Round One Game Four: Kitchener Rangers vs. Saginaw Spirit
OHL Kitchener Rangers

Round One Game Four: Kitchener Rangers vs. Saginaw Spirit

Published on April 2, 2026 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


Saginaw, MI - Following a clutch overtime win in Game 3, the Kitchener Rangers will look to close out this opening round series against the Saginaw Spirit Thursday night. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. at the Dow Event Center.

TV: RogersTV Channel 20 (Kitchener)

TV: Rogers Super Sports Pak 469 (Ontario)

Video Stream: Live on FloHockey

Radio: 570 NewsRadio Kitchener

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Game Three

The Rangers started off Game 3 quickly with Matthew Andonovski scoring just 1:28 into the game. It was Andonovski's second goal of the series. James Guo responded later in the opening frame to tie the game to notch things up after 20. Alexander Bilecki gave the Blueshirts the lead with his first goal of the playoffs, yet it was Saginaw who scored the next two with Bode Stewart and Nikita Klepov each scoring their first of the playoffs. Gabe Chariot tied things up with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. 60 minutes proved to not be enough as the game would head to overtime for the first time in the series. It was Luca Romano who played hero as he fired in the game winner on a rebound in the slot on a shot from Alexander Bilecki.

SCOUTING THE RANGERS (3-0-0-0)

Luca Romano picked up his first two points of the series in game three. He assisted Andonovski's opening goal, as well as scoring the game winner in overtime. The Islanders 3rd round draft pick is looking to embark on a long playoff run, being a key contributor in Kitchener's top 6. Romano was a key point getter in last years playoffs as he had 11 points in 16 games.

Alexander Bilecki also picked up his first goal of the playoffs as he added a goal and an assist. Bilecki has progressed very well from his rookie year a season ago. He recorded 15 more points in the regular season and has already surpassed his point total from last years playoffs. The 2026 draft eligible defenceman looks to keep improving his draft stock as the Rangers look to move forward in the years playoffs.

Matthew Andonovski picked up his second goal of the playoffs in the first few minutes of the game Tuesday night. The veteran defenceman has been a key addition since his return from Belleville (AHL) earlier in the season. He has already surpassed his goal total from last years playoff and will look to stay as a steady presence on the Ranger blueline for the remainder of the playoffs.

Goaltending

Christian Kirsch stood tall once again as he stopped 17 of the 20 shots he saw. Kirsch's important play held the Spirit to only one power play goal in five attempts. The San Jose Sharks draft pick is spotting a 2.25 GAA and a .881 save percentage through the first three games of the playoffs.

SCOUTING THE SPIRIT (0-2-1-0)

Egor Barabanov continues to be an important factor for the Spirit. He leads the Spirit in points with 4 (1G, 3A) in three games. He picked up a pair of helpers for Saginaw. Nikita Klepov found the back of the net for the first time this series. The OHL points leader has been contained by a strong Ranger defence, but has still be able to produce 4 points (1G, 3A) in the three games thus far.

Levi Harper continues to be the steady force on the back end for the Spirit. The rookie defenceman who led all rookie defenceman in points has recorded 3 points (1G, 2A) through three games, he picked up his 2nd assist on a power play goal from Klepov.

Goaltending

Stepan Shurygin turned away a flurry of shots from the Ranger offence. The Rangers topped their Game 1 and Game 2 shot total by throwing 54 shots at the Russian netminder. Shurygin recorded 50 saves in Game 3 bringing his save total to 107 through three games.

Broadcast Coverage:

Thursday night's game against the will be televised on Rogers TV (Channel 20). It can be watched across the province of Ontario on the Super Sports Pak on channel 469 for cable subscribers. The game will be streamed live online on FloHockey. Additionally, fans can listen to action on the radio on 570 NewsRadio Kitchener.

UP NEXT:

Should Saginaw win Game 4 and extend the series, Game 5 will be played back in Kitchener Friday night. Puck drop would be set for 7:00. p.m. at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

Check out the Kitchener Rangers Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 2, 2026


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