‘It’s like assembling the Avengers’: Kitchener Rangers load up with Knights captain

The Kitchener Rangers are making some big moves ahead of the OHL trade deadline. CTV’s Jeff Pickel has the details.

The Kitchener Rangers have made a major splash ahead of the OHL trade deadline by acquiring the captain of rivals London Knights.

In the trade, the Kitchener Rangers receive Knight’s captain Sam O’Reilly and defenceman Jared Woolley.

In exchange, the Rangers are sending the Knights a total of ten draft picks, first-year defenceman Jacob Xu, last year’s first round pick Kane Barch and ten draft picks.

“It doesn’t happen too often if you just look back historically, it’s not something that goes on a lot, “ said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike Mckenzie.

Mckenzie said he feels the time is right for the Rangers to make a push to bring a championship to Kitchener.

“We’re in a good position in the standings. And, we felt that we can add to our team this year and make a push for it.”

Mckenzie said O’Reilly, who won a memorial cup with the London Knights, and just returned from winning a bronze medal as part of the Canadian World Junior team, brings talent and leadership.

“What he brings on the ice is huge, but also the experience off the ice, he’s been through battles before … so he’s going to be unfazed by just about any situation you put him in.,” said Mckenzie.

Included in the trade is imposing defenseman Jared Woolley, who Mckenzie said is one of the most underrated players in the league.

“He shuts teams down and I know some of our forwards, had mentioned they’re excited they don’t have to play against him anymore. So that’s usually a pretty good sign that he’s pretty good at what he does,” said Mckenzie.

O’Reilly and Woolley are joining a team with several other new additions.

Last month the Rangers traded for veteran goal scored Dylan Edwards from the Erie Otters, and Gabriel Chairot from the Brampton Steelheads.

Last year’s captain Matthew Andonoski is returning to the team after playing with the Belleville Senators in the AHL.

“With everyone coming in and guys coming back, it’s like assembling the Avengers here, we’re getting guys from everywhere to come try to win this thing,” said new addition forward Dylan Edwards.

The new look Rangers will be on the ice next Friday Jan. 9 to take on the Oshawa Generals.