It’s a good time for depth players to step up for the Kitchener Rangers.

The team is going to need it in the coming weeks.

Captain Cameron Reid is heading to Niagara Falls on Thursday to audition for Canada’s world junior hockey squad.

Starting goalie Christian Kirsch leaves Saturday to join his Swiss compadres, also to prep for the holiday tournament.

Toss in some injuries — to forwards Luke Ellinas, Haeden Ellis and Matheas Stark — and the usual December flu bug and the Blueshirts are down some key players.

“We all have to be dialed in and be even better,” said Rangers head coach Jussi Ahokas. “You have to be ready to play wherever you are in the lineup.”

So, it was nice to see a pair of 17-year-old rookies answer the call in Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime loss in Sault Ste. Marie.

West

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