Defenceman Andrew MacNiel is taking on a new role with the Kitchener Rangers. On Thursday, the OHL team announced MacNiel would be stepping up as captain for the 2026/2027 season. The Rangers say the choice was made because MacNiel demonstrates strong leadership qualities in the dressing room and out in the community. Last year, the team and MacNiel launched ‘Andrew’s Ambition,’ a charitable initiative raising money for childhood cancer. Funds benefited the Grace Bowen Tribute Fund and the SickKids Foundation. MacNiel and Grace were both originally from Cobourg. By the end of the season, Andrew’s Ambition raised $58,000. “Being the captain of the Kitchener Rangers means everything to me,” MacNiel said in a news release. “To be able to lead such an historic franchise is an honour and a privilege. I was lucky enough to learn from two great captains in Cam Reid and Matt Andonovski, and I feel ready to lead this group into battle every night.” This is the third year in a row that the Rangers have chosen a defenceman to bear the coveted ‘C.’ “Andrew is a natural leader and a great teammate. He’s a competitor with plays a fearless game. He has everything you want in a Captain and he’s earned this,” head coach Jeff Kyrzakos said. MacNiel will have ample backup in his role; the Rangers have named four assistant captains. Cameron Arquette, Alexander Bilecki, Tanner Lam and Luca Romano will share those responsibilities.
