One Jamboree, three games, a skills competition and some pond hockey added up to another super weekend for the KV Novice Rangers.

Game 1: Rangers get the Blues.

 The Ranger’s first game of the weekend was against the speedy Dieppe Blues.  In true Ranger’s fashion, the game was a nail biter.  The teams matched each other goal for goal until late in the third when the Blues took a one goal lead and held on to win the game by a score of 3-2.  Scoring for the Rangers were Edward MacDonald and Brayden Stanley, with assists going to Caelum Snow and Sean Jones.   “The game could have gone either way.” said Coach Andrew Jones after the game, adding “We had a few unlucky bounces and some unfortunate calls.”    Assistant Coach Mike Stackhouse gave props to the kid's work ethic, saying, “Show me a team that works harder than ours?  What a great effort, they should be proud”.

Game 2:  Rangers edged by the Capitals.

In game two of the Jamboree, the Rangers had their hands full against powerful Dieppe/Memramcook Capitals.  Not surprisingly, it was another close contest.  The Capitals got off to an early lead, but the Rangers quickly answered with a few goals of their own.  The turning point came late in the third when Edward MacDonald's penalty shot, which appeared to go in, was waved off by the ref.  This gave the Capitals some momentum and they were able to hold off the Rangers to take the game 5-4.  Getting goals for the Rangers were Cade Nadeau, Kyle Gould, Edward MacDonald and Kegan MacLean.  Ethan Saunders, Ben Fullerton and Jack Breckenridge picked up the assists.  Asked for his thoughts after the game, Coach Stackhouse said, "If that penalty shot had counted, this game would have had a different ending. The boys can be proud of their effort though. They gave it their all."

Celebration of skills:

The highlight of the weekend was the Celebration of Skills event on Saturday Night.  

 Representing the Rangers were: 

• Brayden Stanley - Fastest Skater
• Ryan MacNeill - Fastest Skater with a puck
• Ben Fullerton - Shootout
• Goalie Joey MacPhail - Shootout.  

The entire Rangers team came out to cheer and support their teammates.   The boys did well, all finishing with great performances.  Coach Jones was impressed with both the participants and the boys in the stands. "Events like this bring the team closer together.  You can see they are now more than just teammates, they are all friends.  What a great group of kids!"

Game 3:  Rangers tame the Riverview Wild

The Rangers saved their best performance for the last game of the weekend when they took on the Riverveiw Wild.  The teams exchanged goals in the 1st and each added 3 more in  the second to set up an exciting 3rd period.  Tied 5-5 with only seconds to go, Birthday Boy Ryan MacNeill buried the puck on a breakaway to give the Rangers their first win of the weekend.  This was truly the most exciting game of the year so far.  The fans, from both teams,were literally on their feet for the last few minutes of the game.  The Ranger’s goals were scored by Ryan MacNeill, Noah Hyslop, Kegan MacLean and Mathew Beach.  Nabbing the assists were Trent McGrath, Ethan Saunders, Ben Fullerton and Cade Nadeau.  Head Coach Andrew Jones was impressed with both teams , "Wow what a great game. Both teams played hard and gave us a good show.  What an intense game. It felt like the Stanley Cup play-offs."  Coach Stackhouse was happy to see the boys finally get rewarded with a win. "What an awesome effort.  Not just today but the whole weekend. Win or lose, this was some of the best hockey they played all year!"