Kitchener Rangers Roster in the 2015-2016 Season
The Kitchener Rangers, a prominent junior ice hockey team based in Kitchener, Ontario, had an intriguing roster during the 2015-2016 season. This article delves into the details of the Rangers' lineup that year, providing insights into the players who made up the team and their roles in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Forwards: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The Rangers' forward line in the 2015-2016 season was a mix of veteran players and promising young talent. Leading the charge was Ryan MacInnis, a center who served as the team's captain. MacInnis, a second-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, was in his fourth and final season with the Rangers. He provided leadership and offensive prowess, finishing the season with 64 points in 62 games.
Joining MacInnis on the top line was Adam Mascherin, a left-winger who was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Mascherin was in his third season with the Rangers and was one of the team's top scorers, tallying 74 points in 66 games.
Rounding out the top line was Nick Magyar, a right-winger who was acquired in a trade with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Magyar, a fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, provided size and skill to the Rangers' lineup, recording 45 points in 63 games.
Defensemen: A Steady Backend
The Kitchener Rangers' defensive corps in the 2015-2016 season was characterized by its steadiness and experience. The team was led by Frank Corrado, a veteran defenseman who was acquired in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Corrado, a fifth-round pick of the Canucks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, provided leadership and a physical presence on the backend, appearing in all 68 games for the Rangers.
Joining Corrado on the blue line was Dylan DiPerna, a stay-at-home defenseman who was in his fourth and final season with the Rangers. DiPerna, an undrafted free agent, was a reliable presence on the backend, playing in 66 games and recording 16 points.
Goaltenders: A Tandem Approach
The Rangers employed a tandem approach in goal during the 2015-2016 season, with Luke Opilka and Dawson Carty splitting time between the pipes. Opilka, a sixth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, appeared in 33 games, posting a 2.77 goals-against average (GAA) and a .907 save percentage (SV%).
Carty, an undrafted free agent, appeared in 35 games, posting a 2.84 GAA and a .902 SV%. The tandem approach allowed both goalies to develop and gain valuable experience throughout the season.
Notable Transactions and Draft Picks
During the 2015-2016 season, the Kitchener Rangers made several notable transactions, including the acquisition of forward Adam Mascherin from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and defenseman Frank Corrado from the Vancouver Canucks. The team also traded away veteran forward Ben Thomson to the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for a draft pick.
At the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Kitchener Rangers selected center Adam Liska in the seventh round (198th overall) by the Dallas Stars. Liska, a native of Slovakia, was in his first season with the Rangers in 2015-2016, appearing in 19 games and recording four points.
Looking Ahead to the 2016-2017 Season
As the 2015-2016 season came to a close, the Kitchener Rangers looked ahead to the 2016-2017 campaign with optimism. The team had a solid core of players returning, including captain Ryan MacInnis and top scorers Adam Mascherin and Nick Magyar. The Rangers also had several promising young players, such as Adam Liska, looking to make an impact in their first full season with the team.
The 2015-2016 season was an exciting one for the Kitchener Rangers, filled with talented players, notable transactions, and a promising future. As the team looked ahead to the 2016-2017 season, fans and analysts alike eagerly awaited the next chapter in the Rangers' storied history.
