2009 Kitchener Rangers Roster: A Look Back at the Season
The 2008-2009 season was an exciting one for the Kitchener Rangers, with a roster filled with talented players who left their mark on the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). This article provides a comprehensive look at the 2009 Kitchener Rangers roster, highlighting key players, their statistics, and the team's performance during that season.
Team Overview
The 2008-2009 Kitchener Rangers finished the regular season with a record of 38-25-4-1, earning them the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They went on to reach the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Windsor Spitfires. The team was known for its balanced scoring and strong defensive play, which was a testament to the depth and talent of their roster.
Forwards
The Rangers' forward corps was led by a mix of veteran and rookie talent. Here's a look at some of the key contributors:
- Jeff Skinner - The then-17-year-old rookie led the team in scoring with 51 points (23 goals, 28 assists) in 64 games. Skinner would go on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 2010.
- Matt Kennedy - Kennedy, a 19-year-old winger, finished second in team scoring with 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists) in 68 games. He was also a key penalty killer for the Rangers.
- Cody McCormick - The 23-year-old veteran center provided leadership and grit, chipping in with 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 68 games. He also led the team with 148 penalty minutes.
Defensemen
The Rangers' blueline was anchored by a group of steady, stay-at-home defensemen who focused on limiting opposition scoring chances. Some of the standouts included:
- Ryan Murphy - The 18-year-old defenseman led the team's blueliners in scoring with 37 points (8 goals, 29 assists) in 68 games. He also represented the Rangers at the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game.
- Frankie DiSAngro - The 20-year-old defenseman was a reliable presence on the backend, chipping in with 23 points (4 goals, 19 assists) in 68 games. He also logged significant ice time on the penalty kill.
Goaltenders
The Rangers' goaltending tandem of Tobias Stefan and Scott Stajcer played a crucial role in the team's success. Stefan, a 20-year-old veteran, appeared in 35 games, posting a 17-11-3 record with a 3.18 goals-against average and .898 save percentage. Stajcer, a 19-year-old rookie, appeared in 37 games, going 21-14-1 with a 3.09 goals-against average and .896 save percentage.
Team Statistics
The following table summarizes the 2009 Kitchener Rangers' team statistics:
| Category | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 68 | 10 |
| Wins | 38 | 4 |
| Losses | 25 | 6 |
| OT Losses | 4 | 0 |
| Goals For | 233 | 34 |
| Goals Against | 217 | 37 |
| Power Play % | 17.9% | 15.4% |
| Penalty Kill % | 81.1% | 80.0% |
The 2009 Kitchener Rangers roster was a blend of youth and experience that came together to form a competitive team in the OHL. While they fell short of their ultimate goal of winning the Memorial Cup, the team's performance that season laid the groundwork for future success.
