NOTE: This website is no longer updated.  It was maintained for the 1989 AAA Rangers until the end of the 2004-2005 Minor Midget season.  It may remain online, but it will not be updated.

O.M.H.A. Standings

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(Novice to Bantam)

Minor Midget - 2004-2005

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Final SCTA League Standings - Minor Midget 2004-2005

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Final Four (winners in red)

Oakville and Grey Bruce earn spots in the OMHA AAA Championships
Hamilton will host and attend, as last year's winner

March 7, 2005 Hamilton Spectator Article on Final Game

Round Robin

OMHA AAA Championships

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Tournament Games

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Game Write-Ups

Minor Midget - 2004-2005

Regular Season Games - Minor Midget

September 24, 2004 - Hamilton - 0-4 L:  The Rangers ran into a Hamilton team that looked to be in good form.  The Bulldogs won more of the races and battles and made the most of their scoring opportunities.  Tyson Theaker and Cedric Soubry showed jump in the game, despite either playing with an injury or sustaining one during the game.  The Rangers improved their play in the third, but ended up taking the loss.  The Rangers were likely not happy with the result, but there were certainly bright spots in their play.  The speed and intensity of the game has gone up a notch since last year.  The fans are no doubt in for some entertaining hockey this year.  Back to Results

September 27, 2004 - Guelph - 1-3 L:  Guelph took advantage of a sluggish first two periods by the Rangers.  The teams went into the third with the Rangers shorthanded and down by two goals, at 2-0.  As in the first game of the year, the Rangers picked up their play in the third period.  Tyson Theaker scored on a nice one-timer.  Then John Kurtz scored what should have been the tying goal with just over a minute to play.  Unfortunately, in this observer's opinion, the Rangers faced some of the worst refereeing conceivable.  The referee had made atrocious and one-sided calls all night.  Although the puck clearly crossed the line before the net came off its moorings, the referee made another disgraceful call, disallowing the goal and scuppering the Rangers well-earned come-back.   Guelph later scored an empty net goal.  Back to Results

October 1, 2004 - Niagara Falls - 3-3 T:  The Rangers had their best outing of the season during the first two periods.  Jordan Watts had the hot hand, scoring twice.  Brett Runciman broke free on a breakaway and absolutely wired a shot to the top left corner.  The Rangers controlled the puck well and created a number of chances.  Heading into the break after the second period, the Rangers were up 3-1.  The Thunder came out strong in the third.  Although the Rangers were up by two goals, they appeared to take a few too many chances.  Niagara Falls took advantage, tying things up at 3-3.  Assists to Aaron Mirsky, Mickey MacDonald, Dan Hunt, Kyle Badham and Jamie Kulla.  Back to Results

October 3, 2004 - St. Catharines - 2-2 T:  Another good start by the Rangers.  They opened up a 1-0 lead.  St. Kitts gained the momentum during the second period.  By the end of the second period, the game was tied up at 2-2.  Despite some good chances, nothing was decided in the third.  Kyle Badham provided the offence, scoring both Ranger goals.  He put the puck in the net a third time, but the goal was disallowed (player in the crease).  The Oakville goalies, Graeme Moffatt and Jeremy Webster have had to be sharp this year, as the Rangers have been outshot in almost every game.  Last game, Moffatt made numerous tough saves to help the team earn a point.  This game, Webster did the same thing.  Assists to Jordan Watts, Aaron Mirsky, Tyson Theaker and John Kurtz.  Back to Results

October 16, 2004 - Welland - 5-0 W:  The Rangers picked up their first win of the regular season, adding an exclamation mark.  The MacDonald/Kurtz/Watts line moved the puck well and gave the Welland defence fits.   Jamie Kulla was a physical presence all night, dishing out several hard hits.  Aaron Mirsky scored a shorthanded goal that would have made any highlight reel, breaking in one on two, making a remarkable deke through both defenders and promptly wristing the puck through the five-hole.  At the other end of the ice, Graeme Moffatt stopped all shots directed at him, including by making one of his patented amazing glove saves.  Other Goals to Ben Bennett, Jordan Watts (2) and John Kurtz, with assists to Mirsky, Kurtz (2), Tyson Theaker and Mike Ide.    Back to Results

October 20, 2004 - Brampton - 3-3 T:  The Rangers scored first on a text-book play. Brett Runciman found Alex Crepinsek at the side of the net, who neatly tucked the puck in on the open side. The Battalion pounced on a lose puck in the Rangers' end to tie up the game. Two defensive breakdowns in the Oakville end were costly as the Battalion took a 3-1 lead into the third period. The Rangers responded with some intensity in the third period and tied up the game on goals by John Kurtz and Aaron Mirsky. The Rangers continued to press in the late stages of the game but Brampton held on to earn their first point of the season.  Other assists to Kyle Badham (2) and Alex Corrance.  Back to Results

