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{{Short description|Ontario Hockey League team in Kitchener}}
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{{More citations needed|date=April 2009}}
{{fanpov|date=August 2018}}
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{{Infobox hockey team
|team       =Kitchener Rangers 
|colour     =background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#00529B 5px solid; border-bottom:#EF3E42 5px solid;
|colour text=#000000
|logo       =Kitchener Rangers logo.svg
|logosize   =195px
|city       =[[Kitchener, Ontario]]
|league     =[[Ontario Hockey League]]
|conference =Western
|division   =Midwest
|founded    =[[1963–64 OHA season|1963–64]]
|arena      =[[Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex|Kitchener Memorial <br> Auditorium Complex]]
|colours    =Blue, red, white <br> {{Color box|#00529B}} {{Color box|#EF3E42}} {{Color box|#FFFFFF}}
|coach      =Jussi Ahokas
|captain    =[[Cameron Reid]]
|GM         =[[Mike McKenzie (ice hockey)|Mike McKenzie]]
|affiliates  = [[Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins]] ([[Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League|GOJHL]])
[[Georgetown Raiders]] ([[Ontario Junior Hockey League|OJHL]])
|championships = '''Memorial Cup:''' 1982, 2003<br>'''OHL:''' 1981, 1982, 2003, 2008
|website    =[http://www.kitchenerrangers.com/ www.kitchenerrangers.com]
|name1      =[[Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters]]
|dates1     =1947–1960
|name2      =[[Guelph Royals (ice hockey)|Guelph Royals]]
|dates2     =1960–1963
|name3      =Kitchener Rangers
|dates3     =1963–present
|uniform_image=OHL-Uniform-KIT.png}}

The '''Kitchener Rangers''' are a major [[junior ice hockey]] team based in [[Kitchener, Ontario]], Canada. They are members of the Midwest Division of the Western Conference of the [[Ontario Hockey League]]. The Rangers have won the [[J. Ross Robertson Cup]] as OHL champions in 1981, 1982, 2003 and 2008. They have appeared in six Memorial Cups (1981, 1982, 1984, 1990, 2003 and 2008), advancing to the final game of the tournament each of those six years. They are two-time [[Memorial Cup]] champions (1982, 2003).

The Rangers are publicly owned, with a board of directors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kitchenerrangers.com/board-of-directors|title=Board of Directors – Kitchener Rangers|website=kitchenerrangers.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2018-05-29}}</ref> The team has more than 180 players and coaches going on to serve in the [[National Hockey League|NHL]] including [[Gabriel Landeskog]], [[Jeff Skinner]], [[Radek Faksa]], [[John Gibson (ice hockey, born 1993)|John Gibson]], [[Nazem Kadri]], [[Mike Richards (ice hockey)|Mike Richards]], [[David Clarkson (ice hockey)|David Clarkson]], [[Steve Mason (ice hockey)|Steve Mason]], [[Derek Roy]] and [[Peter DeBoer]]. Five of their alumni have gone on to be inducted into the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]]: [[Scott Stevens]], [[Bill Barber]], [[Paul Coffey]], [[Larry Robinson]] and [[Al MacInnis]].

==History==
The Kitchener Rangers franchise was inaugurated ahead of the 1947–48 [[Ontario Hockey Association]] season as the [[Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters]]. Based in nearby [[Guelph]], [[Ontario]], the Biltmore Mad Hatters were a farm team for the [[National Hockey League]]'s [[New York Rangers]]. The team enjoyed considerable success in the 1950s, winning three league championships and a [[Memorial Cup]]. However, by 1960, the team was struggling financially and was sold to new ownership. The new owners re-branded the team as the [[Guelph Royals (ice hockey)|Guelph Royals]] to match Guelph's nickname, the "Royal City". Despite these efforts to reignite the fading brand, the team's financial struggles persisted. At the end of the 1962–63 season, Kitchener entrepreneur Eugene George was approached by the New York Rangers about moving the team to Kitchener in hopes of building a more stable junior environment.

In 1963, George and a group of Kitchener businessmen relocated the Guelph Royals to Kitchener and renamed them the Kitchener Rangers Junior "A" Hockey Club. The New York Rangers sponsorship of the team ended in 1967 with the expansion of the NHL's "Original Six’" Era, so George agreed to purchase the team from the New York Rangers for a sum of one dollar, but declined the opportunity for private ownership. He instead turned the team over to the community through the creation of a not-for-profit organization. The Kitchener Rangers Charter declared "no person shall be a member of the Corporation unless he is a season ticket subscriber for the current season of the home hockey games of the club, and all persons who are season ticket subscribers are automatically entitled to membership."

===The 1960s===
For their debut season in 1963–64 the team moved into the [[Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex|Kitchener Memorial Auditorium]], which had previously been home to the [[Kitchener Greenshirts]] and the [[Kitchener Canucks]]. On Tuesday, October 1, 1963, the Rangers' first coach, Steve Brklacich, welcomed a 54-player roster of training camp hopefuls just two weeks prior to the home opener. The first exhibition game took place on Sunday, October 6, 1963 against the [[Peterborough Petes]]. The team's first regular season game featured the Rangers and the visiting [[St. Catharines Black Hawks]] on Tuesday, October 15, 1963 which dressed the likes of league All-Stars [[Dennis Hull]] and [[Doug Jarrett]]. The first goal in team history was scored by John Beechey, assisted by [[Gary Sabourin]] and Tommy Miller, at 11:36 of the first period. The team's first captain, [[Alex "Sandy" Fitzpatrick|Alexander 'Sandy' Fitzpatrick]], would score the first game-winning goal in team history, breaking open a 3–3 tie in the third period to propel the Blueshirts to a 4–3 win. The Rangers were successful promoting the team in the community, drawing high attendance despite a poor first season in the standings which finished with a record of 9-41-6 (W-L-T).

The Rangers struggled during their first three seasons in the [[Ontario Hockey Association|OHA]], finishing under .500 in the following two campaigns (6th in 1964–65, 7th in 1965–66). Despite the seventh-place finish in 1965–66, the team finished the year strong and won the first two rounds of playoffs to make it to the OHA Finals, eventually falling 4–1 in a best-of-seven series to the [[Oshawa Generals]] and a young [[Bobby Orr]]. Kitchener finished in first place the next season (1966–67, 38-10-6), earning their first [[Hamilton Spectator Trophy]] in franchise history as regular season champions, but fell to the [[Toronto Marlboros]] in the semi-finals. In 1967–68, the Rangers were first again in the OHA and went on to win their second consecutive Hamilton Spectator Trophy. They played in the Finals again, but this time losing a close series 4 games to 3 with a tie, to the eventual Memorial Cup champion [[Niagara Falls Flyers]]. In 1968–69, Jim Malleck succeeded Eugene George as the team's president. In November 1968, Kitchener native Dave Weber was appointed coach after Wally Kullman was relieved of his duties. But the Rangers posted just nine wins (9-40-5), finishing in 10th place after seeing 13 players from the previous season graduate to the professional ranks. In 1969, Walter (Punch) Scherer, a former scout for the [[Boston Bruins]], became the team's general manager. The decade finished on a high note, however, as rookie [[Bill Barber]] dressed in his first of three junior seasons in Kitchener and tallied 37 goals and 86 points in just 54 regular season games.

1969 also marked the year that Les Bradley joined the team. Bradley was a mainstay on the bench as the team's trainer from 1969 to 1986, then after retiring as a trainer became an ambassador in the press room for more than 15 years.

===The 1970s===
Gerry Forler became the Rangers' coach for the 1970–71 season but resigned in December, 1970 and was replaced by Ron Murphy for the remainder of the season. Kitchener struggled through most of the decade, posting only two winning seasons (a 31-24-8 record in 1971–72, and 43-18-9 in 1973–74). Barber posted his first of two straight 100+ point seasons in 1970–71, scoring 46 goals and 105 points in 61 regular season games. He was one of two players to hit the 100-point milestone ([[Tom Cassidy]], 104 points) that year, but the Rangers were unable to get out of the first round of the playoffs. In 1973–74, the Rangers finished first in the OHA for their third Hamilton Spectator Trophy in eight years in large part due to the goalkeeping of [[Don Edwards (ice hockey)|Don Edwards]], who had the league's lowest goals against average. The team lost to the Peterborough Petes in the second round of the playoffs.

In the 1974–75 season, the club finished last in the league and 20 points out of a playoff spot with a record of 17-47-6. Despite their last-place finish, the Rangers would host the [[Memorial Cup]] that season as no host team was in place. For the following season in 1975–76, there were changes{{who|date=December 2021}} at president, general manager and coach. The team improved by 17 points, rising to a fourth-place finish in the standings. In 1976–77, Foster would set the Rangers franchise record for points in a single season (143), a mark that still stands today. His total 382 points in 262 regular season games over 1973-77 also remains a club record.

The Rangers' record during the 1979–80 season dropped to 17-51-0, but [[Paul Coffey]], a young acquired defenceman from the [[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]], collected 71 points in 52 regular season games before being drafted sixth overall by the [[Edmonton Oilers]] in the [[1980 NHL Entry Draft]].

===The 1980s===
==== 1981 Memorial Cup ====
The Rangers were looking to rebound from a 17-51-0 season in 1979–80, but the first half of the 1980-81 campaign left them in last place at Christmas. But a strong second half - culminating with eight wins in nine games to finish the season - propelled the Rangers to a first-place finish and an [[Emms Division]] title. They would see a 35-point improvement from the previous season, finishing with a mark of 34-33-1. Coached by [[Orval Tessier]], the Rangers were led offensively by 49 goals and 116 points from right winger [[Brian Bellows]], along with 54 goals and 108 points from left winger [[Jeff Larmer]]. Centreman [[Grant Martin]] was just two points shy of joining them in the century club, notching 41 goals and 98 points. Other standouts on the squad included [[Al MacInnis]], [[Mike Eagles]], Larry Carroll and goalie [[Wendell Young]].

