The Kitchener Rangers traded shin pads for shorts and shoes for skates Tuesday, playing road hockey on King Street as part of the first ever Downtown Showdown in Kitchener.
The Rangers came up with the idea and the city put it together for fans to come meet the team and participate in some hockey themed activities in Carl Zehr Square.
“I am feeling ecstatic as the Kitchener Rangers PA announcer and city councillor to bring these two great entities together. It’s awesome,” said Coun. Dave Schnider.
The original plan was to have a community skate, followed by the Rangers playing on the ice at Carl Zehr Square, but it was too warm to use the ice. Instead, the team played a 3-on-3 road hockey tournament.
“We were able to pivot thankfully. It would have been great to have it on the ice, but I’m thankful with this great weather and some melting snow,” Schnider said.
The players said they had a great time even though it took some getting used to.
“I like ice hockey more. I’m a bit slower on my feet. I’m not the fastest,” Trent Swick, a Kitchener Rangers forward said.
The Rangers split into three teams for the tournament, while fans circled around the makeshift hockey rink to watch.
“It’s nice to be out here. Big crowd today,” Swick said. “I love it here. I’ve been here for five years now. It’s the best place to play junior hockey. Every night, every Friday, they pack the barn. And it’s unreal to play there,”
Many of the players donned sunglasses under their hockey helmet or eye black under their eyes. Swick said the eye black wasn’t the most effective for blocking out the sun.
“Not at all. It’s just for show,” Swick said.
Schnider said it wasn’t hard for the city to get behind the event, and he’d love to do it again.
“We’re going to think about better timing. Maybe there’s something we can do during the Christmas break. Or another time, when it’s a little better. But sometimes during March Break you’re going to get great weather. Today, it’s melting,” Schnider said.
Fans of all ages dawned their best Ranger gear and flocked to downtown for some of the March Break fun. Kitchener Minor Hockey had a booth for kids to try shooting a puck and they handed out mini sticks for fans. Other hockey and Rangers-themed activities were also available for young fans to try.
“Very cool to be here,” said Paul, a young Rangers fan.
“I’m really enjoying it. I’s really fun,” Jannah, another young Rangers fan.
Rangers mascot Tex was also on hand to meet fans.
The Merrigan family brought their baby son Quinn to the event, to give him his first taste of Rangers community.
“Show him his first little bit of hockey, you know? And, just have a great time in the sunshine, in a great city with a great community,” Andrew Merrigan, a Rangers fan said. “We’re going to get him down to a playoff game.”
The Rangers also signed autographs. With the team already clinching a playoff spot and currently enjoying a seven-game winning streak, fans were eager to get one, in case the team goes on a deep post season run.
“There are a few players that I want to autograph this jersey that weren’t on the team as of fan fest as of then. I want the jersey to be signed buy the entire team this year. Just in case they win the OHL Championship,” Paul said.
“The Rangers are going to win, there’s no doubt about it,” said Jaxon, a young Rangers fan.
