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.