Kitchener's playoffs began against the [[Niagara Falls Flyers]], and they defeated them with a 4–2 series win, including one tie. The Rangers scored five or more goals in every game of the series, with the exception of the 3–3 tie in Game 4. Next up was a meeting with the [[Windsor Spitfires]] in Round 3, which the Rangers won 4–0 with one tie. Again the Blueshirts offense proved formidable, scoring no fewer than four goals in each contest and twice scoring seven. This set the stage for an OHL Final vs. the [[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]. The Hounds were favoured to win the league title, having averaged the highest goals per game average in the league and finishing 27 points ahead of Kitchener in the regular season standings. The Rangers, however, held the Greyhounds to 16 goals in the series six games and were undefeated in the league final. They skated to a 3–0 series win with three ties to earn their first [[J. Ross Robertson Cup]] as OHL champions in franchise history.

The [[1981 Memorial Cup]] was played at the [[Windsor Arena]] in [[Windsor, Ontario]]. Kitchener represented the Ontario Hockey League while centre [[Barry Pederson]] (65 goals, 147 points in 55 regular season games), right winger [[Rich Chernomaz]] (49 goals, 113 points in 72 games) and goaltender [[Grant Fuhr]] were key{{according to whom|date=December 2021}} pieces of the [[Western Hockey League]]'s [[Victoria Cougars]]. The [[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]] squad - and defending Memorial Cup Champions - were the [[Cornwall Royals]] which featured the likes of centre [[Dale Hawerchuk]] (81 goals, 183 points in 72 games), left winger [[Marc Crawford]] (42 goals, 99 points in 63 games) and centre [[Doug Gilmour]] (35 points in 51 games).

Kitchener lost its first two games; 6–3 to Cornwall and 7–4 to Victoria. The Rangers then posted consecutive victories; 6–4 over the Royals in which Bellows scored a [[hat trick]], and 4-2 vs. the Cougars. The Rangers went on to face Cornwall in the tournament final but dropped a 5-2 decision to the Royals, who would win their second consecutive Memorial Cup.

====1982 Memorial Cup====
[[Joe Crozier]] took over the coaching duties after the 1980–81 season after coach/general manager Orval Tessier left the team to become head coach of the [[American Hockey League]]'s [[New Brunswick Hawks]], who he would lead to a [[Calder Cup]] championship. Kitchener picked up where it left off from the previous season, finding success while being led by top players [[Larry Carroll (ice hockey)|Larry Carroll]], [[Brian Bellows]] and [[Jeff Larmer]], as well as added future [[National Hockey League|NHL]] players [[Scott Stevens]] and [[Mike Hough]]. The Rangers won the Emms Division for the second year in a row with a much improved record (44-21-3).

Kitchener earned a first round [[Bye (sports)|bye]] in the playoffs, then skated to a 4–0 series win over the [[Windsor Spitfires]] in Round 2. They once again clashed with the [[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]], this time in Round 3, and again earned a series win this time in five games (4-1). The Rangers faced off against the [[Ottawa 67's]], coached by [[Brian Kilrea]], in the league final and claimed their second straight [[J. Ross Robertson Cup]] with a 4–0 series victory, including one tie.

The [[1982 Memorial Cup]] was played at [[Robert Guertin Centre|Robert Guertin Arena]] in [[Hull, Quebec]]. Kitchener represented the Ontario Hockey League, while left winger [[Gerard Gallant]] (34 goals, 92 points in 58 regular season games) and centre [[John Chabot]] (34 goals, 143 points in 62 games) were members of the QMJHL's [[Sherbrooke Castors]]. Centre [[Ken Yaremchuk]] (58 goals, 157 points in 72 games) and right winger [[Brian Shaw (ice hockey, born 1962)|Brian Shaw]] (56 goals, 132 points in 69 games) were members of the Western Hockey League champion [[Portland Winter Hawks]].

Kitchener lost 10-4 to Sherbrooke in their opener before rebounding with a 9–2 win over Portland in game two. [[Brian Bellows]] scored 11 seconds into the game against Portland, setting a Memorial Cup record. In their third game, the Rangers shut out the Castors 4–0. The game was very physical, and included a bench-clearing brawl in the second period. Kitchener seemed{{according to whom|date=December 2021}} to be a bit worn out the next night, losing 4–2 to Portland.

The Rangers and the Castors made it to the finals on a better goals for and against total, after all three teams won and lost two games each in the round-robin. The final game drew 4,091 spectators who saw Bellows score a hat trick and add two assists, propelling the Rangers to a 7–4 victory and their first Memorial Cup championship.

In 1982–83, the Rangers finished with a 45-23-2 record and a second-place finish in the Emms Division. After a first round bye they faced the [[North Bay Centennials]] in Round 2 and won the series, 4–1. They would meet the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for the third consecutive year in the playoffs but this time the Hounds won the series, 4–2 with one tie, eliminating the Blueshirts from post-season play.

====1984 Memorial Cup====
Even before the season began the Rangers knew they would be returning to the Memorial Cup for the third time in four seasons, as they were awarded the right to host the event in 1984. Tom Barrett took over coaching duties prior to the campaign, which saw Kitchener post the best record in the OHL (52-16-2) with 106 points. The Rangers were led offensively by right winger [[Wayne Presley]] (63 goals, 139 points in 70 regular season games) and centre [[John Tucker (ice hockey)|John Tucker]] (40 goals, 100 points in 39 games). Tucker would go on to be named the [[Red Tilson Trophy|OHL's Most Outstanding Player]], while Presley was the top scoring right winger. [[Shawn Burr]] (41 goals, 85 points in 68 games) was the league's [[Emms Family Award|Rookie of the Year]].

At the end of the regular season, Kitchener earned its third straight first round bye before sweeping the [[London Knights]], 4–0, in the second round. The Rangers avenged the previous season's loss to Sault Ste. Marie by winning that series, 4–3. Kitchener then faced the Ottawa 67's in a rematch of the [[1981-82 OHL season|1982 OHL Finals]], but this time the 67's won the series, 3–0, with two ties.

Kitchener represented the host team in the tournament, while the 67's - including right winger Don McLaren (53 goals, 113 points in 70 games), left winger [[Gary Roberts (ice hockey)|Gary Roberts]] (27 goals, 57 points in 48 games) and goaltender [[Darren Pang]] - represented the Ontario Hockey League as champions. The Western Hockey League was represented by centre [[Dean Evason]] (49 goals, 137 points in 57 games), defenceman [[Doug Bodger]] (21 goals, 98 points in 70 games) and the [[Kamloops Junior Oilers]], while the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champion [[Laval Voisins]] featured a 17-year-old [[Mario Lemieux]] who tallied 133 goals and 282 points in 70 regular-season games that year.

Kitchener defeated Laval 8–2 in game one, holding Lemieux scoreless. In game two, Kitchener had an 8–0 lead over Kamloops but narrowly held on to win the game 9–7. Ottawa had also won its first two games. The Rangers faced the 67's in the final game of round-robin play, posting a 7–2 victory to earn a berth in the finals. Ottawa won their semi-final, 7–2, for the right to play Kitchener for the championship where they would also hand the Rangers a 7–2 defeat to win the Memorial Cup.

Following the [[1984 Memorial Cup]], the Rangers would finish sixth (1984–85), third (1985–86), fourth (1986–87) and sixth (1987–88) in their division before reclaiming top spot in the Emms with a 41-19-6 record in 1988–89. Goaltender Gus Morschauser was named the [[OHL Goaltender of the Year]], but the Rangers were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the [[North Bay Centennials]].

===The 1990s===
====1990 Memorial Cup====
In 1989–90, the Rangers finished second overall in the Emms Division (38-21-7) but used their experience to prevail through the playoffs. Kitchener earned a 4–1 series win over the [[North Bay Centennials]] before earning a second-round bye. They defeated the [[Niagara Falls Thunder]] in the third round, 4–1, setting up a final vs. an [[Oshawa Generals]] team which featured [[Eric Lindros]] (17 goals, 36 points in 25 games). The Rangers took a 3–1 series lead before the Generals won three straight games en route to the [[J. Ross Robertson Cup]] as OHL champions.

The [[1990 Memorial Cup]] was played at [[Copps Coliseum]] in [[Hamilton, Ontario]]. The [[Dukes of Hamilton (ice hockey)|Dukes of Hamilton]] were slated to host the tournament, but due to af poor start to their season they finished last place in the league (11-49-6). They were removed from participation, and the Rangers, as league finalists, took their place.

The other two opponents Kitchener would face in the Memorial Cup were the same opponents they faced the last time they played in the tournament; the QMJHL's [[Laval Titan]] (formerly Voisins) and the WHL's [[Kamloops Blazers]] (formerly Junior Oilers). Kitchener won their opener vs. Kamloops, 8–7 in overtime. They followed that up with a 5–3 win over Laval. Similar to 1984, both Ontario-based team were undefeated after two games and faced each other in the last game of the round-robin. The game was played in front of 11,134 fans, lasting 4 hours 15 minutes into double overtime, with Oshawa winning 5–4. Kitchener then played Laval in the semi-finals, claiming a 5–4 victory.

The Rangers played the Generals in the tournament final with 17,383 fans in attendance. Much like the first game between the two teams, the championship went into double overtime with the Generals emerging as victors, 4–3.