October 24, 2004 - Brampton - 4-3 W:  Kyle Badham scored the Rangers' first two goals in the return match of a home and home set against Brampton.  Mark Friesen slid a backhand home for the third goal, with Brett Runciman rounding out the scoring. The Rangers got their first goal less than 10 seconds into the game. Brampton tied the game up twice before Oakville pulled out into the lead for good. The Rangers had to stay focused and be flexible in their positions, due to a slew of injuries. They did a good job and picked up two points for their effort. Assists to Aaron Mirsky, John Kurtz, Tyson Theaker (2) and Mickey MacDonald (2).  Back to Results

November 1, 2004 - St. Catharines - 5-5 T:  The Ranger fans enjoyed one of the teams' more consistent and well-rounded efforts this year.  All of the Ranger goals were nice ones.   Kyle Badham, Cedric Soubry and Jordan Watts each put shots into the top shelf.  Watts also scored on a clear shot, ripping the puck through the five hole.  Brett Runciman also got a clear shot and made the most of it.  The last Ranger goal, which was one of Watts' two goals, was scored with 9.8 seconds left in the game, with the Rangers' net empty.  Alex Crepinsek moved back to defence for this game and he got the hit of the night when a Sabre forward tried to cut across the slot.  All of the defenders did a good job keeping the puck in the Sabres' end.  Assists to Aaron Mirsky (2), Soubry (2) and John Kurtz (2).    Back to Results

November 5, 2004 - Guelph - 2-5 L:  The Rangers came out flying and played extremely well in the first period.  They kept the puck in the Storm end of the ice most of the period and allowed very few shots on net.  Their hard work was rewarded when Alex Corrance wired a shot from the blue line into the Storm goal, to give the team a 1-0 lead.  For a time, the team looked unbeatable.  However, the Rangers did not sustain the attack.  Starting in the second period, Guelph began capitalizing on coverage breakdowns.  Guelph gained the momentum and the Rangers did not earn it back.  The Ranger's second goal was scored by Jordan Watts, with assists in the game to Kyle Badham, Aaron Mirsky and John Kurtz.  Back to Results

November 11, 2004 - Niagara Falls - 2-3 L:  The first period was a tight checking affair, with only 5 shots on net by each team.  Niagara Falls broke open a 2-0 lead in the second.  Oakville got on the board on a goal by Alex Crepinsek.  Dan Hunt pinched in from the point and took a shot.  The puck deflected off the back boards out front to Crepinsek who buried it.  Urged on by Assistant Coach Wren, the team picked up their play in the third.  The Rangers put the puck in the net once, but it was called back.  They kept pressing and Jordan Watts scored to get them within one goal before time ran out.  Assists to Dan Hunt (2), Brett Runciman and Mickey McDonald.  Back to Results

November 16, 2004 - Halton Hills - 4-3 W: The Rangers carried forward with the success they achieved at the Brantford Showcase Tournament.  The game was enjoyable to watch.  It was obvious that both teams wanted the win.  Players on both teams pushed themselves hard.  The first two Ranger goals were unassisted.  Jamie Kulla scored on a seeing-eye shot from the point.  Alex Corrance benefited from a hard forecheck by Jacob Truant.  After Alex dumped it in, Jacob pressured the defender, who panicked and fired the puck off a teammate into his own net.  The turning point in the game came when the Hurricanes took two penalties.  Jordan Watts scored on the 5 on 3, then again on the 5 on 4.  The team took it a little too easy after building a lead.  The Hurricanes clawed their way back to within one goal.  However, the Rangers regained their composure and put the game in the win column.  Assists to Mike Ide, Dan Hunt and Alex Corrance.  Back to Results

November 18, 2004 - Hamilton - 1-1 T: Another game with a full team commitment to executing the game plan.  Coach Gringmuth was directing the troops from the bench and they responded well.  Hamilton had difficulty breaking out of their end and carrying the puck into the offensive zone.   The Rangers kept the puck in the Bulldogs end for much of the first half of the game, which remained scoreless until the end of the second period.  Hamilton picked up the first goal at about the nine minute mark.  Then, with less than 20 seconds left in the period, John Kurtz scored a beauty into the top right corner.  Murray Cruickshank picked up an assist on the goal.  The Rangers played  strong third period, but the game ended in a tie.  Back to Results

November 19, 2004 - Burlington - 2-2 T: "Oakville vs. Burlington" - say no more.  Odds are you are going to have a close, hotly contested game.  The new-look Eagles showed speed and grit, but had difficulty cracking the Rangers' team play.  Except for a rough start to the third period, the Rangers controlled more of the game.  Jordan Watts continued with his ongoing offensive contributions, scoring both Oakville Goals.  Mickey MacDonald and Dan Hunt earned two assists each.  Graeme Moffatt was outstanding in net, stopping everything he saw.  It was a back and forth battle.  The Rangers opened the scoring.  The Eagles tied it up with 30 seconds left in the second period, then took the lead in the third, only to see the Rangers tie it up.  While the tie was somewhat satisfying, one would hope that the players can push themselves and concentrate that much more in the future, to capitalize on their chances and earn wins in close games.  Back to Results

