For the first time since 2018, the Kitchener Rangers claim the OHL Midwest Division crown, dethroning their rivals with a 4-1 win.
Credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL ImagesFor several years, the Midwest Division in the OHL has been led by the powerhouse London Knights. In fact, the Knights have taken home the division title for the last six years.
The last team in the Midwest to win the title not named London was the Kitchener Rangers, capturing the title during the 2017-2018 season. Kitchener has finished as the runner-up to London for the past two seasons, but the Knights have finally been dethroned at the top.
The two rival organizations faced off against each other for a Sunday matinee game at the rocking “Aud.” London forward Evan Van Gorp struck first on the penalty kill to open the scoring with his ninth of the season, but the Rangers dominated the game from start to finish.
New York Islanders prospect Luca Romano tied the game up nearly five minutes after Van Gorp’s tally. An unlikely hero for the Rangers scored next, which ended up being the game-winning goal (GWG), the second GWG of his career.
Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer prospect Matthew Hlacar has spent much of this season on the OHL’s Department of Player Safety watch list. With several suspensions to his name this season, some Leaf fans have questioned their beloved team’s decision in drafting him in the seventh round of last year’s NHL draft.
However, his sixth of the season put his Kitchener squad up 2-1 midway through the third, and a couple of empty netters by Colorado Avalanche prospect Christian Humphreys and third-year forward Tanner Lam sealed the victory, clinching the Midwest Division title.
“It’s great, but of course, we want to accomplish more. That’s a great thing for the club, but still lot of hockey to go. Our mindset is to keep getting better and better, and then playoffs start, the regular season is getting ready for playoffs,” Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas said following his team’s 4-1 win over London on Sunday.
London’s goaltender Sebastian Gatto was outstanding despite the loss. He made 35 saves on 37 shots, improving his season save percentage to .921. He’s recorded a save percentage of .900 or higher in 10 of his last 12 starts, and has certainly started catching the eyes of NHL scouts.
There are just three weeks left in the OHL’s 2025-26 regular season. Kitchener has eight games left and sits in first of the Western Conference with 90 points (five points up on second).
The Rangers have been one of the most dominant teams since the January trade deadline. They're not only gunning for first in the West, but they are only one point back of the Brantford Bulldogs for first in the entire league.
Locking up that No. 1 seed is crucial because an OHL Finals consisting of Brantford and Kitchener would be at the top of the bingo card as it currently stands.
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