The Guelph Storm have won the first game of the season between the Highway 7 rivals, shutting out the Kitchener Rangers on Sunday afternoon. The victory came in front of 4,406 fans at the Sleeman Centre and gave Guelph an early win in this season’s rivalry series. Storm goaltender Zach Jovanovski, a prospect of the Carolina Hurricanes, was named the game’s third star after recording his second consecutive shutout. Tyler Hopkins and Carter Stevens each scored once and added an assist. Hopkins, a prospect of the Toronto Maple Leafs, currently leads Guelph in goals, assists and total points. Sunday’s game was the first regular-season meeting between the two teams this season. The Rangers dominated the rivalry last season, winning all four meetings with Guelph and outscoring the Storm 21-7. Kitchener won 6-1 last October and closed out last season’s series with a 4-1 victory in Guelph. The teams are scheduled to meet four times during the 2026-27 regular season. Their next meeting is set for Oct. 23 at The Aud. Guelph will return to action Friday when the Owen Sound Attack visit the Sleeman Centre. The game will include a tribute to the 1986 Guelph Platers Memorial Cup championship team. The puck drops at 7:07 p.m.