November 24, 2004 - Hamilton - 3-6 L:  A series of solid games, with all players carrying out the game plan, came crashing to an abrupt halt.  A game characterized by flat play and flubs by the Rangers had a predictable result - the team was outshot almost 3 to 1 and outscored 6 to 3.  The Rangers fans were left scratching their heads, hoping that this was just a blip in an otherwise good run.  To get back on track, the players will need to regain their focus and competitiveness.   Goals to John Kurtz (2) and Aaron Mirsky, with assists to Mark Friesen, Kyle Badham (2), Jamie Kulla, Jordan Watts and Mirsky.  Back to Results

December 1, 2004 - Welland - 5-1 W:  John Kurtz scored on a one-timer on the second shift of the game.  The team never looked back.  Several players were impressive.  Kurtz ended up with a hat-trick as he drove to the net over and over.  Kyle Badham got two goals, including a true "goal scorers" goal, and two assists and he made numerous high-end dekes.  Mickey MacDonald appeared to be everywhere, keeping his feet at both ends of the ice.  A solid team effort.  Other assists to MacDonald, Jordan Watts, Aaron Mirsky and Dan Hunt.  Back to Results

December 3, 2004 - Niagara Falls - 4-3 W:  The crazy way the Zamboni driver worked the ice before the game was an omen of things to come.  The Rangers were fighting the puck for most of the night, turning it over time after time.  Fortunately, they caught some breaks and got some nifty goals.  Brett Runciman won a race for the puck and pushed it towards the net on a semi-breakaway.  Tyson Theaker was there to shovel home the rebound.  After falling behind 2-1, the Rangers scored two goals in less than 20 seconds.  On the first, Mickey MacDonald passed out front from beside the net.  The puck deflected off a defender's skate and trickled into the net.  Jordan Watts scored soon after.  He took a pass on the fly, deked to the left and send in a backhand shot.  Jeremy Webster stopped at least three breakaways.  With time running out, Kyle Badham flew to the net, got one shot then scored the game-winner on his own rebound.  Assists to Runciman(2), Ben Bennett, Watts, MacDonald, Dan Hunt and Tyson Theaker.    Back to Results

December 5, 2004 - St. Catharines - 6-1 W:  The Rangers accomplished many firsts - the first time they won three games in a row; the first time they moved above the .500 mark; and the first time they scored on all power play opportunities (5 for 5).  John Kurtz scored twice - once on a patient shot from the slot and once while battling out front of the net.  Mike Ide scored on a sweet wrist shot from just outside the right circle.   Alex Crepinsek played with tremendous confidence, deking and moving the puck well.  He topped it off by scoring on a slapshot from the point - about a foot off the ice and just inside the left post.  Kyle Badham has been hot lately and scored another "goal scorers" goal into the top right corner.  Tyson Theaker picked up the last goal, also sending one into the top of the net.  Assists to Jordan Watts (2), Badham (2), Dan Hunt, Mickey MacDonald, Theaker, Ide and Alex Corrance.  This was probably the team's best game of the year, with respect to their effort from start to finish.   Back to Results

December 11, 2004 - Grey Bruce - 2-4 L:  The Highlanders used home ice to their advantage at the outset.  A player seemed to aim the puck beside the net, then he headed to the top of the circle.  The puck came back off the boards right to the spot and he scored.  It was a good physical battle and a close game.  Both Oakville goals were nice ones.  Alex Crepinsek took the puck up all the way up ice from his own end and scored an unassisted goal the same way the Highlanders got their first one.  He took a rebound off the back boards and fired it home.  John Kurtz scored on another of his drives to the net.  Mickey MacDonald sent the puck towards the net and Kurtz sent a great tip into the top corner.  Back to Results

December 12, 2004 - Halton Hills - 2-3 L:  It looked like the Rangers would dominate the game during the first period, but they did not score.  The team eventually found themselves down 3-0.  They turned it on at the end and scored two goals in the last three minutes.  Mickey MacDonald scored on a 5 on 3 power play [see photo].  Kyle Badham followed up in less than a minute, while the team enjoyed a one-man advantage [see photo].  Assists to Jordan Watts, Badham, Tyson Theaker and Mickey MacDonald.  Back to Results

December 17, 2004 - Brampton - 3-3 T:  The team has developed a frustrating pattern.  After enjoying success in a series of games, by playing as a team and competing hard, the players forget what made them successful and regress into a selfish and lackadaisical mode of play.  Tonight was one of the latter games.  To make matters worse, they did the inexcusable and underestimated their opponents.  Many Rangers seemed more interested in trying (unsuccessfully) to pad their offensive stats, rather than playing their positions and passing the puck.  Goals to Kyle Badham, Jordan Watts and Alex Corrance.  Assists to Aaron Mirsky, Jamie Kulla, Dan Hunt, Corrance, Mike Ide and Watts.  Back to Results

December 19, 2004 - Grey Bruce - 0-4 L:  The Rangers looked good early, playing well positionally, with energy.  Unfortunately, Grey Bruce scored at about the five minute mark and again soon after.  The Rangers had a difficult time getting the goal needed to get back into it.   Back to Results

December 22, 2004 - Brampton - 6-1 W:  [Writeup to follow]  Goals to Mike Ide, Mickey MacDonald (2), Jordan Watts, Kyle Badham and Aaron Mirsky.  Assists to Alex Crepinsek, Mirsky, Cruickshank, MacDonald, Jacob Truant, Watts (2) and John Kurtz.  Back to Results

