Kitchener lands at #1 on this week's OHL Power Rankings, picking up two more wins this weekend and remaining the hottest team in the league. What is it about the Rangers that is resulting in all of these wins?
The Kitchener Rangers are red-hot, and nothing seems to be slowing them down. Teams like the Soo and Mississauga had really strong starts to the season, but eventually that momentum fizzled out. Kitchener's momentum doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.
There are a lot of attributing factors on this team. The Rangers are succeeding in every single position, something that not many teams can say. Here's more on what's clicking in each position:
The Forward Group
From an offensive production perspective, Carson Rehkopf is the obvious name. Seattle Kraken prospect, Rehkopf not only leads his team in scoring, but he leads the entire league. His release has become a weapon this season, but more importantly he has stayed consistent. Last season, consistency was Rehkopf's biggest flaw. Specifically with his shot, Rehkopf is able to score from anywhere. He scores a lot of his goals from the top of the circle or even higher. His ability to quickly cut into the middle of the ice and get the shot off is another tool he uses often.
Away from Rehkopf's phenomenal offensive abilities, the Rangers may not have a ton of depth, but they are receiving secondary scoring. Adrian Misaljevic, import pick Filip Mesar and overage forward Matthew Sop have had successful seasons thus far as well. They are all playing top-six roles and producing at a point-per-game rate.
Looking further down the lineup, 3rd round OHL Draft pick Tanner Lam has been able to make the jump. He's been able to create offensively when given the opportunity. The only concerns with Lam's game are his tendencies to drive into traffic and turn the puck over, and he isn't too strong physically either. Nonetheless, he certainly has the ability to make some eye-catching plays with the puck.
2024 NHL Draft-eligible forward Luke Ellinas has been a penalty-kill specialist for the Rangers. His compete and work ethic is contagious and he has been a real utility player for Kitchener. There is a lot of value to a player like this, and he is certainly making a case for himself as an NHL draft pick.
Overage forward Mitchell Martin also had a strong start, but unfortunately he has been ruled out with injury until the mid-point of the season.
The Blue-Line
Similar to the Rangers' forward group, there is one defender that has separated himself from the rest. Vancouver Canucks 3rd round pick Hunter Brzustewicz has shown absolute x-ray vision when moving the puck this season.
When the Canucks drafted him, they knew they were getting a defender with high hockey sense who's especially effective in transition. Though, I'm not sure that many people expected this from Brzustewicz this season. He is leading all blueliners in points, including 27 assists.
Brzustewicz' ability to move the puck in transition has proven itself to be an elite tool. He is the ideal breakout and power play quarterback for any team. Rarely will Brzustewicz miss a pass that results in a turnover. He has a high understanding of the ice and scanning for open lanes. His breakout passes are sent with the intention of gaining a zone entry, and that is typically what is achieved. The biggest difference in his game from last season has been his shooting mentality. He has shot the puck more often from the point, and is creating offensively more this way.
Returning to the Rangers' blueline recently, is Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Roman Schmidt. The heavy, lockdown defender began the season in the AHL with Syracuse, and has now been sent back to Kitchener.
Also on the back-end, is Kitchener's first 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Cameron Reid. Reid hasn't been a superstar this season, but his recent standout performance at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge should give him some more confidence in his return.
Ottawa Senators pick Matthew Andonovski, and overager Simon Motew have also been locks inside the Rangers' top four. Andonovski will look to develop his decision making further, while Motew will fight for a pro-contract by season's end.
The Crease
Ahead of the season, goaltending was the by far the largest concern about the Rangers' roster. A healthy Jackson Parsons has returned, but Marco Costantini has aged out. Not the most promising look in-goal to start the year.
Kitchener traded for Tristan Malboeuf from the Brantford Bulldogs at the beginning of the regular season to add some depth at the position. They have been running with Parsons and Malboeuf as a tandem, and they have been getting the job done. Parsons has started 14 of Kitchener's 19 games thus far, and has 10 of their wins.
In the OHL, having two solid goaltenders is critical, with the amount of 3-in-3 weekends and back-to-back games almost every week. Parsons has had sufficient numbers, but Malboeuf hasn't. Malboeuf has gotten the job done, but not at an ideal level.
Goaltending will play a contributing factor at some point this season, especially if injuries begin to rise. Kitchener will likely be looking to acquire a goaltender by season's end, especially if they are trying to pursue an OHL championship.
In September, Kitchener wasn't considered to be a top team whatsoever. They have come out of the gates and surprised a lot of people, and they don't seem to be slowing down.
The combination of their top-heavy offence and depth on defence has allowed them to be a tough team to play against. Rehkopf and Brzustewicz are leading the way on the scoreboard, but also are leading by example on-the-ice with their consistent play-driving and team play. They are the cornerstones of this team. As long as these two players continue to lead in every area — as they have been — the rest of the team will follow.