Following the 1990 Memorial Cup run, the remainder of the decade was lackluster for Kitchener. The team managed three winning seasons (32-30-4 in 1992–93, and 35-28-3 in 1995–96) with their best season coming in 1996–97 with a Central Division title and a record of 34-22-10.

The Rangers earned a first-round bye during the playoffs that year, and claimed a 7–3 win over the [[Sarnia Sting]] in Game 7 of Round 2. They fell behind, 3–1, in their third round series vs. the [[Oshawa Generals]] before winning Game 5, 5–4. But after games in three straight days and five games in their last six, the two teams had a three-day break before resuming their series. After the break, the Raiders lost 6–1 in Game 6, dropping the series, 4–2.

The final two campaigns of the decade would see the team finish beneath .500, where they would remain until the early 2000s.

===The 2000s===
After missing the playoffs for the second time in three years (1998–99 and 2000–01), the team fired general manager Jamie McDonald, who earlier released Jess Snyder of his duties as head coach. Prior to the start of the 2001–02 season, [[Peter DeBoer]] was named the team's new head coach. He would lead them to a 35-22-10-1 record and a third-place finish in the [[Midwest Division (OHL)|Midwest Division]], culminating in a first round playoff matchup with division rival, the [[Guelph Storm]]. The Storm would sweep the season series, 4–0.

In 2002-03 the Rangers brought in Steve Spott, a former assistant to Peter DeBoer in their days with the [[Plymouth Whalers]], into the fold. The team, which featured the likes of [[Mike Richards (ice hockey)|Mike Richards]], [[Derek Roy]], [[Gregory Campbell (ice hockey)|Gregory Campbell]] and [[David Clarkson (ice hockey)|David Clarkson]], began the season three losses and a tie in their first four games. After reaching mid-October with a record of 3-3-2-1 the team's record improved, winning eight in a row (11-3-2-1). During November and December they lost just five games, and sported a 26-8-3-1 record as the calendar year changed to 2003. It wasn't until January 12 when they lost their tenth game of the season, and they rebounded with their 30th win of the campaign the following game on January 17. They only lost back-to-back games once from January on; the final two games of the regular season.

The Rangers finished the campaign with a record of 46-14-5-3 (W-L-T-OTL), winning the Midwest Division; those 46 wins setting a new franchise best. Their division title set up a first-round playoff matchup with the [[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]], who the Rangers beat in four straight games. The Greyhounds managed just three goals in the series, being shut out twice by goaltender Scott Dickie in Games 1 and 2. The Rangers faced the [[Guelph Storm]] in Round 2, dropping their Highway 7 rivals in five games. Round 3 saw them face the [[Plymouth Whalers]]. After skating to a 2–2 series tie through the first four games, the Whalers claimed a 2–1 overtime win at The Aud to take a 3–2 lead. The Rangers earned a 7–4 win in Game 6 to stay alive, then skated to a berth in the OHL Final with a 3–1 win in Game 7.

In the league championship they would take on the eastern conference champion [[Ottawa 67's]]. The 67's picked up a 3–2 overtime win in Game 1, but from thereon out it was all Kitchener as the Rangers won the next four games to be crowned [[J. Ross Robertson Cup]] champions for the third time in their history. Of the five-game series, three games went to overtime including the series clinching game which was decided in double OT. Derek Roy was named the [[Wayne Gretzky 99 Award|MVP of the playoffs]].

====2003 Memorial Cup====
The [[2003 Memorial Cup]] was played at [[Colisée Pepsi]] in [[Quebec City]], [[Quebec]]. Kitchener represented the champions of the Ontario Hockey League, while defencemen [[Josh Gorges|Josh Georges]], [[Duncan Keith]] and [[Shea Weber]] were members of the [[Western Hockey League]] champion [[Kelowna Rockets]]. The [[Hull Olympiques]] - featuring forwards [[Maxime Talbot|Max Talbot]] and [[Jean-Michel Daoust]] - were the [[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]] champions while the host [[Quebec Remparts]] were led by forwards David Masse and [[Josh Hennessy]].

Kitchener went through the round-robin undefeated, beating the Remparts 4–3 in their opener, the Olympiques, 4–1 in their second game, and the Rockets, 4–2. In the championship final, the Rangers jumped out to a 1–0 lead on a goal by [[André Benoit|Andre Benoit]] just 1:45 into the game, and were up 2-0 after a [[Gregory Campbell (ice hockey)|Gregory Campbell]] power play goal at 3:32. [[Evan McGrath]]'s first of two second period goals made it 3-0 Kitchener, as the Rangers and Olympiques each tallied three goals a piece in the middle frame. With the Rangers holding a 5–3 lead through 40 minutes of play, [[David Clarkson (ice hockey)|David Clarkson]] added another with 2:38 to play to secure the club's second Memorial Cup title, defeating Hull, 6–3.

The following season the Rangers finished with a modest record of 34-26-6-2 as they competed with division rivals, the [[London Knights]] and [[Guelph Storm]], who each finished the campaign with more than 100 points. Their first round playoff match-up was against the [[Plymouth Whalers]], but besides eking out a 5–4 win in Game 3, the Rangers were handily defeated in the series, 4–1.

In 2004–05, the Rangers once again finished the regular season third in the [[Midwest Division (OHL)|Midwest Division]] (35-20-9-4), but their run in the playoffs was much longer  than the prior year's. After defeating the [[Erie Otters]] in six games, Kitchener went on to sweep the [[Owen Sound Attack]] in Round 2. Their third round match-up was vs. the [[London Knights]], but after skating through a 1–1 series tie after the first two games, the Knights won the next three and eliminated the Rangers in five games.

Despite registering a franchise-best 47 wins the following year in 2005-06 (47–19–1–1) (W–L–OTL–SOL), the Blueshirts and their 96-point campaign was second-best to the London Knights (49 wins, 102 points) in the Midwest Division standings. But after such a successful regular season, in the first round of the playoffs the [[Owen Sound Attack]] (who finished 25 points behind Kitchener in the regular season), dropped the Rangers in five games in the opening round.

The 2006–07 saw the team once again turning out another 47-win campaign (47–17–1–3, 98 points), but they again finished second in the Midwest Division to the London Knights (50–14–1–3, 104 points). The Rangers barreled out of the first round, sweeping the [[Sarnia Sting]], 4–0, but were halted by the [[Plymouth Whalers]], 4–1, in Round 2.

In May 2007, it was announced that the Rangers would host the [[2008 Memorial Cup]], giving the team an automatic entry into the tournament. The 2007-08 team finished with a regular season record of 53-11-1-3, which remains a franchise best in wins and points to this day. They were crowned the winners of the [[Hamilton Spectator Trophy]] as the team with the most points (110) in the OHL through the regular season.

In the opening round of the playoffs the Rangers downed the Plymouth Whalers in four straight games, outscoring their opponents, 29–13. In Round 2 it was another sweep for the Blueshirts, this time against the Sarnia Sting. The Rangers surrendered just six goals in those four games, outscoring Sarnia, 18–4. In the third round they met the [[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]], but again skated to victory, this time with a 4–1 series win. The Ontario Hockey League final pitted the Rangers against the eastern conference champion [[Belleville Bulls]]. A 3-0 Rangers series lead evaporated into a 3–3 tie, but the Rangers earned their fourth Ontario Hockey League championship with a 4–1 win over the Bulls in the finale.

====2008 Memorial Cup====
The [[2008 Memorial Cup]] was played at the [[Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex|Kitchener Memorial Auditorium]] in [[Kitchener, Ontario]]. Kitchener represented both the champions of the [[Ontario Hockey League]] and the host team. As league finalists, the [[Belleville Bulls]] (featuring [[Matt Beleskey]]; 41 goals, 90 points in 62 regular season games and [[P. K. Subban|PK Subban]]; eight goals, 46 points in 58 games) also earned a berth in the tournament as representatives of the OHL. [[Jared Spurgeon]], [[Tyler Johnson (ice hockey)|Tyler Johnson]], [[Jared Cowen]] and [[Dustin Tokarski]] were members of the [[Western Hockey League]] champion [[Spokane Chiefs]]. The [[Gatineau Olympiques]] - featuring forwards [[Claude Giroux]], [[Matthew Pistilli]] and [[Paul Byron]] - were the [[Quebec Major Junior Hockey League]] champions.

Kitchener won its first game of the tournament, 6–5 in overtime, vs. Gatineau, before dropping a 2-1 decision to Spokane in the second game of the round robin. Their third game was a 4–3 overtime loss to Belleville, which set up a semi-final meeting between the two teams two nights later in which the Rangers won, 9–0. During the Kitchener-Spokane final, though, the Chiefs skated to a 4–1 win and a Memorial Cup championship on the Rangers home ice at The Aud. During the trophy presentation, the Chiefs endured an infamous{{according to whom|date=December 2021}} gaffe which saw the Memorial Cup come apart and break while the team was passing it among themselves during their celebration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/spokane-chiefs-win-memorial-cup-1.757728|title=Spokane Chiefs win Memorial Cup {{!}} CBC Sports|work=CBC|access-date=2018-06-06|language=en-US}}</ref>

Following the Memorial Cup run of 2007–08, head coach [[Peter DeBoer]] was hired as head coach of the [[National Hockey League|NHL]]'s [[Florida Panthers]] and assistant Steve Spott was named the new head coach of the club. After seven straight winning seasons, the team took a step back in the 2008-09 campaign after losing many graduating players from their championship squad. They finished under .500 and fifth in the Midwest Division with a 26-37-3-2 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2000–01.