January 3, 2005 - St. Catharines - 6-2 W:  After some hard work over the Christmas break, the Rangers put out one of their best efforts of the year.  Graeme Moffatt made some solid saves to hold fort during the first shift.  The Rangers then took control.  They took a 3-1 lead into the second period.  The Sabres scored at the opening of the period to make it 3-2, but there would be no comeback.  The Rangers turned it up and did not let the Sabres back into the game.  Jordan Watts got a hat-trick, scoring two of his goals quickly, late in the second.  The Rangers followed up with a power play goal to build a 6-2 lead that they never relinquished.  Other goals to John Kurtz, Kyle Badham and Robbie Luciantonio.  Assists to Watts, Aaron Mirsky, Tyson Theaker (2), Luciantonio, Badham and Mike Ide.  Back to Results

January 13, 2005 - Niagara Falls - 2-1 W:  It wasn't pretty, but it was a win.  The ice got rough and the puck seemed to be bouncing on edge much of the night, which made it difficult to emphasize a finesse game.  Fortunately, hard work pays off no matter what the ice is like, and the Rangers worked hard.  Patrick Marsh scored both Ranger goals.  He tipped a Jamie Kulla point shot into the bottom right corner of the net on the first goal.  He finished off a terrific tic-tac-toe play on the second.  Dan Hunt passed to Aaron Mirsky, who hit Marsh streaking towards the net.  Graeme Moffatt was tested in net.  He made at least three great saves to maintain the lead.  Assists to John Kurtz, Kulla, Mirsky and Hunt. Back to Results

January 15, 2005 - Guelph - 1-3 L:  A fast-flowing game with few penalties.  Guelph scored the first goal on a set-play after a faceoff.  The Rangers tied it up at the outset of the second, after sustained pressure to open the period.  The goal came on a fairly innocent looking play.  Alex Corrance sent in a low shot from the blue line and John Kurtz tipped it into the bottom right corner.  The Rangers created good opportunities to score, but did not add to their tally.  Assists to Corrance and Jordan Watts.  Back to Results

January 16, 2005 - Grey Bruce - 5-5 T:  The Rangers scored four goals in the first period.  Kyle Badham picked up a hat-trick before the game was half-way done.  In the first, he sent a rebound into the top right corner.  A mere 21 seconds later, he scored on another rebound.  In the second, on a power play, he received a pass out front and, knowing he was about to be hit, calmly deked right then sent the puck into the left side of the net.  John Kurtz got a nice short-handed goal, blocking the puck at the Ranger blue line, winning a race and scoring on a breakaway deke to the left.  Jordan Watts also scored a sweet goal, "zigging" left at the blue line, then "zagging" right, but handcuffing the goalie by firing a low accurate shot into the left side of the net trough a partial screen.  Over the years, Oakville teams have time and time again faced unacceptable "homerism" by referees in Grey Bruce home games.  This game was no exception.  In addition, the team seemed to change their mode of play in the third, laying back in an apparent attempt to protect the lead, rather than continuing to exert pressure and do the things that allowed them to control the game during the first two periods.  The Highlanders tied it up.  Assists to Jamie Kulla (2), Tyson Theaker and Kurtz.  Back to Results

January 20, 2005 - Hamilton - 1-4 L:  The Hamilton team kept their feet moving and dished out lots of hits.  They also took advantage of some turnovers.  The Rangers started out well during the first five minutes or so, but then had difficulty getting rolling.  The Oakville goal was a nice one.  Aaron Mirsky spotted Jordan Watts breaking down the right side.  Mirsky hit Watts with a pass even after being dragged down.  Kyle Badham drove for the net when Watts unleashed a hard low shot.  The shot resulted in a rebound, which Badham buried.  Both Mirsky and Watts received assists on the goal.  Back to Results

January 23, 2005 - Grey Bruce - 2-5 L:  Oakville jumped out to a quick start.  Less than two minutes in, Tyson Theaker intercepted a pass at the Highlanders' blue line and scored on a breakaway deke.  Grey Bruce worked its way to a 2-1 lead before the Rangers scored again in the second.  On a power play, Kyle Badham delivered a thunderous hit in the left corner of the Grey Bruce end.  The Rangers got control of the puck and Jordan Watts scored after a series of shots and rebounds.  The game was much closer than the score reflected.  The Rangers played well and outshot their opponents, but the Highlanders had the edge in finishing off their scoring changes.  A good show to watch, from a spectators' perspective.  Assists to John Kurtz and Badham.  Back to Results

January 25, 2005 - Halton Hills - 1-4 L:  The team never got rolling in this contest.  Halton Hills took advantage, stepping up their play while the Rangers appeared to lack energy.  The team clicked on one of its power plays.  Jordan Watts sent a crisp shot towards the net that John Kurtz tipped directly into the net.  Watts earned the only assist on the goal.  Back to Results

