Kitchener Rangers ‘really hungry’ for a Memorial Cup win this season

Fans of the Kitchener Rangers will see a mix of new and returning players on the ice this season. CTV’s Colton Wiens checks in with the team.

Training camp is underway for the Kitchener Rangers at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex.

Eighteen are returning players.

They have their eye on the prize – bringing home the Memorial Cup.

“We’ve always wanted to win each year,” said Rangers Defenceman Cameron Reid. “Personally, it’s my third year coming in and I haven’t won anything. None of the guys have either. We’re really hungry for a win. It’s exciting to see everyone on the same page.”

It has been a busy couple of months, but Reid said there’s nothing better than being back at the Aud.

“It’s a good feeling. The energy’s up and everyone’s excited to be here,” he told CTV News. “It’s just the start of a special, special year.”

The Aylmer product is entering his third season with the Blueshirts. Last year he was an assistant captain on the team and is ready to lead a new group this fall.

“I looked up to a lot of guys and I thought it was really cool. Now I can kind of be that guy, coming in for my third year. It’s something I take with pride.”

Building team culture has been a priority for Head Coach Jussi Ahokas ahead of the regular season.

“We have to keep getting better and better, but I think we have a good chance to succeed,” he said.

One new face at training camp is Goalie Christian Kirsch, 19, of Switzerland. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2024 and spent the last season in the North American Hockey League. Kirsch also played for Team Switzerland in the Under-18 and Under-20 World Junior Championships.

Kirsch told CTV News that, while he is still adjusting to the Waterloo Region, he’s ready to play with the Rangers.

“I don’t know a lot of the guys, but I heard that we have a really good team on paper,” he said. “Obviously, on the ice, you always got to get things together.”

With the departure of star Goalie Jackson Parsons, Ahokas expects to start Kirsch while Jason Schaubel will likely take on the backup role again.

Kirsch isn’t too worried about taking over for Parsons.

“Goalie of the Year and everything, it’s amazing,” he said. “But I’m not putting any pressure on myself because of that. He’s a great goalie, but also the team has been doing a great job defensively.”

What’s next

The Rangers will play two free intersquad games during training camp. One is Monday at 6:30 p.m. and the other Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Carson Campbell, Luke Ellinas and Andrew Vermeulen will attend training camp but not participate in any on-ice activity.

The Rangers will also host three pre-season games this weekend against Brantford, Oshawa and Saginaw. Tickets cost $5.

The first regular season game for the Kitchener Rangers is Friday, Sept. 19. The team will take on Brantford at The Aud.