Junior Rangers come up Big in EHL Showcase

The Junior Rangers EHLteam came into the Christmas Shocase, locates in Simsbury, CT, looking to get above .500 in the standings. In order to do that the team needed to win all 3 games. That is what they did 

It all started on Friday against the New York Bobcats. The Rangers came out strong in the game. They applied pressure all over the ice.  The Rangers were able to get on the board with a goal by Nick Aleva 5 minutes into the game.  However, the Bobcats were able to get on the board a minute and half later to make it 1-1. The Rangers took the lead for good at 10:58 of the first with a goal from Chris Hinrichs and then again 5 minutes later with a goal from Drew Dawson. The Bobcats added a goal late to make it a final of 3-2 

The Rangers killed off 6 of 7 power plays and Cole Burak had 26 saves.

The second game of the weekend saw the Rangers pick up a 4-2 win against the New York Applecore. The rangers jumped out on the Applecore quick and often. The Rangers scored 3 in the first twelve minutes of the game.  Greg Stoya started the scoring off a minute into the game.  Alan Boozer scored the second one on a short handed penalty shot. Garrett Otten finished the Rangers first period scoring off with finishing a nice passing play from Boozer and Theodoulou. 

The Applecore scored 2 in the second half.  But Nick Aleva finished off the Applecore finishing a Chris Hinrichs shot from the point. The rangers killed off 7 penalties and Cole Burack made 27 saves. 

The Junior Rangers finished off the un-defeated weekend with a 2-0 win over Wilkes Barre Scranton. The game was was played with an early morning start time.  Both teams came out sluggish in the first half. The second half saw the Rangers scored 2 in the second half. Both goals were scored by Alan Boozer. The first coming on the power play off a pass from Tyler Theodoulou.  The second came off nice puck movement of the defensive pair of Chardon and Standish, getting the puck too Boozer who finished scored the goal and finish off Wilkes-Barre. 

Cole Burack had 43 saves and finished the weekend off 3-0 to lead the Rangers into the break with a 13-12-2-2. They start the second half against against the Boston Bandits, who they look to catch in the standings, on January 8th at 1pm at Breakaway Ice Center. 

Boston Jr. Rangers: Top scoring line laying on the hurt with showcase approaching

Looking back on the Boston Jr. Rangers’ last six games before the EHL Showcase in Connecticut, it would be tough to point out the immediate positives.

The team went 2-3-1 from the start of the showcase they hosted in late November/early December through Dec. 13. This week’s showcase sees them play three games between Dec. 20 through Dec. 22 at the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury, Conn.

After those games, the Rangers have a break from games until Jan. 8.

Looking into the scoresheets, the Rangers were certainly excited to go into the Connecticut weekend with their top line simply on fire.

Leading the charge are returning players captain Tyler Theodoulou (nine points in those six games) and alternate captain Alan Boozer (eight points in five games).

The ’93-born Bedford, N.H., native Theodoulou scored 28 points in 41 games in his first year with the Rangers, and he’s already more than matched that with 30 points in 26 games.

Boozer, who started the year with the Trenton Golden Hawks (Ontario Junior League), had 21 points in his first 24 games this year after scoring 28 points in 44 games in 2012-13.

“Boozer and Theodoulou have been on a tear. They play really well together. When Alan came back to the team, I knew immediately I’d be putting them back together. They played most of the season last year together,” said head coach Mario Martiniello. “It wouldn’t take long before they’d start to click.”

Their linemate is Garritt Otten, a first-year Ranger who played a few games for the Laconia Leafs in the Atlantic Junior League last year. He had 16 points in 25 games.

“Garritt is creeping up with points. He’s a real thinker out there, he sees the ice well, and both Boozer and Theodoulou bring a lot of energy,” said Martiniello.

Garrett Chardon was the Rangers’ captain last year and played for the Boston Jr. Bulldogs before that franchise was sold to the Rangers organization. He rejoined the Rangers after starting the season with the P.A.L. Junior Islanders (USPHL), and he had five points in his first eight EHL games.

“He missed being with us and he enjoyed his time with us last year,” said Martiniello. “We were thrilled to get him back. He’s one of the better defenseman in the league.”

Chardon has attracted attention from Division 1 and 3 schools, with the U.S. Military Academy (Army) being his top choice, but no decisions have been made yet.

Another new acquisition, Cole Burack, joined the Rangers prior to their Nov. 22 game. He had three wins already and four losses, one of which saw him make 62 saves in a 6-5 loss to the Northern Cyclones on Dec. 5.

“He gave up just three goals in three showcase games,” said Martiniello.

- See more at: http://www.usajuniorhockey.com/2013/12/boston-jr-rangers-top-scoring-line-laying-on-the-hurt-with-showcase-approaching/#sthash.kOYMkDRy.dpuf

EHL Loses tough one to Little Flyers

The Rangers came into the game with the Little Flyers looking to avenge an early season loss 4-0.  The First half was an up and down game with both teams getting multiple scoring chance. again the Rangers played a very strong defensive game.  While the Little flyers posted 15 shots in the half, most of them came from the outside, where Burack steered them aside.

The second period the Rangers were able to get the offensive game going.  For the first 10 minutes of the period it was all the Rangers.  At the 7 Minute mark it was the line of Theodoulou, Boozer and Otten that put the Rangers on the board with continuos pressure. It was Theodoulou that scored off some nice puck movement by the trio.

The rangers continued to control the game until the 13 minute mark off the period.  With the Flyers coming in on a 2 on 2.  With the flyers forward crashing into Burack, and no call on the play, the flyers were able to slip the puck by a sprawling Burack for the goal.

The Flyers went up on top on the power play goal at the 16 minute mark, off a questionable call to put them on the power play.  The Rangers pressured the rest of the game, but were unable to put one by the flyers goalie.

Junior Rangers Start Thanksgiving Showcase Strong

The Jr Rangers looked to get the ball rolling early against the NJ Rockets.  That is just what they did, Alan boozer scored just 30 seconds into the game.  He banged home rebound off a shot from Mason Nichols.

The Junior Rangers would struck again half way through the period with Tyler Theodoulou stealing a puck and walking in scoring to put the Rangers up 2-0.

The Rangers played an extremely strong defensive game.  While the Rockets are young and very skilled, with multiple players already committed to D1 schools.  The rangers held the Rockets high flying attack to only 19 shots.  When did get a quality scoring chance, Cole Burack was there to turn them away.

The game ended with the score 2-0