The Parkland U18 Rangers most recent win just turns out to be their biggest win of the season.
On home ice this past Sunday against the previously 11-5 Winnipeg Thrashers, Quinten Fisk scored his sixth goal of the season with just 2:14 left in the third period as the Rangers downed the Thrashers, 5-4. The win improved Parkland's record to 7-9-2 and that now has them just a single point behind Eastman and Pembina Valley who are tied for seventh place.
As the season continues to roll on, the Rangers continue to prove that they can compete with anyone if they come to play, which they certainly did on Sunday.
"It's the way we played, guys are starting to recognize that we're able to beat top teams," said Tyler Carefoot. "I think many people are surprised with how we're able to stay in games, I believe we can skate with anyone in this league. When everyone buys in, we can accomplish great things."
As the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League hosts its best-on-best showcase this weekend at the Hockey for All Centre, that means Parkland gets the week off. That means they will not play again until next Saturday when they embark on a two-game trip in Manitoba's capital. Parkland will play the Bruins at Southdale on Saturday before heading to Gateway to play the Thrashers on Sunday.
That means the Rangers will not have played for 13 days between their biggest win of the season and their meeting on Saturday with the Bruins, which Carefoot believes isn't very beneficial.
"I think every coach and player wants to play meaningful games as much as possible," said Carefoot. "With that said, this time off from game action allows us a chance to sharpen our games in practice. We'll have a high tempo practice on Sunday."
Parkland will then practice on Tuesday and Thursday before heading to the city. Two players will hit the ice for a pair of games this weekend; however. Hayden Seib and Ethan McMullan are both heading to Winnipeg for the league's showcase as they will play on Team 2.
McMullan is in his first year with the Rangers and has turned out to be one of the team's most reliable defenders while Seib is hitting his stride offensively with 20 points in 19 games. The Parkland duo will play a game on Saturday and another one on Sunday in front of scouts from all levels of hockey including NCAA and the Western Hockey League.
"Seib has been a great Ranger for the last three years, he definitely deserves this opportunity to be a part of the showcase," ended Carefoot. "When it comes to McMullan, we're lucky to have him. From what I understand, him and his family are loving everything about this program and he's another player that is very deserving of this opportunity."
Carefoot also adds that he is disappointed that more Rangers weren't selected for the event, but he is very proud of Seib and McMullan. If you're looking to catch the Rangers at Credit Union Place, they will return home for a pair of games on December 16 and 17 against the Pembina Valley Hawks.
