'We don't like them, they don't like us': Rangers-Knights rivalry reignites in OHL playoffs
Hockey fans lined up at the Aud on Thursday morning to purchase Game 3 and Game 4 tickets for the Kitchener Rangers’ second round run in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs.
"I wanted to be the first one to try and grab one of these bad boys," Cody McAmmond, a Rangers fan, said after purchasing tickets.
"Especially since it's against the London Knights," Evan Goertz, another Rangers fan, added. "I left my house at around 8:30 a.m. I had to take two buses, but, you know, still got here for 9 a.m."
Three lines of fans could be seen inside the Aud on Thursday morning.
"I think it's amazing. That means a lot more people are interested because we've been coming for years and there's never been three lines. They had to open up the second and third lineups here, so it's great," said Rangers fan Ann Grabowski.
The Rangers are taking on the London Knights in round two of the playoffs. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is happening in London Thursday night, while Game 2 is set for Saturday. Both Games 3 and 4 will be played in Kitchener on Tuesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 18. If extra games are needed, Game 5 will take place in London on April 19, Game 6 will happen on April 21 in Kitchener, and Game 7 is planned for April 23 in London.
This marks the third year of a Highway 401 post-season faceoff. In 2022, the Rangers defeated London in the first round of the playoffs, winning 4-3 in overtime in Game 7. Last year, the Knights handily won their second round series matchup four games to one.
"Dating back to the two years prior, we lost once to them and we beat them once. So I think the tiebreaker here for me, it's going to be huge,” said Rangers forward Matthew Sop. “I love playing those guys. It's going to be electric even in their own barn. I know their fans are wild, so I can't wait."
The Kitchener Rangers practice at the Aud on April 11, 2024 ahead of their playoff series with the London Knights. (Chris Thomson/CTV Kitchener)
Sop is in his final year playing with the Rangers. Knowing the team’s history with the Knights, he expects a fierce fight.
"We don't like them. They don't like us. But I think this is the kind of series that our team lives for," Sop added.
"[It] just makes it more fun,” said Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas. “I think all the players and all the fans, everybody's waiting for it."
During regular season competition, the Rangers and Knights faced off six times. Kitchener lost four of those games and won twice.
"We're the underdogs going in, but the playoffs is a totally new season, so we have to be really good," Ahokas said.
For the most part, the Knights have Kitchener’s number in the postseason. This is the ninth time they’ve met in the playoffs since 2005 and the Rangers have only won two of the previous eight playoff rounds with London.
"Against them, we have to stay out of the box and we have to keep playing our good five on five game,” said Ahokas. “If we keep just running that then we have a good chance. Anything can happen."
Fans buying tickets on the Aud Thursday said they’re a bit nervous to face London again, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
"Especially for Rangers fans to see London again for a third straight year,” explained McAmmond. “But when you've been cheering this team on for more than 20 years, you're bound to face London.”
Kitchener Rangers fans line up to get tickets for their playoff series with the London Knights. (Chris Thomson/CTV Kitchener)
“There's probably going to be more fights than there has been in the first part, but hopefully they'll do just as well. And keep up the energy," Grabowski added. "If you live here and you can come to the games, you really should, because it's totally different than watching on TV, because you feel the energy and you really help, you help the boys out."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns'
A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole.
The Body Shop Canada to be sold to Serruya Private Equity
The Body Shop Canada is due to be sold to a company led by the co-founder of frozen yogurt chain Yogen Früz.
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
Luxury real estate brokers charged in federal indictment with sex trafficking in NYC
Two luxury real estate brokers and their brother have been charged with luring, drugging and violently raping dozens of women over more than a decade.
Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct
An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.