January 27, 2005 - Burlington - 4-1 W:  This time it was the Rangers' turn to take advantage of a sluggish opponent.  The Eagles scored early in the game, but it would be their last goal.  Once again, the Rangers seemed to have difficulty getting rolling.  However, they hung in there until things started going their way.  Jordan Watts scored the first two goals, the first on a screen shot and the second shorthanded.  On the shorthanded effort, he stole the puck at the Eagles blue line, faked a shot to the top right corner and scored on an accurate, low stick-side shot.  John Kurtz scored the third goal.  Aaron Mirsky scored another highlight-reel goal, tipping a one timer just under the crossbar.  Assists to Kyle Badham, Alex Corrance (2), Watts, Tyson Theaker and Dan Hunt.  Back to Results\

January 31, 2005 - Welland - 5-2 W:  The Rangers controlled the game from start to finish.  They built a commanding lead and did not let Welland get back into it.  John Kurtz picked up his second hat-trick of the year against Welland, including an unassisted goal.  Aaron Mirsky and Brett Runciman scored as well.  Assists to Tyson Theaker, Jordan Watts, Kyle Badham and Mickey MacDonald (2).   Back to Results

February 7, 2005 - Guelph - 4-0 W:  Guelph ran into penalty trouble, playing with very little discipline.  The Rangers took full advantage, scoring three power play goals.  The Rangers' defence played extremely well as a group.  They broke up a number of 2-on-1 opportunities and made it difficult for Guelph to get good shots on net.  When the good shots came, Graeme Moffatt was up to the task in net.  Mike Ide scored the first goal on a terrific shot from the point.  Jordan Watts scored next, taking a pass from John Kurtz and shooting into an open left side of the net.  On the third goal, Tyson Theaker shot from the blue line.  The puck snuck through the goalie and sat tantalizingly on the goal line until Ben Bennett slammed it home.  Theaker picked up the last goal of the game, sending a puck into the top of the net from the slot.  Assists to Alex Corrance, Aaron Mirsky, John Kurtz, Mickey MacDonald (2) and Theaker.  Back to Results

February 11, 2005 - Halton Hills - 3-1 W:  The Rangers showed a good energy level to start the game.  Captain Kurtz went on to lead the offence, chipping in on all three goals, and Jeremy Webster played well in net.  On the first goal, Kurtz and Kyle Badham worked the cycle to perfection, eventually feeding the puck out front to Brett Runciman, who scored on a one-timer.  Later, after being pinned in their own end for more than 30 seconds, Kurtz broke out and hit Tyson Theaker with a long pass.  Theaker flew across the net from right to left and scored on a backhand shot.  In the third, Kurtz took a pass at center ice and broke for the net.  He took a low hard shot and Mickey MacDonald slammed in the rebound.  Things got tough in the third period, because the Rangers were down to three defencemen and seven forwards.  To make matters worse, they had to kill some penalties as well.  They did well to fight to the end and maintain the lead.  Assists to Kurtz (3), Badham (2) and Jordan Watts.  Back to Results

February 12, 2005 - Grey Bruce - 1-5 L:  In this writer's opinion, the homerism of Grey Bruce referees is simply pathetic.  The league should really look into it.  Other teams likely agree that the Highlanders should have an asterix beside their record, to reflect the advantage their "homer" refs give them.  Tonight, the refs turned the game into a joke.  In any event, the Rangers were up against it, with only ten skaters.  Brett Runciman gave Oakville the lead before the refs started their games.  Due to the manpower shortage, at times the team had virtually no subs on the bench.  The boys worked hard and deserve credit.  John Kurtz got the lone assist.  Back to Results

February 14, 2005 - Guelph - 8-5 W:  Even though the Rangers came out strong and applied pressure early, Guelph picked up the first goal.  Oakville rebounded and took the lead, only to see Guelph tie the game before the end of the first.  The Rangers took control in the second and came out flying in the third, building an 8-2 lead.  Mickey MacDonald scored a hat-trick and both Aaron Mirsky and Jordan Watts scored twice.  Kyle Badham rounded out the scoring.  Guelph picked up more goals, but the Rangers sealed the win.  Assists to John Kurtz (4), Dan Hunt (2), Watts (2), MacDonald, Badham and Tyson Theaker.  Back to Results

February 18, 2005 - Burlington - 2-3 L:  This game somehow slipped away from the Rangers, despite their controlling much of it and putting in a nice effort.  There was a good pace, with both teams skating well.  Jordan Watts scored both Ranger goals.  On the first, an Eagle went to hit Watts in the corner, but got the worst of it.  Watts headed for the net and scored off a pass from Alex Crepinsek.  Aaron Mirsky started off the second goal, hitting the Eagle defenceman hard and stopping a break-out.  John Kurtz passed to Watts, who slipped left and scored on a backhand.  Don Cherry watched the game from the stands.  Assists to Crepinsek and Kurtz.  Back to Results

February 20, 2005 - Burlington - 1-1 T:  The Rangers and the Eagles don't like each other, they want to beat the other and they don't mind mixing it up.  This all adds up to entertaining hockey.  The game was fast-paced and included good battles and hard hits.  The Eagles spent a lot of time in the penalty box, which gave the Rangers opportunities to score.  In the end, each team scored only one goal.  Oakville's goal was a nice one.  Aaron Mirsky hammered his man and kept the puck in the Eagles' zone.  Kyle Badham headed for the net, where Alex Crepinsek found him with a pass.  Badham controlled the puck, deked the goalie and launched a hard shot into the netting.  Crepinsek picked up the lone assist.  Back to Results

