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OHL Kitchener Rangers

Luke Richardson Earns First OHL Win, MacInnis Nets Game Winner as Rangers Drop Attack 2-1 in OT

November 14, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


The Ice Man Cometh.

Rookie goaltender Luke Richardson made 22 saves and Ryan MacInnis scored at the 3:26 mark of overtime as the Kitchener Rangers came away with a 2-1 win over the Owen Sound Attack in front of 3,198 fans at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre on Saturday night.

The 16-year-old Richardson was stellar in his Ontario Hockey League debut making 22 saves, many of which were high quality, point blank chances by the Attack. His efforts helped propel the league leading Rangers to a 16-1-3-0 record, while the Attack fell to 9-6-3-1.

Richardson, prior to joining the junior ranks, was dubbed 'The Ice Man' by his former teammates and coaches, and watching him in goal in his first OHL game, it wasn't hard to see why.

"They called me that because I was always calm and never showed emotion," Richardson said, back on the day he officially joined the Rangers after signing his OHL Standard Player Agreement. Following tonight's game that calmness shone through even after the milestone achievement of his first OHL win.

"The boys gave a great team effort. The speed of the game is a lot faster here in the OHL, but it's just something you have to adjust to quickly if you want to have success in this league," he said, postgame. "It feels great to get the weight off my shoulders and to start to settle into this league."

Rangers head coach Mike Van Ryn was more than impressed by the composure and the results he saw from the rookie.

"He played unbelievable. I'm really happy for him," said the coach. "He had a strong preseason, and since the injury to Carty he's played well in practice.

"Throughout the game you'd have to remind yourself that it's a kid back there. You forget how young he is by the performance he had tonight. The players love him in the room, and hopefully being in this environment and enjoying success like he did tonight only helps to further his development.

"We needed some big saves in key situations and that's what we got from Luke tonight."

MacInnis' overtime goal was his seventh game winning goal of the season - a league high - yet, as of last night, the Rangers leading scorer wasn't even expected to be in the lineup.

MacInnis was dealt an automatic two game suspension after being assessed a match penalty for slew-footing during the first period of Friday night's game versus the Saginaw Spirit. Upon further review of the play by the league, there was found to be no intent on the play and the suspension was lifted, allowing the forward to dress for tonight's contest.

The game was scoreless until Adam Mascherin gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead at 12:20 of the second period from Darby Llewellyn and Mason Kohn. The Rangers controlled the pace of play throughout the first two periods, outshooting the Attack 9-6 and 11-7, respectively.

In the third period, however, the Rangers let their foot off the gas and the Attack got themselves back into the game. Jonah Gadjovich tied the game with just 4:02 to play from Kevin Hancock and in turn, sent the game to extra time. Owen Sound outshot the Rangers 14-5 in the third period.

MacInnis' overtime winner was his 15th goal of the season, and was assisted by Jeremy Bracco. Shots were 4-4 in the extra frame for a game total of 31-29 in favour of the hosts.

Michael McNiven was dealt the loss in goal for the Attack, allowing two goals on 29 shots.

Each team was stymied on their one opportunity with the man advantage.

MacInnis, Frank Hora and Brandon Robinson each wore 'A's and skated as assistant captains for the game.

Gadjovich (3), McNiven (2) and Richardson (1) were chosen as the Three Stars of the game.

The Rangers wrap up the three-in-three weekend tomorrow night, Sunday, November 15th when they return home to host the Erie Otters at 6pm.

Tickets for the Rangers game are available online at kitchenerrangers.com, by calling Centre in the Square, or through The Aud Box Office.

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