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 Kitchener Rangers

Video Review Miffs Rangers in OT Loss to Frontenacs

December 2, 2016 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


In a highly contentious and contestable hockey game between the Kitchener Rangers and Kingston Frontenacs, those who seemed to have the biggest impact on the result of the game - ironically - weren't even on the ice on Friday night.

The Frontenacs (12-12-1-1) skated away with the last laugh, downing the Rangers (16-8-1-1) in overtime, 4-3, in front of 4,014 fans at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in a game which saw teddy bears fly to the ice and two lengthy goal reviews - neither which benefitted the visiting Blueshirts.

The first point of contention came off the stick of the Frontenacs, as a goal by Kingston's Ryan Cranford in the latter part of the second period appeared to develop from an offside play; a play in which the Rangers' felt was conclusively reflected with video evidence.

The goal would stand, however, which brought the Frontenacs even with the Rangers at that point, 2-2, before the hosts added another just two minutes later to give them a 3-2 lead.

The Rangers thought they had tied the game with just under seven minutes to play in the third period on goal by Dylan Seitz, making it a 3-3 game. Again, the goal would be reviewed upstairs by off-ice officials on whether or not Rangers' forward Jacob Cascagnette had negated the zone prior to Seitz entering with the puck.

After a very lengthy review - and to the ire and dismay of the Rangers bench - the call on the ice was reversed and the goal called back, as Kitchener found themselves remaining down a goal, 3-2.

The drama didn't stop there however, as overage defenceman and former Kingston Frontenac Dylan Di Perna - playing his last game in the rink of the team that drafted him - tallied the equalizer with just 2.6 seconds left to play in regulation sending the game to overtime, where the Frontenacs would eventually strike.

When asked post-game on the explanation he was given for the rulings on the two goals that were reviewed, Rangers' head coach Jay McKee remained baffled.

"I still don't fully understand it," said McKee of the Cranford goal. "We had an iPad on the bench [with the video] and, clear as day, saw it was offside. So we don't understand that one.

"[On Seitz's goal], half of [Cascagnette's] body is outside the line, and we don't understand that one either.

"What's most frustrating is you're trying for the extra point. At end of the year, that extra point can make a huge difference. That's why we have video review [in this league] and I think they made two bad calls tonight."

Although displeased with the results of the reviews from above the ice, McKee said it ultimately wasn't the only thing that factored into his club not coming away with two points.

"I don't think we were anywhere near our best," he noted. "We're disappointed in our effort through the first two periods tonight."

Perhaps overshadowed by the outcome was the effort put forth by Adam Mascherin, who potted a pair of goals for the Rangers, and now has points in 11 straight games (10G, 8A). Mascherin has been held off the score sheet just twice all season, and has points in 20 of his last 21 games. Of his 23 games this season with a point, 15 have been multi-point outings.

Jeremy Bracco picked up the second assist on Mascherin's second goal of the night, extending his season-long point streak to 23 games and 46 points (16G, 30A).

Mascherin opened the game's scoring with his 18^th of the season, a quick shot off the draw in the offensive zone, to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead from Joseph Garreffa and Greg Meireles at 10:56 of the opening period.

Jason Robertson sent teddy bears flying to the ice on Teddy Bear Toss night in Kingston with a shot from the top of the circle that found the back of the net for his 11^th of the season, tying the game 1-1 at 15:48 from Stephen Desrocher and Warren Foegele to round out first period scoring.

Kingston led by a 10-5 margin in shots in the first 20 minutes of play.

The majority of the second period was scoreless until Mascherin registered his second of the night and 19^th of the season, giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead at 15:46 from Frank Hora and Bracco.

Less than a minute later the Frontenacs would respond, as Cranford's controversial goal tied the game 2-2 at 16:41, from Jakob Brahaney and Liam Murray.

Before the period was out Kingston would take its first lead of the night, as Desrocher notched his fourth of the season on a weary looking shot from the corner, making it 3-2 from Foegele and Robertson at 18:40.

Second period shots were 8-6 Kingston for a two-period total of 18-11 in favour of the hosts.

The overturned Seitz goal came with just under seven minutes to play, but Di Perna gave the Rangers the single point with his emotional equalizer with just 2.6 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime tied 3-3, unassisted.

Nathan Billitier scored his second goal of the season to give the Frontenacs the extra point at the 1:24 mark of overtime, assisted by Sam Harding and Nathan Dunkley.

Dawson Carty (12-4-1-1) was dealt the frustrating loss in goal for the Rangers, making 19 saves in regulation and another in OT.

Rookie Mario Peccia (1-3-0-0) earned his first OHL win, allowing three goals on 18 shots.

Final shots on goal were 24-18 Kingston, including 7-4 Kitchener in the third, and 2-0 Frontenacs in overtime. Both teams were 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

With three successful penalty kills, Heffner Lexus Toyota graciously donates another $30 to the Heffner Lexus Toyota PK Tally for a running total this season of $850 in support of Sun Life Financial Kids in Gear.

Robertson (KGN) (3), Mascherin (KIT) (2), and Desrocher (KGN) (1) were selected as the Three Stars of the Game.

Dylan Di Perna and Jeremy Bracco each wore an "A" and skated as alternates to Rangers captain Frank Hora.

The Rangers continue their eastern swing as they face the Ottawa 67's tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, December 3rd for a 2pm start.

They return home to the Aud on Wednesday, December 7th when they host the Mississauga Steelheads for the 22^nd annual Teddy Bear Toss game at 7pm.

Regular season tickets to Kitchener Rangers home games are $22.50 each for adults, $18.50 for children 12 and under, including HST and are available in person or by calling the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Box Office or Centre in the Square (519) 578-1570 -or- 1-800-265-8977, or by purchasing online inkIDcits&shopperContext&caller&appCode&mc_cidd54400c5b6&mc_eid[UNIQID]) .


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