February 22, 2005 - Welland - 8-1 T:  John Kurtz must wish he could play Welland every game.  He picked up five points, including his third hat-trick of the year against Welland,  In four games against Welland, he has averaged more than three points per game.  Oakville jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and just kept scoring.  The highlight of the game came in the second period.  Tyson Theaker passed to Dan Hunt, who scored his first goal of the year.  Goals to Brett Runciman, Kurtz (3), Hunt, Kyle Badham and Aaron Mirsky.  Assists to Kurtz (2), Theaker (3), Mirsky, Mike Ide, Runciman (2) and Mark Friesen.  Back to Results

February 25, 2005 - Halton Hills - 3-3 T:  Halton had the edge in chances in the first period, but there was no scoring.  The Rangers capitalized on Halton's penalty trouble in the second, taking a 1-0 lead.  The Hurricanes tied it up soon after.  The Rangers scored two more power play goals to take a 3-1 lead, but did not hold it.  Mickey MacDonald had a three-point night, with two goals and one assist.  Mike Ide scored the third goal on a hard point shot.  Other assists to Kyle Badham (2) and John Kurtz.  Back to Results

February 27, 2005 - Brampton - 5-1 W:  The Rangers finished the regular season by trouncing the Battalion.  The first two goals were similar, with Kyle Badham and Jordan Watts deking the goalie out of his socks.  John Kurtz set up the third.  While he was being dragged down, Kurtz made a tape-to-tape pass to Watts, who was streaking for the net.  Watts scored easily.  Tyson Theaker scored the fourth goal when Brampton lost control of the puck in the slot.  Kurtz scored the last Ranger goal, pulling a rebound to the right of the net and beating the Battalion goalie.  Assists to Watts, Kurtz, Badham, Mickey MacDonald and Alex Crepinsek.  Back to Results

OMHA Qualifying Weekend

After taking some tough losses in round robin play, the door was barely open to squeeze through at the SCTA Qualifying Tournament. The Rangers seized their opportunity and earned a spot in the OMHA AAA Championships.

Just before their last game of the round robin, it looked like their season was over. As they waited to play, the Rangers only hope was to defeat Niagara Falls after a tie between Guelph and Burlington. If either team won, the Rangers would be eliminated before their final round robin game even started.  Guelph was up 3-1 in the third. The Rangers opportunity arose when the game ended in an unlikely 4-4 tie. The inspired Rangers went on to defeat Niagara Falls 6-3.

As a reward, Oakville came up against Hamilton, the reigning OMHA Champions, on their home ice, in a do-or-die game. Hamilton had cruised through the round robin, winning all four games, scoring 24 goals and giving up only 5 goals. Oakville had not beaten Hamilton all year. The atmosphere was electric, with hundreds of fans and dozens of Ontario Hockey League scouts in the stands.

Oakville got off to a nice start, with captain John Kurtz scoring on a power play about five minutes in. Hamilton responded with its own power play goal a couple minutes later. Early in the second, the Rangers went up 2-1 on a spectacular goal by Jordan Watts. Mickey MacDonald won a race down the right boards and wired a pass out front of the net. Watts tipped it perfectly into the top left corner. Late in the second, Hamilton scored two unanswered goals.

As the Rangers emerged from their dressing room after the flood between periods, they knew they needed to score at least twice to move on. They would not be denied. Mickey MacDonald tied it up on a power play early in the third. Then, about four minutes in, the puck took an odd bounce off the glass on a shoot in. Aaron Mirsky was driving hard on the forecheck and the puck ended up on his stick with a gaping net in front of him. Mirsky drilled home the winning goal.

Hamilton poured it on, but between the solid goaltending of Jeremy Webster and terrific work by the defence, the Rangers held the lead.  Mike Ide make a great play.  A Bulldog had broken in and deked to the left.  Just before he could put the puck in the Rangers' net, Mike caught up, reached out and got just enough of the Bulldog's stick to knock the puck away.

Jamie Kulla, Mickey MacDonald, Jordan Watts and Alex Corrance earned assists in the game.

Here is a summary of the round robbing games:

Halton Hills: 0-3 loss. Halton Hills had more jump in their play and made the most of their scoring opportunities. No scoring by Oakville.

Burlington 3-1 win: Kyle Badham scored the first goal on a power play. Burlington scored half way through the second and the game remained tied until Mike Ide scored late in the third. Mickey MacDonald added an empty net goal. Assists to Alex Corrance and Jordan Watts (2).

Guelph 2- 4 loss: this game was a heartbreaker, as the Rangers went into the third period with a 2-0 lead. John Kurtz and Aaron Mirsky scored, with assists to Mike Ide (2), Jordan Watts and Alex Corrance. Guelph got the winning goal with just over a minute to play and added an empty net goal.

