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OHL Kitchener Rangers

Kitchener Caps Off Preseason With A Shootout Win

September 22, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


Kitchener, ON - A goaltending showdown is the story of Kitchener's final preseason game. The Rangers swept Mississauga in their home and home series, following Thursday night's win with a 2-1 win in a shootout. Matthew Sop had the Rangers' only goal in regulation and was the lone goal scorer of the shootout to ultimately win the game.

The first period was dominated by goaltending. Mississauga scored the only goal of the period with 1:47 remaining in the frame. The goal was scored by Stevie Leskovar on a shot from the point. Jackson Parsons was screened on the goal against but overall stood strong throughout the period stopping eight of nine shots. During the period he made a big save while the Rangers were shorthanded against Jack Van Volsen. Steelheads goaltender Ryerson Leenders made all nine saves required of him that period. Kitchener had good puck control on their two powerplays in the first 20 minutes of play but could not find the back of the net. Heading into the second period the score was 1-0 Mississauga and the shots were even at nine.

Goaltending continued to be strong into the second period. Both teams traded opportunities including a shorthanded breakaway for the Steelheads early in the period where Simon Motew saved the puck off the goal line. Sop was dominant in this period eventually scoring with 5:04 remaining in the frame from the slot on a powerful wrist shot off a pass from Tanner Lam. The second assist was given to Cameron Reid. The assist on the goal brought first-year forward Tanner Lam to end the preseason on a streak with five points over the past four games. The shots on goal following two periods of play were 18 to 14 for Mississauga, the score was tied at one.

The third period was goalless and another goaltending spectacle. Parsons made a save in tight on Jack Van Volsen, back the other way Steelheads goaltender Leenders matched him, making an in-tight save on Rangers forward Mitchell Martin. This wasn't Martin's only chance to put Kitchener up late, as he was just shy of the net with 3:30 remaining in the game.

As per preseason rules, the game went directly to a shootout. Sop scored the only goal of the six shooters in the shootout which solidified the win 2-1 for Kitchener. The final shots were 23-21 in favor of Mississauga.

Kitchener went 0 for 4 on the powerplay and a perfect 4 for 4 on the penalty kill. The third star of the game was Leenders of Mississauga making 20 of 21 saves required of him. Sop was the second star for Kitchener with the only goal for the club both in regulation and the shootout. The first star was Jackson Parsons of Kitchener stopping 22 of 23 shots and saving all three shots in the shootout.

Up Next: Kitchener kicks off the regular season at home against the Saginaw Spirit on Friday, September 29th. Tickets are still available and can be found online here or at The Aud Box Office sponsored by White Way Plumbing.

Join the conversation on all things Rangers via social media using the hashtag #NewWave. Stay connected by following the Rangers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter by searching @OHLRangers.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 22, 2023


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