Kitchener Rangers Roster 2018: A Deep Dive into the Season's Lineup
The Kitchener Rangers, a prominent junior ice hockey team based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, fielded an exciting roster in the 2018 season. This article provides a comprehensive look at the team's lineup that year, highlighting key players, their positions, and notable achievements.
Understanding the 2018 Kitchener Rangers Roster
The 2018 Kitchener Rangers roster was a blend of veteran experience and promising youth, reflecting the team's commitment to developing young talent while maintaining competitive prowess. The team was led by head coach Jay McKee, who guided the Rangers through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season.
Goaltenders
| Player | Position | Games Played |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Opilka | Goaltender | 45 |
| Luke Richardson | Goaltender | 14 |
Luke Opilka was the primary goaltender for the Rangers in 2018, appearing in 45 games and posting a .897 save percentage. He was supported by Luke Richardson, who played in 14 games.
Defensemen
- Riley MacRae: A veteran defenseman, MacRae played in 64 games, recording 22 points (4 goals, 18 assists).
- Giorgio Estephan: Estephan, acquired in a trade, appeared in 34 games, contributing 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists).
- Jack York: York, a rookie, played in 62 games, tallying 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists).
MacRae, Estephan, and York were among the key defensemen for the Rangers in 2018, providing a mix of experience and youth on the backend.
Forwards
- Adam Mascherin: Mascherin led the team in scoring with 76 points (30 goals, 46 assists) in 53 games. He was later traded to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
- Greg Meireles: Meireles appeared in 68 games, recording 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists).
- Rickard Hugg: Hugg, a Swedish import, played in 62 games, tallying 58 points (25 goals, 33 assists).
- Connor Bunnaman: Bunnaman, a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, appeared in 56 games, recording 47 points (21 goals, 26 assists).
Mascherin, Meireles, Hugg, and Bunnaman were the Rangers' top scorers in 2018, forming a dynamic and productive forward group.
Notable Achievements and the 2018 OHL Playoffs
The 2018 Kitchener Rangers roster qualified for the OHL playoffs, ultimately losing in the first round to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Despite the early exit, the team had several notable achievements throughout the season. Adam Mascherin was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team, while Luke Opilka was an OHL Goaltender of the Month recipient.
The 2018 Kitchener Rangers roster was a testament to the team's commitment to developing young talent while remaining competitive in the OHL. Although the season ended earlier than hoped, the team's performances and achievements laid a strong foundation for future success.