It didn't take long to turn things around with Spott at the helm, as the team rebounded with a 34-point improvement the following season, finishing with a record of 42-19-4-3. After a 4–2 series win over the [[Saginaw Spirit]] and an 8–3, Game 7 win over the favoured [[London Knights]] in Round 2, the Rangers were bounced from the playoffs in the third round by the [[Windsor Spitfires]] in Game 7 after holding a 3–0 series lead. The Spitfires would go on to win their first of back-to-back Memorial Cups.

====Ben Fanelli incident====
On October 30, 2009, 16-year-old rookie defenceman Ben Fanelli was hit from behind by 20-year-old overage forward [[Mike Liambas|Michael Liambis]] of the [[Erie Otters]] at a high speed behind the Rangers' net. The hit, which came at the 7:52 mark of the second period, occurred with such force that it caused Fanelli's helmet to fly off before his head struck a glass partition at the Zamboni entrance. He would suffer a fractured skull and orbital bone and was immediately airlifted to [[Hamilton General Hospital]] where he was placed in intensive care.<ref name=hit>{{cite news|title=Junior hockey player in intensive care|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/junior-hockey-player-in-intensive-care-1.790844|access-date=2009-12-03|date=2009-11-01|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> Fanelli was released from [[Hamilton General Hospital]] a week later on November 6, 2009.<ref name="release">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/article/722699--injured-ohl-player-released-from-hospital|title=Injured OHL player released from hospital|date=2009-11-07|work=[[Toronto Star]]|access-date=2009-12-02}}</ref> Liambas was suspended for the remainder of the season and the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/ohl-liambis-suspension/|title=OHL suspends Otters' Liambas for entire season - Sportsnet.ca|work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=2018-08-16|language=en-US}}</ref> After an absence of nearly two years, Fanelli returned to the Rangers and later became team captain.<ref>{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Josh | title = Successful return for Fanelli | work=[[Waterloo Region Record]] | date = 2011-09-24 | url = http://www.therecord.com/sports/rangers/article/599517--successful-return-for-fanelli | access-date = 2011-10-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ontariohockeyleague.com/rangers-introduce-new-captain-and-sun-life-warm-up-jerseys/|title=Ben Fanelli named Kitchener Rangers 2013-14 captain – Ontario Hockey League|website=ontariohockeyleague.com|language=en-CA|access-date=2018-06-06}}</ref> He was named the recipient of the [[Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy]] as the OHL Humanitarian of the Year, and also named the [[CHL Humanitarian of the Year]].

===The 2010s===
[[File:Kitchener Rangers Arena.jpg|alt=Kitchener Rangers Arena|left|thumb|The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (capacity 7,777) in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.]]

The 2009–10 season was highlighted by a 50-goal campaign by Jeff Skinner, followed by a 47-goal effort by Jeremy Morin. The team would finish the regular season third in the western conference with a record of 42-19-4-3 for 91 points. After defeating the Saginaw Spirit in six games in Round 1, and the London Knights in Game 7 of Round 2, the Rangers took a 3–0 series lead over the Windsor Spitfires in the Western Conference Final but surrendered four straight games to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Spits, who never lost another game after Game 3 vs. the Rangers en route to the CHL championship.

The Rangers once again finished third in the conference in 2010–11, and were led by overage Jason Akeson (24G - 84A = 108 points). Down 3–1 in their best-of-seven opening round playoff series vs. the Plymouth Whalers, the Rangers battled back to force a Game 7 but fell short in the deciding game, 4–2. Akeson earned a slew of awards at season's end, including the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL Top Scorer, Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the OHL Top Scoring Right Winger, the William Hanley Trophy as OHL Most Sportsmanlike Player, and the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as OHL Top Overage Player.

In 2011–12, Tobias Rieder breached the 40-goal mark, potting 42 goals and 85 points to lead the team offensively. The team returned to the Western Conference Final after a 4–1 series win in Round 1 vs. the Owen Sound Attack, a 4–3 series win vs. the Plymouth Whalers in Round 2, but were swept in Round 3 by the London Knights. Chief Operating Officer and Governor, Steve Bienkowski, was named the CHL's Executive of the Year.

The team slipped to fourth in the western conference standings in 2012–13 but advanced to Round 2 of the playoffs after a 4–1 series win over the Guelph Storm. The London Knights skated to a 4–1 series win of their own to end the Rangers' postseason. Ben Fanelli was named as both the winner of the Dan Snyder Memorial Award as the OHL's Humanitarian of the Year, and the CHL Humanitarian of the Year.

The team took a step back in 2013–14, falling to ninth place in the conference standings (22-41-2-3 = 49 points) and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008–09. The finish led to the Rangers selecting second overall in the upcoming 2014 OHL Priority Selection where they chose left winger Adam Mascherin.

In 2014–15, the team saw a 25-point increase from the season prior, finishing 6th in the western conference with a record of 32-26-3-7 (74 points). They returned to the playoffs, but fell to the London Knights, 4–2, in the opening round.

The team improved by another 21 points the following season, finishing with a record of 44-17-5-2 (95 points) under the tutelage of new head coach Mike Van Ryn in 2015–16. Forwards Ryan MacInnis and Adam Mascherin led the team in points with 81, and [[Jeremy Bracco]] had the second-longest point streak in Rangers' franchise history from October 7 - December 9 (26 games), tallying 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points in that span. The team advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2012–13 with a 4–1 series win vs. the Windsor Spitfires before falling in four straight games to the London Knights in Round 2.

After one season behind the Rangers bench, head coach Mike Van Ryn left the team, and associate coach Jay McKee was named the team's new skipper in 2016–17. Adam Mascherin reached the 100-point milestone (35G, 63A) to lead the team in scoring. Down 2–1 in their opening round playoff series vs. the Owen Sound Attack, Rangers goaltender Luke Opilka made 64 saves on 70 shots in Game 4. Owen Sound outshot Kitchener 30–5 in the first period of play, 12–10 in the second, and 29–5 in the third for a game total of 71–20. The Attack would take the best-of-seven series in five games to eliminate the Rangers from the playoffs.

Prior to the 2017–18 season the team acquired defenceman, Memorial Cup champion and Waterloo native, Logan Stanley, from the Windsor Spitfires. Over the course of the season they also added players including Kole Sherwood, Givani Smith, Austin McEneny, Logan Brown and Mario. In the regular season, the team claimed its first Midwest Division championship (43-21-3-1, 90 points) in ten years. They claimed victories in both Round 1 (4-2 vs. Guelph) and Round 2 (4-2 vs. Sarnia) before meeting the CHL's top ranked Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Western Conference Final. 

After a literal last-second goal gave the Greyhounds a 3–2 win in the Soo in Game 1, the 'Hounds went up 2–0 in the series following a 4–2, Game 2 win. When the series shifted back to Kitchener, Mario Culina backstopped the team to a 24-save, 3–0 shutout in Game 3, and a seven-goal offensive onslaught - powered by a four-point game by Joseph Garreffa - propelled the Rangers to a 7–4 win and tied the series, 2-2. The Rangers fell, 7–3, in Game 5 and played Game 6 back at The Aud two days later. The Rangers led, 3–2, late in the third period but the Greyhounds tied the game with a power play goal with just 1:25 to play, sending the game to overtime. Kole Sherwood extended the Rangers playoff hopes, and the series, by scoring the game-winning goal at 13:12 to force a deciding Game 7. In the clinching game, the teams exchanged goals throughout the night, the Rangers erasing 1-0 and 2-1 leads. With the Greyhounds leading 3–2 in the final minutes of regulation, Logan Stanley blasted a shot from the point that beat goaltender Matthew Villalta and tied the game, 3-3, with just 51 seconds remaining and sent the game to overtime. After a scoreless first overtime period, the game was finally decided in double OT when a Jack Kopacka shot deflected past Culina to win the series for the Greyhounds, affording them a berth into the Ontario Hockey League Final.

===The 2020s===

In the 2022-23 playoffs the Kitchener Rangers made Ontario Hockey League history, when they became the first eighth-seeded team to sweep a first-seeded team. On April 6th, 2023, the Kitchener Rangers beat the Western Conference first-seeded [[Windsor Spitfires]] by a score of 5-1, to win the series 4-0 and advance to round 2.<ref>{{cite web |title=Highlights: Spitfires vs Rangers, Apr. 6th, 2023 |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/highlights-spitfires-vs-rangers-apr-6th-2023/ |website=Kitchener Rangers |access-date=April 24, 2025}}</ref>

In the 2024-25 playoffs the Kitchener Rangers made Ontario Hockey League history again, when they become just the 6th team to complete a 3-0 series comeback, known as the reverse sweep. On April 22nd, 2025, the third-seeded Kitchener Rangers defeated the second-seeded Windsor Spitfires by a score of 2-1 in overtime, to win the series 4-3 and advance to the Western Conference Finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Recap: Kitchener Completes Comeback |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/game-recap-kitchener-completes-comeback-punches-their-ticket-to-the-conference-finals/ |website=Kitchener Rangers |access-date=April 24, 2025}}</ref>

