Kitchener Rangers Roster 2003: A Comprehensive Look
The Kitchener Rangers, a prominent junior ice hockey team based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, had an impressive roster in the 2003 season. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the team's roster that year, delving into the key players, their roles, and the team's performance during the 2003 season.
Team Overview
The 2003 Kitchener Rangers were part of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of the top major junior ice hockey leagues in the world. The team, led by head coach Peter DeBoer, was known for its strong defensive play and balanced scoring. They finished the regular season with an impressive record, securing a playoff spot and making a deep run in the post-season.
Goaltenders
The success of any hockey team often hinges on the performance of its goaltenders. The 2003 Kitchener Rangers were fortunate to have a solid duo in net. Jason Bacashihua, a second-year player, started the season as the team's primary goaltender. He played in 48 games, posting a respectable 2.97 goals-against average (GAA) and a .909 save percentage. Backup goaltender Andrew Perugini appeared in 24 games, providing valuable support and contributing to the team's success.
Defensemen
The Rangers' defensive corps in 2003 was a mix of veteran leadership and promising youth. Derek Joslin, a 20-year-old defenseman, was a stalwart on the blue line, playing in all 68 games and contributing offensively with 42 points. He was joined by fellow 20-year-olds Brent Sutter and Brandon Smith, who provided a balance of offensive prowess and defensive stability. The team also had promising young defensemen like Mike Egener and Ryan Parent, who would go on to have successful OHL careers.
Forwards
The 2003 Kitchener Rangers had a deep and talented forward group, led by several high-scoring players. Patrick Sharp, a 19-year-old forward, was the team's leading scorer with 41 goals and 82 points in 68 games. He was joined by fellow 19-year-olds Kyle Wellwood and Derek Roy, who each had over 70 points on the season. The team also had veteran forwards like Jason Pominville and Mike Fisher, who provided leadership and offensive production.
Team Performance
The 2003 Kitchener Rangers had a strong regular season, finishing with a record of 41-20-5-2, good for second place in the OHL's Western Conference. They carried this momentum into the playoffs, making it all the way to the OHL Finals before ultimately falling to the Belleville Bulls in seven games. Despite the loss, the team's performance that season was a testament to the talent and depth of the 2003 Kitchener Rangers roster.
Notable Draft Picks
The 2003 Kitchener Rangers roster featured several players who would go on to be drafted by NHL teams. Patrick Sharp was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, while Derek Roy was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the 2001 draft. Kyle Wellwood was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2001 draft, and Jason Pominville was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round of the 2001 draft. These players, along with others from the 2003 roster, would go on to have successful professional hockey careers.
Legacy of the 2003 Kitchener Rangers
The 2003 Kitchener Rangers roster was a talented and deep group that made a significant impact in the OHL that season. Despite falling short in the OHL Finals, the team's performance that year was a testament to the skill and determination of its players. Many of the players on the 2003 roster would go on to have successful professional careers, further cementing the legacy of the 2003 Kitchener Rangers team.
