The Kitchener Rangers have officially secured their place in the second round of the 2025 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Playoffs following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Flint Firebirds on Friday night. This win not only clinched the series for the Rangers, finishing 4-1 overall, but it also set the stage for an exciting matchup against the Windsor Spitfires in the next round.
In a game that showcased the intensity of playoff hockey, Tanner Lam opened the scoring for Kitchener just six minutes into the first period, bringing the home crowd to their feet. However, the Firebirds quickly responded, with Alex Kostov finding the back of the net to tie the game before the first intermission. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued into the second period, where Christian Humphreys scored the eventual game-winning goal just one minute in, giving the Rangers a lead they would not relinquish.
Throughout the match, Kitchener's penalty kill was particularly impressive, successfully fending off five power play opportunities for Flint, including a significant five-minute match penalty given to Luke Ellinas for slew footing. Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons was a standout player, stopping 24 of 25 shots and earning the first star honors for his performance. The game was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 7,000 fans at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, who witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the series.
570 colour commentator Paul Fixter praised both teams for their efforts, noting that it was a hard-fought series that included “brutal play” from both sides. “I give Flint credit for really battling, but Kitchener in the end found a way to get the job done and get it done at home,” Fixter remarked.
With the series against Flint now behind them, the Rangers are set to face the Windsor Spitfires, who also advanced after defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 8-4 in their playoff series on the same night. The Spitfires finished second in the Western Conference and will pose a formidable challenge for Kitchener in the upcoming round.
The schedule for the second round has been released, with Game 1 set for Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at 7:05 PM at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. Game 2 will follow on Saturday, April 12th, also at the WFCU Centre. The series will then shift back to Kitchener for Game 3 on Monday, April 14th, at 7:00 PM at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
Here’s a look at the full second round schedule:
- Game 1 – Thursday, April 10th @ 7:05 PM // WFCU Centre
- Game 2 – Saturday, April 12th @ 7:05 PM // WFCU Centre
- Game 3 – Monday, April 14th @ 7:00 PM // Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
- Game 4 – Wednesday, April 16th @ 7:00 PM // Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
- Game 5 – Friday, April 18th @ 7:05 PM // WFCU Centre
- Game 6 – Sunday, April 20th @ 7:00 PM // Kitchener Memorial Auditorium
- Game 7 – Tuesday, April 22nd @ 7:05 PM // WFCU Centre
(If Necessary)
Tickets for the playoff games will go on sale on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early to ensure they don’t miss out on the playoff excitement. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at The Aud Box Office, presented by Whiteway Plumbing. Season ticket holders who have purchased playoff tickets can pick up their packages starting at 10:00 AM on the same day.
As the Kitchener Rangers prepare for their next challenge, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. The upcoming series against the Windsor Spitfires promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a chance to advance further in the OHL playoffs. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds!