==Championships==
The Kitchener Rangers have appeared in the [[Memorial Cup]] six times, winning twice. They have won the [[J. Ross Robertson Cup]] four times, are seven-time Hamilton Spectator Trophy winners, and have won eight division titles.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Hamilton Spectator Trophy<br> (Most Points in the OHL)
!Division Title
!Wayne Gretzky Trophy<br> (Western Conference Champions)
!J. Ross Robertson Cup<br> (OHL Champions)
!Memorial Cup<br> (CHL Champions)
|-
|1965-66
| -
| -
|N/A
|Lost to Oshawa Generals
| -
|-
|1966-67
|64 points
| -
|N/A
| -
| -
|-
|1967-68
|82 points
| -
| -
|Lost to [[Niagara Falls Flyers]]
| -
|-
|1973-74
|95 points
| -
| -
| -
| -
|-
|1980-81
| -
|[[Emms Trophy]]
| -
|'''WIN vs. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds'''
|Lost to [[Cornwall Royals]] in championship final
|-
|1981-82
| -
|Emms Trophy
| -
|'''WIN vs. [[Ottawa 67's]]'''
|'''WIN vs. [[Sherbrooke Castors]]'''
|-
|1983-84
|106 points
|Emms Trophy
| -
|Lost to Ottawa 67's
|Lost to Ottawa 67's in championship final
|-
|1988-89
|88 points
|Emms Trophy
| -
| -
| -
|-
|1989-90
| -
| -
| -
|Lost to Oshawa Generals
|Lost to Oshawa Generals in championship final
|-
|1996-97
| -
|Emms Trophy
| -
| -
| -
|-
|2002-03
|100 points
|[[Holody Trophy]]
|'''WIN vs. [[Plymouth Whalers]]'''
|'''WIN vs. Ottawa 67's'''
|'''WIN vs. [[Hull Olympiques]]'''
|-
|2007-08
|110 points
|Holody Trophy
|'''WIN vs. [[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]'''
|'''WIN vs. [[Belleville Bulls]]'''
|Lost to [[Spokane Chiefs]] in championship final
|-
|2009-10
| -
| -
|Lost to [[Windsor Spitfires]]
| -
| -
|-
|2011-12
| -
| -
|Lost to [[London Knights]]
| -
| -
|-
|2017-18
| -
|Holody Trophy
|Lost to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
| -
| -
|-
|2024-25
| -
| -
|Lost to London Knights
| -
| -
|}

==Coaches==
There have been 24 coaches in the history of the Kitchener Rangers franchise.

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*'''1963–64''' Steve Brklacich
*'''1964–65''' Floyd "Butch" Martin
*'''1965–66''' Wally Kullman
*'''1966–67''' Wally Kullman
*'''1967–68''' Wally Kullman
*'''1968–69''' Wally Kullman
*'''1969–70''' Gerry Forler
*'''1970–71''' Gerry Forler > [[Ron Murphy]]
*'''1971–72''' Ron Murphy
*'''1972–73''' [[Eddie Bush]]
*'''1973–74''' Eddie Bush
*'''1974–75''' Eddie Bush > Don McKee > [[Jim Morrison (ice hockey)|Jim Morrison]]
*'''1975–76''' Mac MacLean
*'''1976–77''' Mac MacLean
*'''1977–78''' Mac MacLean > Bob Ertel
*'''1978–79''' Bob Ertel
*'''1979–80''' Bob Ertel > [[Rod Seiling]]
*'''1980–81''' [[Orval Tessier]]
*'''1981–82''' Joe Crozier
*'''1982–83''' Joe Crozier
*'''1983–84''' Tom Barrett*
*'''1984–85''' Tom Barrett
*'''1985–86''' Tom Barrett
*'''1986–87''' Tom Barrett > [[Joe McDonnell (ice hockey)|Joe McDonnell]]
*'''1987–88''' Joe McDonnell
*'''1988–89''' Joe McDonnell*^
*'''1989–90''' Joe McDonnell
*'''1990–91''' Joe McDonnell
*'''1991–92''' Joe McDonnell
*'''1992–93''' Joe McDonnell
*'''1993–94''' Joe McDonnell
*'''1994–95''' Joe McDonnell > [[Geoff Ward (ice hockey)|Geoff Ward]]
*'''1995–96''' Geoff Ward
*'''1996–97''' Geoff Ward
*'''1997–98''' Geoff Ward
*'''1998–99''' Brian Hayton
*'''1999–00''' Brian Hayton > Jeff Snyder
*'''2000–01''' Jeff Snyder
*'''2001–02''' [[Peter DeBoer]]
*'''2002–03''' Peter DeBoer
*'''2003–04''' Peter DeBoer
*'''2004–05''' Peter DeBoer
*'''2005–06''' Peter DeBoer
*'''2006–07''' Peter DeBoer
*'''2007–08''' Peter DeBoer
*'''2008–09''' [[Steve Spott]]
*'''2009–10''' Steve Spott
*'''2010–11''' Steve Spott
*'''2011–12''' Steve Spott
*'''2012–13''' Steve Spott
*'''2013–14''' Troy Smith
*'''2014–15''' Troy Smith
*'''2015–16''' [[Mike Van Ryn]]
*'''2016–17''' [[Jay McKee]]
*'''2017–18''' Jay McKee
*'''2018–19''' Jay McKee
*'''2019–20''' Jay McKee > [[Mike McKenzie (ice hockey)|Mike McKenzie]]
*'''2021–22''' Mike McKenzie
*'''2022–23''' Chris Dennis > [[Mike McKenzie (ice hockey)|Mike McKenzie]]
*'''2023–24''' Jussi Ahokas
*'''2024–25''' Jussi Ahokas*
{{div col end}}*OHL Coach of the Year (Matt Leyden Trophy)

^CHL Coach of the Year

==Players==
===Honoured numbers===
The Rangers do not retire numbers (except for the no. 1 which is dedicated to the fans) but choose to honour numbers instead; hanging banners from the rafters while still having them in use for present players. Honoured numbers include five Rangers alumni who were later elected into the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]]: # 3 [[Scott Stevens]], # 4 [[Al MacInnis]], # 6 [[Paul Coffey]], # 7 [[Bill Barber]]', # 19 [[Larry Robinson]].{{citation needed|date=September 2025}}

Two other numbers are also raised to the rafters of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, honouring two former Rangers who lost their lives at a young age: # 21 Gary Crosby, and # 22 Jim McGeachie.{{citation needed|date=September 2025}} Crosby was a member of the Rangers for two seasons from 1968 to 1970. He was killed at age 20, on July 29, 1972 in a head-on collision on Highway 7. McGeachie was a member of the Rangers for two seasons from 1978 to 1980. He was tragically killed at age 19 in May 1980, after a vehicle collision on Highway 9.{{citation needed|date=September 2025}}

===NHL/WHA alumni===
The Rangers have 186 alumni who have played in the [[National Hockey League]] or [[World Hockey Association]]. Five alumni have been elected into the [[Hockey Hall of Fame]]: [[Bill Barber]], [[Paul Coffey]], [[Al MacInnis]], [[Larry Robinson]] and [[Scott Stevens]].

