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OHL Kitchener Rangers

MacInnis Scores Hat Trick; Opilka Shuts out Generals

February 19, 2016 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


Ryan MacInnis scored his first hat trick of the season, and Luke Opilka made 20 saves to earn his third career Ontario Hockey League shutout as the Kitchener Rangers defeated the visiting Oshawa Generals 5-0 in front of 7,277 fans at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Friday night.

The goals were the 30th, 31st and 32nd of the season for MacInnis who, along with points (69), now leads the club in goals scored. It was the first Rangers hat trick this season since Connor Bunnaman's Teddy Bear Night hat trick back on December 8th.

Luke Opilka didn't see much action on the night but was impressive when needed en route to his third OHL shutout, making nine saves in the first period, six in the second, and five in the third. His 20 saves propelled him to 26-7-3-0 on the season, while Jeremy Brodeur (18-20-2-2) was handed the loss in goal for the Generals. Brodeur was much more busy in goal, however, as he surrendered five of 43 Rangers shots directed his way.

Brandon Robinson (1G,1A), Miles Liberati (2A) and Adam Mascherin (2A) each had two point nights for the Rangers, and associate coach Jay McKee said their entire team showed a much improved effort than they'd shown in recent games.

"I think Ryan [MacInnis] was shooting like his old man tonight," said McKee, on MacInnis' hat trick and taking shots from the point. "We worked hard on special teams recently, and that was definitely something that showed for us tonight."

Not only was the man advantage a key element of special teams for the Rangers, but so was the penalty kill, as Mason Kohn was called for a five minute major and a game misconduct for cross checking on his very first shift, just 2:13 into the game. The Rangers were successful in killing off the major penalty, and did so while holding the Generals to just two shots on the extended power play.

"Killing the five minute penalty early on was key for us," added McKee. "Overall, I think we had a pretty complete game. We forced a lot of turnovers and did a lot of things right. We needed a complete game like that."

After a scoreless first period, MacInnis registered his 30th goal of the season on the power play, assisted by Robinson and Liberati, at 11:38.

At 15:29 of the period it was MacInnis who struck again with his second of the game, this time from Joseph Garreffa and Mascherin, giving the Rangers a 2-0 lead.

Just 1:25 later Darby Llewellyn tipped in a David Miller shot to give the Rangers a three goal lead, with the second assist going to Nick Magyar at 16:54. After being outshot 9-8 in the first period, the Rangers would outshoot the Generals 23-6 in the second for a two period total of 31-15.

MacInnis would complete the hat trick with his third goal of the game at 6:24, assisted by Liberati and Mascherin, to put the Rangers up 4-0, also on the power play.

With just three seconds remaining, Robinson would score the Rangers' third power play goal of the night with former Rangers forward Sean Allen in the box for hooking, assisted by Jacob Cascagnette and Dylan Di Perna, to seal the 5-0 victory.

Shots were 12-5 Kitchener in the third period, and 43-20 in favour of the Rangers after 60 minutes.

The Generals were 0-for-2 with the man advantage, while the Rangers three power play goals on five opportunities earned another $300 in donations to Clarky's Kids, courtesy of Heffner Toyota.

Opilka (3), Liberati (2) and MacInnis (1) were chosen as the Three Stars of the Game.

Prior to the game, the Rangers acknowledged the longtime services of their Head Trainer, Dan Lebold. For more on the presentation to Dan, click here.

Gustaf Franzen, Frank Hora and Brandon Robinson each wore 'A's and skated as alternates to captain Ryan MacInnis.

The Rangers round out the weekend when they travel to Erie to face the Otters on Sunday, February 21st for a 5pm puck drop.

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

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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