Kitchener Rangers fans got a chance to celebrate the team’s championship season Sunday as the annual Fan Fest and BBQ returned to the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot A at the Aud. The event has brought Rangers fans together for more than 25 years while raising money for children with critical illnesses through Rangers Reach. Organizers said the annual fundraiser has raised more than $250,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada, formerly known as the Children’s Wish Foundation. Fans in attendance at Sunday’s event took part in inflatable games and rides, met Kitchener Rangers players during an autograph session and enjoyed a barbecue. The Memorial Cup and J. Ross Robertson Cup were also on display, giving fans an opportunity to take photos with the championship trophies and celebrate the Rangers’ championship season. The Rangers were set to host the Erie Otters at 2 p.m. Sunday as part of the team’s 2026 Summer Showcase. Tickets for all Summer Showcase games are $5 and can be purchased at the doors on game day. Proceeds will go directly to Make-A-Wish Canada through Rangers Reach. The five-game Summer Showcase schedule includes: The Monday game will be played at the Woolwich Memorial Centre as a neutral-site game, with further details to be released by the team. The Rangers Team Store was also open Sunday for the Summer Showcase game against Erie, as well as for the team’s previous exhibition and showcase games. The store will otherwise remain closed during the off-season and is scheduled to reopen for regular hours on Friday, Sept. 18.
