved that the team does know how to find the net; shocking the powerhouse Jr Canadiens with 5 goals.  There were two key factors in this offensive turn-around.  The first key was the defensive zone play: the short D bench of Eric Luzar, Lucas Zitmanis, Andrew Howarth, and Connor Chambers hustled after every puck and moved it with authority.  These plays allowed the forwards to set up quality rushes and execute the second key factor: PASSING.  The first goal of the game came when Alex Riche niftily dished to Luke Nicol who punished the Canadiens goalie for leaving a tiny gap on the short side.  The Rangers stunned the crowd by posting a 2-0 lead on Foster Cuomo's backhander along the ice.  The Jr. Canadiens came back, but Luke Hatfield kept the Rangers close when he threaded a pass through the defence to Antoine Brochu who one-timed it into the net.  Ryan Garvey scored a nice backhand after the Rangers passed the puck around in the offensive zone. Alex Riche made it a one-goal game with less than 2 minutes to go.  Another pride game for the Rangers.  Assists to Riche (2), Mark Martone, Luke Hatfield and Lucas Zitmanis.  Nicol was named player of the game. Back to Results  [On an unrelated Oakville Rangers note - hundreds of people attended the funeral of Alex Corrance today, who was sadly taken from us at a hockey game on December 26, 2006, at the young age of 17.  Alex was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed. He was the consummate hard working team player, who always wore a smile, and really brightened up a dressing room or a hockey rink.  His parents are terrific and always willing to volunteer to help out.  Alex will be missed, but his memory will be with us always.] 

Exhibition

September 6, 2006 - Ice Dogs @ Chic Murray - 1-6 L:  It was a somewhat awkward start to the exhibition season.  As anticipated, there were numerous penalties to both teams, primarily due to the new rules emphasis.  Both teams seemed to learn on the fly and the number of penalties diminished as the game wore on.  The Ranger players were trying hard, but didn't seem to have their game legs yet.  They are starting to get a feel for where their linemates are, but at times had a hard time finding each other tonight.  The Ice Dogs made it difficult for the Ranger forwards to get quality shots through on net.  The Rangers made some adjustments and their defencemen started getting several shots through from the point.  Foster Cuomo scored on a sweet breakaway shot through the five-hole, and later added a solid bodycheck to boot.  The game was closer than the score reflected.