Lakewood Rangers Varsity Ice Hockey

Following a successful pre-season, the Lakewood Rangers Ice Hockey squad opened up the 2019-20 regular season with a conference victory over the Normandy Invaders last Saturday night. After falling behind 3-0 in the opening minutes, the Rangers stormed back with two late first period goals to make the score 3-2 after one period. The visiting Invaders notched two additional second period goals while the Rangers countered with one to set the score at 5-3 moving into the third period. Then, the Rangers caught fire outscoring the visitors 4-2 in the final frame forcing overtime in front of the loud and enthusiastic home opening crowd. On the power play to begin the extra period, the Rangers wasted no time as freshman Eli LaDue tapped home a rebound off of an Alex Blinky shot to grab the overtime win. Senior Will Holden led the Rangers with 5 goals and an assist, while Ladue added two goals and Junior Defenseman Alex Blinky also scored. The Rangers were particularly effective on the power play converting on 4 of 6 power play opportunities for a sizzling 66% conversion rate. Senior goaltender Rob Holden stopped 45 Invader shots in the Ranger net for the win. Lakewood now prepares for the Annual Bruce Anderson Thanksgiving memorial tournament hosted by Normandy high school at Ries Ice rink in Parma. The Rangers will play one game each day Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the opening round of the tourney. On Friday, Lakewood will face off against Toledo Whitmer in a 4:30pm contest. Lakewood and Toledo Whitmer have never played against each other on the ice. On Saturday, the Rangers square off against divisional rival Chagrin Falls while Sunday’s contest features the Rangers and CVCA. All games will be at Ries.