Early in the first there was a bit of a feeling out period. Only a handful of shots made it to goal and neither goalie was really tested. The first power play came 9:23 in the first. Denis Berak was sent off for a rough. Right as the power play expired Jacob Lopes put a wrist shot on from well out that changed direction and hit the post. The Rangers would challenge the play, but after review the call of no goal on the ice stood. The Rangers would continue to push and Eirik Moger would throw a shot on through a maze of bodies that found the back of the net for his first of the playoffs. That stood as the only goal of the first period.

The Rangers kept the pedal to the medal in the second. Max Wretsell would score his 8th of the playoffs on a bullet from the slot. The Wolves would fight back as their top line went to work. Harry Kramer danced by the defense, and Zach Spicuzza poked it home to cut the lead to 2-1. With 2:15 to go in the middle period Carter Amidon picked up a Jacob Lopes rebound and put it home to restore the two goal lead. PJ Sweeney and Max Wretsell would both score in the final 14 seconds of the period to take a 5-1 lead into the third period.

The Junior Rangers slowed down the pace in the third period. They allowed just three shots on goal through the first 12 minutes of the period. The Wolves were able to break through shortly after. Rihards Kelmers would strike with just over six minutes to go on a great feed from David Klaus to cut the lead to three. Denis Berak and the Wolves would not go away quietly. Berak came down the wing and potted his own rebound past Chinappi. The lead was 5-3 with 3:52  to go. The Rangers would hold on and win 5-3 to secure their spot against the Railers on Championship Saturday!

We spoke with both coaches post game. Head Coach Andrew Trimble of the Wolves was very proud of his group. “I want this group to be remembered as a resilient group.”  Danny Ferri of the Rangers spoke on the mindset his team has. “Our team mentality is keep it level headed.” That has shown in the playoffs as this Ranger group looks cool calm and collected at all times. Finally, we caught up with Max Wretsell to discuss the Rangers top line. “Me and PJ have played together so long we have chemistry, and (Brody) Sloan has added a lot to our line.”