Kitchener Rangers drop the puck on a new season [Video]

The Kitchener Rangers returned to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Friday to the roar of thousands of eager fans.

The Rangers opened their 62nd OHL season by hosting the Erie Otters.

Team officials say more than 6,500 tickets were sold for the opener. It was the most tickets sold for a Rangers home opener since the start of the pandemic.

The Rangers are coming off a second round defeat to the London Knights during last year’s OHL playoffs.

The new season represents a fresh start for many players, and a new feel for the team. Several big names from the last few years, including Carson Rehkopf, Matthew Sop, Mitchell Martin and Simon Motew are now longer with the team.

However, other returning players said they are up to the challenge as they step into new roles.

“It’s an honour being captain of such a prestigious organization,” newly minted captain Matthew …