{{div col|colwidth=12em}}
*[[Russ Adam]]
*[[Chris Ahrens (ice hockey)|Chris Ahrens]]
*[[Jason Akeson]]
*[[Claire Alexander]]
*[[John Baby]]
*[[Justin Bailey]]
*[[Reid Bailey]]
*[[Peter Bakovic]]
*[[Terry Ball (ice hockey)|Terry Ball]]
*[[Bill Barber]]
*[[Brian Bellows]]
*[[André Benoit|Andre Benoit]]
*[[Bob Blanchet]]
*[[Mikkel Bødker|Mikkel Boedker]]
*[[Dennis Bonvie]]
*[[Robert Bortuzzo]]
*[[Rick Bourbonnais]]
*[[Logan Brown]]
*[[David Bruce (ice hockey)|David Bruce]]
*[[Garrett Burnett]]
*[[Shawn Burr]]
*[[Brian Bye]]
*[[Jerry Byers]]
*[[Gregory Campbell (ice hockey)|Gregory Campbell]]
*[[Tom Cassidy]]
*[[Rick Chartraw]]
*[[David Clarkson (ice hockey)|David Clarkson]]
*[[Paul Coffey]]
*[[Bob Cook (ice hockey)|Bob Cook]]
*[[Frank Corrado]]
*[[Lou Crawford]]
*[[Andrew Crescenzi]]
*[[Dave Cressman]]
*[[Jerry D'Amigo]]
*[[Patrick Davis (ice hockey)|Patrick Davis]]
*[[Peter DeBoer]]
*[[Ab DeMarco]]
*[[Boyd Devereaux]]
*[[Gilbert Dionne]]
*[[Pete Donnelly (ice hockey)|Pete Donnelly]]
*[[Jamie Doornbosch]]
*[[Rob Dopson]]
*[[Steve Downie]]
*[[Mike Duco]]
*[[Denis Dupere]]
*[[Mike Eagles]]
*[[Tim Ecclestone]]
*[[Don Edwards (ice hockey)|Don Edwards]]
*[[Jack Egers]]
*[[Steve Eminger]]
*[[Paul Evans (ice hockey, born 1954)|Paul Evans]]
*[[Trevor Fahey]]
*[[Radek Faksa]]
*[[Sandy Fitzpatrick]]
*[[Joe Fortunato (ice hockey)|Joe Fortunato]]
*[[Dwight Foster (ice hockey)|Dwight Foster]]
*[[Mark Fraser (ice hockey)|Mark Fraser]]
*[[Jody Gage]]
*[[John Gibson (ice hockey, born 1993)|John Gibson]]
*[[Gaston Gingras]]
*[[Brian Glenwright]]
*[[David Haas (ice hockey)|David Haas]]
*[[Matt Halischuk]]
*[[Kevin Henderson (ice hockey)|Kevin Henderson]]
*[[Paul Higgins (ice hockey)|Paul Higgins]]
*[[Dan Hinton]]
*[[Mike Hoffman (ice hockey, born 1989)|Mike Hoffman]]
*[[Paul Hoganson]]
*[[Ralph Hopiavouri]]
*[[Mike Hough]]
*[[Dale Hunter]]
*[[Larry Huras]]
*[[Bob Hurlburt]]
*[[Lee Inglis]]
*[[Robbie Irons]]
*[[Bob Jones (ice hockey)|Bob Jones]]
*[[Jim Jones (ice hockey)|Jim Jones]]
*[[Nazem Kadri]]
*[[Petr Kanko]]
*[[Gord Kannegiesser]]
*[[Sheldon Kannegiesser]]
*[[Jakub Kindl]]
*[[Jim Krulicki]]
*[[Gary Kurt]]
*[[Nick Kypreos]]
*[[Gabriel Landeskog]]
*[[Jeff Larmer]]
*[[Matt Lashoff]]
*[[David Latta (ice hockey)|David Latta]]
*[[Don "Red" Laurence]]
*[[Ray LeBlanc]]
*[[Randy Legge]]
*[[Hank Lehvonen]]
*[[Josh Leivo]]
*[[Chris LiPuma]]
*[[Don Luce]]
*[[Chuck Luksa]]
*[[Brett MacDonald]]
*[[Al MacInnis]] 
*[[Dave Maloney]] 
*[[Don Maloney]]
*[[Eric Manlow]]
*[[Grant Martin]]
*[[Brandon Mashinter]]
*[[Steve Mason (ice hockey)|Steve Mason]]
*[[Brad Maxwell]]
*[[Dennis McCord (ice hockey)|Dennis McCord]]
*[[Darwin McCutcheon]]
*[[Joe McDonnell (ice hockey)|Joe McDonnell]]
*[[Evan McEneny]]
*[[Dave McLlwain]]
*[[Sean McMorrow]]
*[[Julian Melchiori]]
*[[Chris Meloff]]
*[[Max Middendorf]]
*[[Tom Miller (ice hockey)|Tom Miller]]
*[[Mike Moher]]
*[[John Moore (ice hockey)|John Moore]]
*[[Jason Morgan (ice hockey)|Jason Morgan]]
*[[Jeremy Morin]]
*[[Ryan Murphy (ice hockey, born 1993)|Ryan Murphy]]
*[[Jim Nahrgang]]
*[[Cam Newton (ice hockey)|Cam Newton]]
*[[Claude Noël|Claude Noel]]
*[[Joe Noris]]
*[[Gerry O'Flaherty]]
*[[Victor Oreskovich]]
*[[Billy Orr (ice hockey)|Billy Orr]]
*[[Bob Parent (ice hockey)|Bob Parent]]
*[[Jim Pavese]]
*[[Serge Payer]]
*[[Kent Paynter]]
*[[Andrew Peters]]
*[[Walt Poddubny]]
*[[Paul Pooley]]
*[[Wayne Presley]]
*[[Shane Prince]]
*[[Matt Puempel]]
*[[Tyler Randell (ice hockey)|Tyler Randell]]
*[[Jake Rathwell]]
*[[Paul Reinhart]]
*[[Steven Rice]]
*[[Mike Richards (ice hockey)|Mike Richards]]
*[[Glen Richardson]]
*[[Tobias Rieder]]
*[[Doug Risebrough]]
*[[Larry Robinson]]
*[[Mike Robitaille]]
*[[Allan Rourke]]
*[[Derek Roy]]
*[[Darren Rumble (ice hockey)|Darren Rumble]]
*[[Warren Rychel]]
*[[Gary Sabourin]]
*[[Jim Sandlak]]
*[[Ted Scharf]]
*[[Ron Sedlbauer]]
*[[Dan Seguin]]
*[[Sean Shanahan]]
*[[David Shaw (ice hockey)|David Shaw]]
*[[Doug Shedden]]
*[[Jeff Skinner]]
*[[Nick Spaling]]
*[[Steve Spott]]
*[[Mike Stevens (ice hockey, born 1965)|Mike Stevens]]
*[[Scott Stevens]]
*[[Shayne Stevenson (ice hockey)|Shayne Stevenson]]
*[[Bill Stewart (ice hockey)|Bill Stewart]]
*[[Peter Sturgeon]]
*[[Doug Sulliman]]
*[[Orval Tessier]]
*[[Ben Thomson (ice hockey, born 1982)|Ben Thomson]]
*[[Scott Timmins]]
*[[Walt Tkaczuk]]
*[[Kirk Tomlinson]]
*[[Mike Torchia (ice hockey)|Mike Torchia]]
*[[John Tucker (ice hockey)|John Tucker]]
*[[Boris Valábik|Boris Valabik]]
*[[Phil Varone (ice hockey)|Phil Varone]]
*[[Todd Warriner]]
*[[Yannick Weber]]
*[[Rob Whistle]]
*[[Tony White (ice hockey)|Tony White]]
*[[Bob Whitlock]]
*[[Brian Wilks]]
*[[Craig Wolanin]]
*[[Bennett Wolf]]
*[[Jason York]]
*[[Arber Xhekaj]]
*[[Wendell Young]]
{{div col end}}

==Award recipients ==
===Ontario Hockey League awards===
Members of the Kitchener Rangers have been named recipients of OHL awards 41 times.<ref>{{cite web |title=OHL Awards |url=https://chl.ca/ohl/awards/ |website=Ontario Hockey League |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |access-date=April 23, 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Season
!Player
!Award
!Description
|-
|1967–68
|Walt Tkaczuk
|Red Tilson Trophy
|Most outstanding player
|-
|1973–74
|Don Edwards
|Dave Pinkney Trophy
|Lowest team GAA
|-
|1976–77
|Dwight Foster
|Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
|Top scorer
|-
|1982–83
|Al MacInnis
|Max Kaminsky Trophy
|Defenceman of the year
|-
|1983–84
|Shawn Burr
|Emms Family Award
|Rookie of the year
|-
|1983–84
|Wayne Presley
|Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy
|Top scoring right winger
|-
|1983–84
|John Tucker
|Red Tilson Trophy
|Most outstanding player
|-
|1983–84
|Tom Barrett
|Matt Leyden Trophy
|Coach of the year
|-
|1986–87
|Ron Goodall
|Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy
|Top scoring right winger
|-
|1988–89
|Joe McDonnell
|Matt Leyden Trophy
|Coach of the year
|-
|1988–89
|Gus Morschauser
|Goaltender of the year
|
|-
|1990–91
|Mike Torchia
|Goaltender of the year
|
|-
|1990–91
|Joey St. Aubin
|Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy
|Top overage player
|-
|1992–93
|Tim Spitzig
|Bobby Smith Trophy
|Scholastic player of the year
|-
|1995–96
|Boyd Devereaux
|Bobby Smith Trophy
|Scholastic player of the year
|-
|1996–97
|Shawn Degagne
|F. W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy
|Lowest rookie GAA
|-
|1999–2000
|Derek Roy
|Emms Family Award
|Rookie of the year
|-
|2002–03
|Steve Bienkowski
|Executive of the year
|
|-
|2002–03
|Derek Roy
|Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
|Playoff MVP
|-
|2003–04
|Andre Benoit
|William Hanley Trophy
|Most sportsmanlike player
|-
|2004–05
|Andre Benoit
|Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy
|Top overage player
|-
|2005–06
|Mark Packwood
|Dave Pinkney Trophy
|Lowest team GAA
|-
|2005–06
|Dan Turple
|Dave Pinkney Trophy
|Lowest team GAA
|-
|2007–08
|Nick Spaling
|William Hanley Trophy
|Most sportsmanlike player
|-
|2007–08
|Josh Unice
|F. W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy
|Lowest rookie GAA
|-
|2007–08
|Justin Azevedo
|Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
|Top scorer
|-
|2007–08
|Justin Azevedo
|Red Tilson Trophy
|Most outstanding player
|-
|2007–08
|Justin Azevedo
|Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
|Playoff MVP
|-
|2010–11
|Jason Akeson
|Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
|Top scorer
|-
|2010–11
|Jason Akeson
|Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy
|Top scoring right winger
|-
|2010–11
|Jason Akeson
|William Hanley Trophy
|Most sportsmanlike player
|-
|2010–11
|Jason Akeson
|Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy
|Top overage player
|-
|2011–12
|Steve Bienkowski
|Executive of the year
|
|-
|2012–13
|Ben Fanelli
|Dan Snyder Memorial Award
|Humanitarian of the year
|-
|2019–20
|Jacob Ingham
|Dan Snyder Memorial Award
|Humanitarian of the year
|-
|2021–22
|Steve Bienlowski
|Bill Long Award
|Distinguished service
|-
|2023–24
|Matthew Sop
|Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy
|Top overage player
|-
|2023–24
|Hunter Brzustewicz
|Ted Baker Award
|Teammate of the year
|-
|2024–25
|Jackson Parsons
|Jim Rutherford Trophy
|Goaltender of the year
|-
|2024–25
|Jackson Parsons
|Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy
|Top overage player
|-
|2024–25
|Jussi Ahokas
|Matt Leyden Trophy
|Coach of the year
|}

== Arena ==
[[File:Kitchener_Auditorium_Rangers.jpg|thumb|The Kitchener Rangers playing at the [[Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex]] against the Guelph Storm in 2014.]]

The Kitchener Rangers play home games at the [[Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex]]. The Auditorium was built in 1951 and underwent major renovations in 2002.  In 2007–08, over 500 seats were added to accommodate larger crowds for the 2008 Memorial Cup. Over the 2012 off-season, The Aud was once again expanded with the addition of close to 1,000 seats, as well as an upper concourse and improvements to team dressing rooms and business offices. The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex includes Jack Couch Park for baseball, Kiwanis and Kinsmen ice pads in the arena, and the main Auditorium arena known as the Dom Cardillo Arena. Centennial Stadium (football) was demolished in Spring, 2013 due to safety concerns.

* '''Capacity''' = 7,068 seats + 632 standing room = total capacity of 7,700
* '''Ice size''' = 192' x 85'

The Auditorium hosted the Memorial Cup tournament in 1962, 1975, 1984 and 2008. The [[Ontario Hockey League history#All-Star Games|OHL All-Star Game]] was played there in 1980 & 1985 as well as the [[CHL Top Prospects Game]] in 2003 and in 2021.