Niagara Falls 6-3 win: The Rangers needed a win and they came up large. Tyson Theaker potted a hat-trick. John Kurtz, Kyle Badham and Alex Corrance notched singles, with assists to Ben Bennett (2), Badham (2), Kurtz, Mickey MacDonald and Brett Runciman. Goaltender Graeme Moffatt played great and went 2 for 2 in the tournament.   Back to SCTA Qualifying Scores

OMHA AAA Championships

For many people, the first reaction might be to feel disappointed that the team did not advance to a medal game in this highly competitive tournament.  Given time to reflect, however, one is struck by the talent, the hard work and the accomplishments achieved by the Rangers, who displayed a strong will to win. 

This team will no doubt undergo significant changes after this year.  Many of the current players have competed together for many years.  It has been a real treat to watch the team play and it was rewarding to see such a good effort in their last game together - the game against Clarington.  As parents, we thank and appreciate the players and coaches for their efforts and successes.

March 18, 2005 - Grey Bruce - 2-2 T:  Grey Bruce scored on a rebound, a few minutes into the game, on a power play.  The Rangers tied things up early in the second stanza.  Tyson Theaker led a 3-on-1 that was broken up.  He stayed with the play, got the puck behind the net and scored on a wrap-around.  Things looked bleak late in the game.  Grey Bruce scored with 53 seconds left, on a disputed goal.  It looked like the net was off the moorings and the puck was high-sticked in.  However, the referee had a good view of the play and ruled that the goal would count.  The Rangers proved that you should never give up on a game.  With the Rangers' net empty and only two seconds left to play, Mike Ide got the puck at the point.  He took a snap shot that was tipped into the net by Mickey MacDonald just milliseconds before the final buzzer sounded.  In the end, that last second goal would prevent the Highlanders from playing in the gold medal game.  Kyle Badham picked up two assists and Ide earned one.

March 18, 2005 - Hamilton - 1-5 L:  The Bulldogs appeared to be out for revenge from the SCTA tournament two weeks earlier.  They got their revenge.  They were quicker and won most of the races and battles.  John Kurtz broke Hamilton's shutout late in the third on an unassisted goal.  He shot from a sharp angle and caught the Bulldogs goalie by surprise.

March 19, 2005 - Central Ontario - 3-4 L:  The Rangers carried much of the play in this game, but Central Ontario capitalized on more of their opportunities.  Late in second, after a good battle for the puck by Mickey MacDonald, the puck worked its way to John Kurtz behind the net.  Kurtz scored on a wrap-around and it felt like the Rangers were going to win this game.  However, the Wolves scored early in the third period to take a 4-2 lead.  A later goal by Jordan Watts made it close.  Mike Ide scored the first Ranger goal.  He had a strong tournament and was particularly dangerous on the power play.  Assists to Alex Corrance, MacDonald and Ide.

March 19, 2005 - Clarington - 2-3 L:  Both teams had reason to be hungry for a win and it showed in their play.  Oakville needed a win to make the medal round.  Clarington needed a win to make the gold medal game.  The Rangers were undaunted by the fact that Clarington is ranked 4th in Ontario.  The Rangers knew they could win this game and they played with confidence.  Jordan Watts scored the first goal of the game on a one-timer during a power play.  Clarington scored the next two goals.  Just like in the Hamilton game two weeks earlier, the Rangers entered the third behind by one goal.  They tied it up at the 8:58 mark.  Jordan Watts kept the puck in at the blue line and passed to an open John Kurtz.  Kurtz wired a shot into the low right corner.  Jeremy Webster had a strong game in net, including stopping a point-blank shot with just over 4 minutes to play.  However, soon after the following faceoff, the Rangers lost the puck behind their own net and Clarington ended up with a goal.  Assists to Mickey MacDonald, Mike Ide and Watts.  Back to OMHA Championship Scores

Tournament Games - Minor Midget

September 10, 2004 - Chatham - 4-4 T:  The Rangers got off to a slow start in the first game of the tournament and found themselves down by a pair of goals in the early portion of the game.  The Rangers answered the call.  The game ended up tied at 4-4, with the Rangers proving that they can come back from a deficit.  Goals to Kyle Badham (2), John Kurtz and Tyson Theaker, with assists to Badham, Murray Cruickshank, Aaron Mirsky (2), Kurtz, Dan Hunt, Jordan Watts and Cedric Soubry.  Back to Results

September 11, 2004 - Sun County - 1-1 T:  A well-played and hard fought game, with both teams trying to best the other.  The Rangers' goalie, Graeme Moffatt, and the Panthers' goalie both played well.  There were a number of solid body checks.  The Rangers' penalty killing was outstanding, limiting  the Panthers to one shot on goal.  Cedric Soubry scored the loan Rangers' goal unassisted, on a mad goal-mouth scramble.  Sun County tied it up on a tip-in with about seven minutes left in the game.  Back to Results

September 11, 2004 - Grey Bruce - 1-2 L:  The Highlanders came out flying through the first two periods but the Rangers weathered the storm, thanks in part to strong goaltending by Jeremy Webster.  Late in the second period, John Kurtz feathered a perfect pass to Aaron Mirsky, who redirected the puck past the sprawling goaltender.  Kyle Badham picked up an assist on the play.  The Rangers carried the one-goal lead into the third, when Grey-Bruce heavily outshot them, eventually scoring the two goals they needed to clinch the win and a birth in the championship game.  Back to Results

