Rangers on the Rebound

GRIMSBY (Mar. 6) — After a frustrating and disappointing overtime loss at home in Game 2, the Glanbrook Rangers bounced back with a vengeance and put themselves right back into contention in the Bloomfield Division final series with a compelling 4-1 victory over the Grimsby Peach Kings. Grimsby now holds a 2-1 series lead.

Far from being downcast after their 5-4 OT loss earlier in the week, the Rangers charged out of the gate in front of a huge home crowd at Peach King Arena, outshooting the hosts 11-4 in a first period from which they emerged with a 1-0 lead on a goal by Aiden LeBlanc, a minor hockey callup. That in itself was another boost for the Rangers, who were without two of their top scorers — Connor McQuhae, who was injured in Game 1 of this series and captain Noah Matteson, who was serving a suspension incurred in Game 2.

But the Rangers’ supporting cast stepped into the breach and powered the team to its first win and the first game decided by more than one goal. Cooper Hood’s seventh goal of the post-season was the only marker of the second period as Glanbrook extended their lead to 2-0.

David Cherubin connected for his first of the playoffs with an unassisted effort at 12:42 of the third period. Matt Wright finished off Glanbrook’s scoring at 17:08 after Jack Venneri had pulled this Peach Kings to within two goals at 14:35. Matt Lukic turned in a 26-save performance to earn his sixth post-season victory for Glanbrook.

Another key factor in the triumph was Glanbrook’s ability to stymie the Peach Kings’ power play, which had accounted for three of the six goals Grimsby had amassed so far in the series. The Peach Kings were 0-for-4 with the man advantage and, while Glanbrook was 0-for-5, the Rangers have consistently been able to outscore Grimsby while playing at even strength.

NOTES: Leblanc, who played in three regular season games for the Rangers, spent most of this season with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs midget AAAs and also saw action in two games with Thorold Blackhawks of the GOJHL … Daniel Vella, another Jr. Bulldog, also suited up for the Rangers, contributing an assist on Hood’s goal.