On May 13, 2025, the Kitchener Rangers announced a multi-million dollar major renovation project that will enhance the team’s dressing room, player lounge, and business offices at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The more than $2 million dollar project will begin in May 2025, and be completed in time for the beginning of the 2025/26 OHL season. This is the largest renovation at the Aud, since 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kitchener Rangers Announce Multi-Million Dollar Renovation |url=https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/article/kitchener-rangers-announce-multi-million-dollar-renovation-project-led-by-woodhouse-group/ |website=kitchenerrangers.com |access-date=May 14, 2025}}</ref> The City of Kitchener, has also approved an additional $2 million dollar project to renovate the existing Subscribers Lounge into a second restaurant at the Aud, with seating for 120 guests. The combined $4.5 million dollar project will be completed during the summer of 2025, ahead of the season start in October.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bueckert |first1=Kate |title=Kitchener council approves $4.5 in upgrades to The Aud |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kitchener-council-approves-renovations-to-memorial-auditorium-the-aud-1.7533015 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=May 14, 2025}}</ref>

==Season results==

'''''Legend:''' GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, SL = Shoot-out losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against''

{| class="wikitable"
|bgcolor="#FFBBBB"|<small>'''[[Memorial Cup]] champions'''</small>
|bgcolor="#B3FFB3"|<small>'''[[Ontario Hockey League|OHL]] champions'''</small>
|bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|<small>'''OHL runners-up'''</small>
|}

