The Kitchener Rangers kicked off their first-round playoff series against the Flint Firebirds with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory on Friday night, taking an early 1-0 series lead.
Flint struck first in the opening period with a goal from Matthew Wang, giving the Firebirds a 1-0 advantage going into the second period. The Rangers responded midway through the period when Trent Swick found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1. Just over a minute later, Andrew Vermeulen put the Rangers ahead 2-1, but Flint quickly leveled the score with a goal from Matthew Mania, who made it 2-2 with just under seven minutes remaining in the period.
The back-and-forth action continued into the overtime period, and it was the Rangers who emerged victorious. Luca Romano secured the win for Kitchener just five minutes into extra time, scoring a slick backhander to give his team the 4-3 win.
Swick’s standout performance earned him first-star honors, with two goals and an assist on the night. Romano, who netted the game-winner, took home the third star for his clutch play in overtime.
Paul Fixter, color commentator for 570, praised Swick’s all-around effort, noting how he brought a physical presence to the ice from the very beginning.
“Tonight he came out in the first period and was a physical presence, he was all over the ice,” Fixter said.
The Rangers will host Game 2 of the series on Sunday afternoon before traveling to Flint for Game 3 on Tuesday.
