For the dedicated traveler: 10 away games Kitchener Rangers fans won’t want to miss this season

 

  1. Sunday October 11 @ Mississauga Steelheads, 2:00 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 50 minutes
    • An easy trip down the 401 and one of the shortest trips for Rangers fans. Dawson Carty returns to his old barn, and it is assumed that he will get the start. The Steelheads look poised to have a better season than last, where they recorded a 25-40-2-1 record. Mississauga is one of the favourites for Rangers fans where roadtrips are concerned, considering it is a short trip, parking is free and good seats are not hard to come by.
  2. Saturday October 17 @ Barrie Colts, 7:30 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    • What else to do on a Saturday night? The Barrie Colts are coming off a strong season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference. They have lost two of their leading scorers from last season, and two of their best defencemen. An exciting player to watch on the Colts is Andrew Mangiapane,  a 100+ season is on the horizon. Parking at the Barrie Molson Centre is free and walking up to get tickets does not pose any issues. If you are looking for a delicious meal before the game, try the Horsepower Bar and Grill, located inside the arena.
  3. Saturday November 14 @ Owen Sound Attack, 7:30 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 2 hours
    • Saturday night hockey is a ritual for the Attack, so expect lots of dedicated hockey fans who know their team. They will tell you like it is and show lots of passion in doing so. This makes for a heated rivalry and some exciting hockey. One of the smallest arenas in the OHL, it is easy to navigate and gives an old time feel. The Owen Sound Attack have recently acquired a familiar name to many Rangers fans, Josh Sterk. Expect him to come out hard versus the team who first traded him. He was traded from London to Owen Sound in the off season.
  4. Friday November 20 @ London Knights, 7:30 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    • Every Rangers fan needs to do a London trip at least once. When the Rangers win it is one of the most fun experiences ever, but when if they lose, it will be one of the worst hockey experiences of your life (try to be calm and not lose your cool!). The Knights are known for their passionate and ‘in your face’ fans, becoming the biggest rivalry for the Rangers. Budweiser Gardens is an exciting place to watch hockey and they pack the house every night. Expect theatrics and passion, and your new favourite place besides the Aud to watch a hockey game. Parking is not free (expect to pay 5-10 dollars depending on where), and it is a slight nightmare leaving the game afterwards due to being located in the downtown core. Ladies, wear comfortable shoes! All this being said, it is definitely worth the hassle.
  5. Sunday December 13 @ Windsor Spitfires, 2:05 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 3 hours
    • Dedicated fans love this trip. One of the worst three hour drives ever, although it gives you something to do on a Sunday. Bring coffee and good music on this trip. The Spitfires are coming off a mediocre season, missing the playoffs and never really clicking as a team. This trip is always a fun one, parking is free and it’s a pretty easy and hassle free process. Expect a great game and to see lots of Rangers fans at this one.
  6. Thursday December 31 @ Niagara IceDogs, 6:00 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    • One of the not so fun drives, as you are almost guaranteed to hit traffic. Leave extra time for this one. That being said, this game is on New Years Eve! Booking a hotel and spending New Years in Niagara after this game would be a blast. As for the hockey, Brian Brosnan is making a return to his old team. Expect a physical game from him and hopefully a point or two to make this one special. The new Meridian Centre is not one of my favourites, the parking is a slight nightmare (there is only one small lot, all others have to park in municipal parking) and the arena layout is slightly confusing. That being said, if you haven’t checked it out you definitely should.
  7. Sunday January 3 @ Guelph Storm, 2:00 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 30 mins
    • An easy and quick drive down highway 7. A big rivalry that calls for an exciting game. Expect to see tons of Rangers fans at this one. The Storm are always physical against the Rangers. This causes our boys to work and hit extra hard. The Sleeman Centre is a great place for a hockey game. This will be one of your favourites.
  8. Saturday February 6th @ Flint Firebirds, 7:30 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 3 hours 30 mins
    • New team, new roadtrip! Not sure what to expect for this one, but the intrigue should make it interesting. A long trip and one for the dedicated Rangers fans. The Firebirds should put up a good fight against one of the best in the OHL, and this will make for an exciting game. This is a return close to home for many of our players, including Darby Llewellyn and Doug Blaisdell.
  9. Monday February 15 @ Hamilton Bulldogs, 2:00 pm
    • Estimated travel time: 1 hour
    • Another new team coming to the table this season. This is one of the most exciting games all year, with lots of anticipation leading up. We’ve got the questions surrounding the new market of Hamilton, and the questions surrounding former Rangers head coach Troy Smith who is now the head coach of Hamilton. Expect Troy to have his boys firing for this game. This is a game he will want to win and to make a point in doing so. The newest face of the Bulldogs is Matthew Strome, younger brother of Islanders player and former OHLer Ryan Strome.
  10. Saturday February 27 @ Oshawa Generals, 2:05pm
    • Estimated travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
    • The 2015 Memorial Cup Champions. So much talent and so much poise. Lots of high end talent to watch in this game. The GM Centre is a great place to watch hockey, hassle free and great seating. Goaltender Ken Appleby is a player to watch this game.

The Rangers open their season at home on Friday September 26, followed by their first road game in North Bay on Thursday October 1.