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Season || GP || W || L || T || OTL || SL || Pts || Win % || GF || GA || Standing || Playoffs
|-
|1963–64 || 56 || 9 || 41 || 6 || — || — || 24 || 0.214 || 142 || 316 || 8th OHA || 
|-
|1964–65 || 56 || 19 || 32 || 5 || — || — || 43 || 0.384 || 225 || 284 || 6th OHA || 
|-
|1965–66 || 48 || 16 || 23 || 9 || — || — || 41 || 0.427 || 160 || 183 || 7th OHA || bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|'''Won''' quarterfinal ([[Niagara Falls Flyers]]) 8–4<br />'''Won''' semifinal ([[Toronto Marlboros]]) 9–7<br />Lost [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Oshawa Generals]]) 8–2
|-
|1966–67 || 48 || 28 || 12 || 8 || — || — || 64 || 0.667 || 213 || 164 || '''1st OHA''' || '''Won''' quarterfinal ([[St. Catharines Black Hawks]]) 9–3<br />Lost semifinal ([[Toronto Marlboros]]) 9–5
|-
|1967–68 || 54 || 38 || 10 || 6 || — || — || 82 || 0.759 || 326 || 175 || '''1st OHA''' || bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|'''Won''' quarterfinal ([[Toronto Marlboros]]) 8–2<br />'''Won''' semifinal ([[Hamilton Red Wings]]) 9–5<br />Lost [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Niagara Falls Flyers]]) 4–3–1
|-
|1968–69 || 54 || 9 || 40 || 5 || — || — || 23 || 0.213 || 155 || 310 || 10th OHA || 
|-
|1969–70 || 54 || 22 || 28 || 4 || — || — || 48 || 0.444 || 210 || 236 || 7th OHA || Lost quarterfinal ([[St. Catharines Black Hawks]]) 8–4
|-
|1970–71 || 62 || 26 || 32 || 4 || — || — || 56 || 0.452 || 267 || 283 || 6th OHA || Lost quarterfinal ([[St. Catharines Black Hawks]]) 8–0
|-
|1971–72 || 63 || 31 || 24 || 8 || — || — || 70 || 0.556 || 317 || 259 || 5th OHA || Lost quarterfinal ([[Toronto Marlboros]]) 8–2
|-
|1972–73 || 63 || 16 || 41 || 6 || — || — || 38 || 0.302 || 244 || 368 || 8th OHA || Lost quarterfinal ([[London Knights]]) 8–0
|-
|1973–74 || 70 || 43 || 18 || 9 || — || — || 95 || 0.679 || 377 || 229 || '''1st OHA''' || '''Won''' quarterfinal ([[Sudbury Wolves]]) 8–0<br />Lost semifinal ([[Peterborough Petes]]) 8–0
|-
|[[1974–75 OMJHL season|1974–75]] || 70 || 17 || 47 || 6 || — || — || 40 || 0.286 || 239 || 351 || 11th OMJHL || 
|-
|[[1975–76 OMJHL season|1975–76]] || 66 || 26 || 35 || 5 || — || — || 57 || 0.432 || 298 || 384 || 4th Emms || '''Won''' first round ([[St. Catharines Black Hawks]]) 6–2<br />Lost quarterfinal ([[Hamilton Fincups]]) 8–0
|-
|[[1976–77 OMJHL season|1976–77]] || 66 || 26 || 32 || 8 || — || — || 60 || 0.455 || 320 || 380 || 4th Emms || Lost first round ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 3–0
|-
|[[1977–78 OMJHL season|1977–78]] || 68 || 26 || 34 || 8 || — || — || 60 || 0.441 || 270 || 303 || 4th Emms || '''Won''' first round ([[Toronto Marlboros]]) 6–4<br />Lost quarterfinal ([[London Knights]]) 8–0
|-
|[[1978–79 OMJHL season|1978–79]] || 68 || 29 || 35 || 4 || — || — || 62 || 0.456 || 316 || 356 || 4th Emms || '''Won''' first round ([[Toronto Marlboros]]) 6–0<br />Lost quarterfinal ([[Niagara Falls Flyers]]) 8–6
|-
|[[1979–80 OMJHL season|1979–80]] || 68 || 17 || 51 || 0 || — || — || 34 || 0.250 || 276 || 425 || 6th Emms || 
|-
|[[1980–81 OHL season|1980–81]] || 68 || 34 || 33 || 1 || — || — || 69 || 0.507 || 321 || 320 || '''1st Emms''' || bgcolor="#B3FFB3"|'''Won''' quarterfinal ([[Niagara Falls Flyers]]) 9–5<br />'''Won''' semifinal ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 9–1<br />'''Won''' [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 9–3<br />'''2nd place''' in [[1981 Memorial Cup|Memorial Cup]] round-robin<br />Lost Memorial Cup final ([[Cornwall Royals]]) 5–2
|-
|[[1981–82 OHL season|1981–82]] || 68 || 44 || 21 || 3 || — || — || 91 || 0.669 || 322 || 247 || '''1st Emms''' || bgcolor="#FFBBBB"|'''Won''' quarterfinal ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 8–0<br />'''Won''' semifinal ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 9–3<br />'''Won''' [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Ottawa 67's]]) 9–1<br />'''2nd place''' in [[1982 Memorial Cup|Memorial Cup]] round-robin<br />'''Won''' Memorial Cup final ([[Sherbrooke Castors]]) 7–4
|-
|[[1982–83 OHL season|1982–83]] || 70 || 45 || 23 || 2 || — || — || 92 || 0.657 || 393 || 292 || 2nd Emms || '''Won''' quarterfinal ([[North Bay Centennials]]) 8–2<br />Lost semifinal ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 8–2
|-
|[[1983–84 OHL season|1983–84]] || 70 || 52 || 16 || 2 || — || — || 106 || 0.757 || 418 || 276 || '''1st Emms''' || bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|'''Won''' quarterfinal ([[London Knights]]) 8–0<br />'''Won''' semifinal ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 8–6<br />Lost [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Ottawa 67's]]) 8–2<br />'''1st place''' in [[1984 Memorial Cup|Memorial Cup]] round-robin{{efn|Kitchener qualified for the 1984 Memorial Cup since they hosted the tournament.}}<br />Lost Memorial Cup final ([[Ottawa 67's]]) 7–2
|-
|[[1984–85 OHL season|1984–85]] || 66 || 27 || 35 || 4 || — || — || 58 || 0.439 || 282 || 319 || 6th Emms || Lost first round ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 8–0
|-
|[[1985–86 OHL season|1985–86]] || 66 || 35 || 27 || 4 || — || — || 86 || 0.561 || 330 || 240 || 3rd Emms || Lost first round ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 8–2
|-
|[[1986–87 OHL season|1986–87]] || 66 || 32 || 31 || 3 || — || — || 67 || 0.508 || 293 || 305 || 4th Emms || Lost quarterfinal ([[North Bay Centennials]]) 4–0
|-
|[[1987–88 OHL season|1987–88]] || 66 || 26 || 39 || 1 || — || — || 53 || 0.402 || 263 || 329 || 6th Emms || Lost first round ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–0
|-
|[[1988–89 OHL season|1988–89]] || 66 || 41 || 19 || 6 || — || — || 88 || 0.667 || 318 || 251 || '''1st Emms''' || Lost first round ([[North Bay Centennials]]) 4–1
|-
|[[1989–90 OHL season|1989–90]] || 66 || 38 || 21 || 7 || — || — || 83 || 0.629 || 358 || 259 || 2nd Emms || bgcolor="#D0E7FF"|'''Won''' first round ([[North Bay Centennials]]) 4–1<br />''Bye'' in quarterfinal<br />'''Won''' semifinal ([[Niagara Falls Thunder]]) 4–1<br />Lost [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Oshawa Generals]]) 4–3<br />'''2nd place''' in [[1990 Memorial Cup|Memorial Cup]] round-robin<br />'''Won''' Memorial Cup semifinal ([[Laval Titan]]) 5–4<br />Lost Memorial Cup final ([[Oshawa Generals]]) 4–3 (2OT)
|-
|[[1990–91 OHL season|1990–91]] || 66 || 28 || 30 || 8 || — || — || 64 || 0.485 || 301 || 293 || 5th Emms || Lost first round ([[Niagara Falls Thunder]]) 4–2
|-
|[[1991–92 OHL season|1991–92]] || 66 || 29 || 30 || 7 || — || — || 65 || 0.492 || 283 || 282 || 4th Emms || '''Won''' first round ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–3<br />Lost quarterfinal ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 4–3
|-
|[[1992–93 OHL season|1992–93]] || 66 || 26 || 31 || 9 || — || — || 61 || 0.462 || 280 || 314 || 6th Emms || Lost first round ([[London Knights]]) 4–3
|-
|[[1993–94 OHL season|1993–94]] || 66 || 32 || 30 || 4 || — || — || 68 || 0.515 || 286 || 316 || 6th Emms || Lost first round ([[Owen Sound Platers]]) 4–1
|-
|[[1994–95 OHL season|1994–95]] || 66 || 18 || 42 || 6 || — || — || 42 || 0.318 || 216 || 296 || 5th Central || Lost first round ([[Sudbury Wolves]]) 4–1
|-
|[[1995–96 OHL season|1995–96]] || 66 || 35 || 28 || 3 || — || — || 73 || 0.553 || 253 || 230 || 2nd Central || '''Won''' first round ([[Barrie Colts]]) 4–3<br />Lost quarterfinal ([[Detroit Whalers]]) 4–1
|-
|[[1996–97 OHL season|1996–97]] || 66 || 34 || 22 || 10 || — || — || 78 || 0.591 || 274 || 235 || 1st Central || '''Won''' quarterfinal ([[Sarnia Sting]]) 4–3<br />Lost semifinal ([[Oshawa Generals]]) 4–2
|-
|[[1997–98 OHL season|1997–98]] || 66 || 27 || 29 || 10 || — || — || 64 || 0.485 || 224 || 239 || 3rd Central || Lost first round ([[Owen Sound Platers]]) 4–2
|-
|[[1998–99 OHL season|1998–99]] || 68 || 23 || 39 || 6 || — || — || 52 || 0.382 || 205 || 257 || 4th Midwest || Lost 8th-place tie-breaker ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 2–1
|-
|[[1999–2000 OHL season|1999–2000]] || 68 || 28 || 30 || 6 || 4 || — || 66 || 0.485 || 229 || 256 || 2nd Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2000–01 OHL season|2000–01]] || 68 || 26 || 36 || 6 || 0 || — || 58 || 0.426 || 218 || 247 || 5th Midwest || 
|-
|[[2001–02 OHL season|2001–02]] || 68 || 35 || 22 || 10 || 1 || — || 81 || 0.596 || 257 || 190 || 3rd Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[Guelph Storm]]) 4–0
|-
|[[2002–03 OHL season|2002–03]] || 68 || 46 || 14 || 5 || 3 || — || 100 || 0.735 || 275 || 188 || '''1st Midwest''' || bgcolor="#FFBBBB"|'''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 4–0<br />'''Won''' conference semifinal ([[Guelph Storm]]) 4–1<br />'''Won''' conference final ([[Plymouth Whalers]]) 4–3<br />'''Won''' [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Ottawa 67's]]) 4–1<br />'''1st place''' in [[2003 Memorial Cup|Memorial Cup]] round-robin<br />'''Won''' Memorial Cup final ([[Hull Olympiques]]) 6–3
|-
|[[2003–04 OHL season|2003–04]] || 68 || 34 || 26 || 6 || 2 || — || 76 || 0.559 || 254 || 235 || 3rd Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[Plymouth Whalers]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2004–05 OHL season|2004–05]] || 68 || 35 || 20 || 9 || 4 || — || 83 || 0.610 || 235 || 187 || 3rd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Erie Otters]]) 4–2<br />'''Won''' conference semifinal ([[Owen Sound Attack]]) 4–0<br />Lost conference final ([[London Knights]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2005–06 OHL season|2005–06]] || 68 || 47 || 19 || — || 1 || 1 || 96 || 0.706 || 255 || 165 || 2nd Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[Owen Sound Attack]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2006–07 OHL season|2006–07]] || 68 || 47 || 17 || — || 1 || 3 || 98 || 0.721 || 262 || 187 || 2nd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Sarnia Sting]]) 4–0<br />Lost conference semifinal ([[Plymouth Whalers]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2007–08 OHL season|2007–08]] || 68 || 53 || 11 || — || 1 || 3 || 110 || 0.809 || 289 || 174 || '''1st Midwest''' || bgcolor="#B3FFB3"|'''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Plymouth Whalers]]) 4–0<br />'''Won''' conference semifinal ([[Sarnia Sting]]) 4–0<br />'''Won''' conference final ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 4–1<br />'''Won''' [[J. Ross Robertson Cup|OHL championship]] ([[Belleville Bulls]]) 4–3<br />'''3rd place''' in [[2008 Memorial Cup|Memorial Cup]] round-robin<br />'''Won''' Memorial Cup semifinal ([[Belleville Bulls]]) 9–0<br />Lost Memorial Cup final ([[Spokane Chiefs]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2008–09 OHL season|2008–09]] || 68 || 26 || 37 || — || 3 || 2 || 57 || 0.419 || 208 || 254 || 5th Midwest || 
|-
|[[2009–10 OHL season|2009–10]] || 68 || 42 || 19 || — || 4 || 3 || 91 || 0.669 || 286 || 236 || 2nd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Saginaw Spirit]]) 4–2<br /> '''Won''' quarterfinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–3<br />Lost semifinal ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–3
|-
|[[2010–11 OHL season|2010–11]] || 68 || 38 || 21 || — || 4 || 5 || 85 || 0.625 || 256 || 217 || 2nd Midwest || Lost first round ([[Plymouth Whalers]]) 4–3
|-
|[[2011–12 OHL season|2011–12]] || 68 || 42 || 24 || — || 1 || 1 || 86 || 0.632 || 253 || 211 || 2nd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Owen Sound Attack]]) 4–1<br />'''Won''' conference semifinal ([[Plymouth Whalers]]) 4–3<br />Lost conference final ([[London Knights]]) 4–0
|-
|[[2012–13 OHL season|2012–13]] || 68 || 39 || 20 || — || 1 || 8 || 87 || 0.640 || 216 || 185 || 3rd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Guelph Storm]]) 4–1<br />Lost conference semifinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2013–14 OHL season|2013–14]] || 68 || 22 || 41 || — || 2 || 3 || 49 || 0.360 || 200 || 280 || 5th Midwest || 
|-
|[[2014–15 OHL season|2014–15]] || 68 || 32 || 26 || — || 3 || 7 || 74 || 0.544 || 216 || 221 || 5th Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–2
|-
|[[2015–16 OHL season|2015–16]] || 68 || 44 || 17 || — || 5 || 2 || 95 || 0.699 || 256 || 197 || 3rd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–1<br />Lost conference semifinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–0
|-
|[[2016–17 OHL season|2016–17]] || 68 || 36 || 27 || — || 3 || 2 || 77 || 0.566 || 244 || 251 || 4th Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[Owen Sound Attack]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2017–18 OHL season|2017–18]] || 68 || 43 || 21 || — || 3 || 1 || 90 || 0.662 || 246 || 218 || '''1st Midwest''' || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Guelph Storm]]) 4–2<br />'''Won''' conference semifinal ([[Sarnia Sting]]) 4–2<br />Lost conference final ([[Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds]]) 4–3
|-
|[[2018–19 OHL season|2018–19]] || 68 || 34 || 30 || — || 3 || 1 || 72 || 0.529 || 251 || 267 || 3rd Midwest || Lost conference quarterfinal ([[Guelph Storm]]) 4–0
|-
|[[2019–20 OHL season|2019–20]] || 63 || 40 || 16 || — || 5 || 2 || 87 || 0.690 || 264 || 213 || 2nd Midwest || bgcolor="#CCCCCC"|''Playoffs cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]''
|-
|[[2020-21 OHL season|2020–21]] || colspan="12" bgcolor="#CCCCCC"|''Season cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]''
|-
|[[2021–22 OHL season|2021–22]] || 68 || 30 || 31 || — || 5 || 2 || 67 || 0.493 || 236 || 271 || 4th Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–3<br />Lost conference semifinal ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2022–23 OHL season|2022–23]] || 68 || 33 || 29 || — || 6 || 0 || 72 || 0.532 || 258 || 245 || 4th Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–0 <br /> Lost conference semifinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–1
|-
|[[2023–24 OHL season|2023–24]] || 68 || 41 || 23 || — || 4 || 0 || 86 || 0.632 || 290 || 225 || 2nd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Erie Otters]]) 4–2 <br /> Lost conference semifinal ([[London Knights]]) 4–0
|-
|[[2024–25 OHL season|2024–25]] || 68 || 47 || 15 || — || 4 || 2 || 100 || 0.735 || 254 || 183 || 2nd Midwest || '''Won''' conference quarterfinal ([[Flint Firebirds]]) 4–1<br /> '''Won''' conference semifinal vs. ([[Windsor Spitfires]]) 4–3<br /> Lost conference final vs. ([[London Knights]]) 4–0
|}

;Notes
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.kitchenerrangers.com/ Official website of the Kitchener Rangers]
* [http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ Official website of the Ontario Hockey League]
* [http://www.chl.ca/ Official website of the Canadian Hockey League]

{{Kitchener Rangers}}
{{OHL}}
{{Kitchener, Ontario}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kitchener Rangers| ]]
[[Category:Ontario Hockey League teams]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 1963]]
[[Category:Publicly traded sports companies]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Ontario]]
[[Category:Ice hockey teams in Kitchener, Ontario|Rang]]