September 11, 2004 - Lambton - 2-1 W:  Power plays and penalty killing made the difference in this game.  The Rangers scored on a well-executed power play when Mike Ide stepped in from the point and picked the top corner for the go-ahead goal.  Lambton replied with their own power play marker.  John Kurtz scored the winning goal unassisted while the Rangers were short-handed.  Kurtz proved that it never hurts to direct the puck towards the net.  He iced it on net and the puck hopped over the goalie's stick and trickled into the empty net.  Assists to Soubry and Hunt.  Back to Results

 

Brantford Showcase Tournament

November 12, 2004 - Huron Perth - 4-3 W:  The team started off the tournament well.  They showed good team play and appeared to be buying into the game plan, which paid dividends.  The Rangers carried much of the play, although they had to battle back from a deficit.  The game was marred by numerous unusual penalty calls.  The Rangers handled the situation better than their opponents and came away with a well-earned win.  Jordan Watts got a hat-trick.  John Kurtz scored the other goal.  Assists to Mickey MacDonald(2), Cedric Soubry, Dan Hunt, Kyle Badham, Aaron Mirsky and Jamie Kulla.  Back to Results

November 12, 2004 - London - 3-3 T:  The Rangers would have preferred the win, but still took some satisfaction from the tie.  They continued with their solid team play.  They also began to go to the net more often and with more commitment and they were rewarded with goals.  The London players were becoming visibly frustrated, because they knew that anything less than a win would knock them out of the tournament.  Undaunted, the Rangers continued to play well.  John Kurtz scored two goals and Grant Kozlik scored one.  Assists to Jamie Kulla (2), Kyle Badham, Mickey MacDonald, Alex Crepinsek and Jordan Watts.  Back to Results

November 12, 2004 - Elgin-Middlesex - 0-1 L:  The team completed the round robin with another very good game.  The defence was strong and the whole team battle well throughout the game.  In the end, Elgin-Middlesex won a squeaker that could have gone either way.  Three points were not enough to get the team to the playoff round.  Even so, fans left the tournament pleased with the team's effort and hopeful that it marks a turning point in the season.  Back to Results

 

Bell New Year's Invitational - Barrie

January 7, 2005 - Ottawa Valley Titans - 4-1 W:  The Rangers played solid, coming off one of their better efforts of the year in the previous regular season game.  They built a 2-0 lead going into the third period.  At the outset of the third, the Titans mounted a high-pressure attempt at comeback.  The Rangers buckled, but did not break.  After the Titans came to within one goal, and then almost tied it, Oakville took flight and scored twice more.  Special teams work paid dividends, with the Rangers scoring four power play goals.  Goals to Aaron Mirsky, John Kurtz, Kyle Badham and Mickey MacDonald.  Assists to Dan Hunt, Kurtz (2), Jordan Watts, Badham, Murray Cruickshank and Mirsky.  Back to Results

January 8, 2005 - Markham Islanders - 2-3 L:  There was excited anticipation as the team prepared to meet the Islanders, who had just won the Marlies Christmas Tournament.  The Rangers were well up for the challenge.  They came out flying and were relentless in battling for the puck, wining races and playing physical.  To the delight of the Ranger fans, they showed what they are capable of, and their play was impressive.  The Rangers were dominating the game and getting most of the scoring opportunities, culminating in a goal by Tyson Theaker late in the first period.  He ripped a hard, low slapshot into the left side of the net on a rush down the right side.  Mickey MacDonald scored a terrific goal in the second.  He broke past the Islander defender on a nifty deke.  He managed to pass the puck out front while being dragged down.  He quickly got up, just on time to fire in a rebound from a sharp angle.  The Islanders scored with about five minutes left in the second.  The Rangers continued to pour it on, getting two great scoring chances shorthanded - one by Jordan Watts and one by Aaron Mirsky.    After the break between the second and third period, the Rangers appeared to change their style of play somewhat.  They were holding back, playing more defensively.  The Islanders pressed hard, scoring the tying goal with 10:42 to play and the winning goal with 1:40 to play in the third.  Assists to Jamie Kulla and Watts (2).   Back to Results

January 8, 2005 - Barrie Colts - 2-2 T:  The Rangers came out flat in the last game of the round robin.  They needed a win to move on, but could only muster a tie.  The prospects of moving on to the playoff round looked  good at the outset.  John Kurtz scored 21 seconds into the game, on a power play.  Barrie tied it up with six minutes left in the first.  The Colts took the lead in the second on a penalty shot.  The Rangers tied the game in the third on a backhand-backhand play.  Mickey MacDonald gained the puck in the right corner and passed it to the front right of the net.  John Kurtz received the pass and found Jordan Watts at the front left on a backhand pass.  Watts launched a backhand shot into the left side of the net.  Assists to Jordan Watts, Jamie Kulla, MacDonald and Kurtz.  Back to Results