Rangers sweep Colts; win J. Ross Robertson trophy

For the first time since 2007-2008, the Kitchener Rangers are OHL champions, defeating the Barrie Colts 4-2 in game four of the OHL Final.

The Rangers will represent the OHL in the Memorial Cup in Kelowna May 22 - 31.

The Rangers hopped out to an early lead thanks to forward Luca Romano. Gabriel Chiarot then put the Rangers up two thanks to a short handed marker.

The Colts hung around in the second period finally capitalizing on the powerplay with Emil Hemming scoring his 15th of the playoffs.

Eamon Edgar tied the game halfway through the third but just two minutes later, Christian Humphreys scored the go ahead goal.

As the final horn sounded, the Colts surrounded goaltender Ben Hrebik before shaking hands and saluting the crowd who gave the team a standing ovation.

After the game, head coach Dylan Smoskowitz said despite the result he’s proud of the team.

“It’s heartbreaking. I love this group,” said Smoskowitz. “I would trade every game I ever played as a player to relive this season. That’s how much this year meant to me.”

Adding the team competed until the very end, even with the odds against them.

“To lose two games in overtime, game one, you’re tied 2-2. Go into third even here to one goal game, that’s a bounce or two,” said Smoskowitz. “We’re not talking about a whole player or a whole line or anything like that. That’s 1 or 2 bounces and we’re up in this series.”

Brad Gardiner, who played his last game as a Barrie Colt in game four said this year was one of the best.

“Sad. Obviously this season see the season come to an end. I think all of us collectively kind of agreed that it was one of our favorite years of hockey that we’ve ever played,” said Gardiner.

It was announced before the game that Gardiner was won the OHL’s Roger Neilson award which is given to the leagues top academic post-secondary student.

“I think obviously is not possible without the support I’ve had throughout my career and my time in Ottawa and most importantly, my time here in Barrie,” said Gardiner. “Everyone in the organization, from top to bottom, supported me the entire way. And whether it’s been on the ice or off the ice in school.”

The Colts are expected to hold their locker clean out day on May 13.