Match-up preview: Kitchener Rangers vs Sarnia Sting
The Kitchener Rangers have been on a hot streak since they began their four-game homestand last week. In fact, the Rangers have been highly successful on home ice all season. In 27 games at The Aud, the Rangers have won 20 of those.
“Playing at the Aud with our fans gives us an extra boost of energy and confidence,” commented Jamie Doornbosch. “It’s like playing with a sixth man on the ice. Any good pass, shot, or hit and our fans make noise and it boosts our momentum.”
“It’s hard for teams to come in here and play well, not only against us, but against our fans.”
Today’s match-up marks the final game of the home stretch, and the Rangers look to finish a perfect 4-0 before departing on a two-day, two-game road trip.
Doornbosch and fellow blueliner Ryan Murphy paved the way with two goals each in Kitchener’s 5-3 win over Midwest Division rivals the Guelph Storm, on Tuesday.
“[It was the result] of us not only working for the goals, but our forwards battling and making skilled plays to get us the puck,” said Doornbosch. “It’s a positive sign that our D can produce offence.”
Doornbosch and Murphy were awarded first and second star respectively in the win, while Matt Tipoff scored his 22nd of the season.
Doornbosch is playing his first season in Kitchener following a four-year tenure with the Peterborough Petes.
“The level of coaching and professionalism here in Kitchener is amazing,” said Doornbosch. “It has helped me tremendously since being traded.”
In four seasons with the Petes, the 6’2”, 190-pound defender recorded 22 goals, 77 assists, and 165 penalty minutes in 196 games. In his first season with the Rangers, Doornbosch has already surpassed his previous season in goals, and is on pace to exceed his assist total as well.
“Defensively I am working on being sound and reliable by watching game tape and battling in practice,” said Doornbosch. “The offensive side of my game will come on the power-play and shots from the point.”
The Sarnia Sting will face the Rangers tonight in their final match-up of the season. The Rangers have won all three of their previous meetings with Sarnia – Nov. 26, 1-0, Dec. 16, 11-2, and Jan. 6, 3-2.
Following a six-game losing skid and only one win in their last 11 games, the Sting announced Sunday that Head Coach and General Manager Dave MacQueen had been relieved of his duties. Trevor Letowski has since assumed the role of Interim Head Coach, and made his debut in a 4-3 win to the London Knights yesterday.
“Teams always battle hard when under a new coach, so it’s not a game we’re going to take lightly,” said Doornbosch. “Sarnia is a good team, and they are going to be ready to go under a new coach.”
The Rangers will hit the road tomorrow to take on the Saginaw Spirit. Game time is 7:11 p.m. The road trip continues in Sault Ste. Marie on Sunday. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
