Rangers preparing to welcome 3,500 fans to games

OHL club planning to be at 50 per cent capacity for its home opener on Oct. 8 against Storm

KITCHENER — Kitchener Rangers games are about to get a lot busier.

The Ontario Hockey League announced on Friday that its 17 Ontario-based hockey teams will be allowing 50 per cent fan capacity for tilts beginning Saturday.

The decision comes in the wake of the provincial government’s announcement, also made Friday, to increase spectator attendance at indoor sporting venues across Ontario.

“It’s just another positive step in the right direction that we’ve all been waiting for 15 months,” said Rangers chief operating officer Joe Birch. “Being in the building last week (for an exhibition game) with 1,000 fans felt nice. It was close to normal, but it’s not the same.”

The atmosphere will certainly change for the team’s home opener, set for Oct. 8 against the Guelph Storm, when about 3,500 fans — or half of the 7,000 or so capacity — will be allowed inside the East Avenue barn.

“It’s a really exciting day,” said Birch. “It’s super positive news for us.”

Only 1,000 fans were allowed to attend Friday’s friendly against the Mississauga IceDogs, but Birch and his team plan to strategize with City of Kitchener officials next week to see what the right steps will be for next Friday’s exhibition game against the Niagara IceDogs at the Aud.

The increase in attendance is key for the Rangers’ survival. The team needs about 4,000 fans per game to break even.

“It’s important,” said Birch. “We’ve had to ask for forgiveness to long-term ventures to the city. We have taken on additional loans and debt to just make sure we’re operating properly. So, this helps us. The whole goal has been to try and get back to normal … as fast and as quickly as we can.”

The OHL cancelled the final two weeks and playoffs of the 2019-20 season and all of last season because of the pandemic.

The Rangers had a total regular-season revenue of $6.3 million for the 2020 fiscal year, but posted a net deficit of $83,736, making it the first time the club lost money in 25 years. The team made $335,233 in profit in 2019, on the heels of a full season.

Despite the changes, proof of vaccination is still required to enter the Aud.

“The regular season is fast approaching and it’s an exciting time for everyone,” OHL commissioner David Branch said in a news release. “This announcement only amplifies that energy as the league and its member teams look forward to welcoming more of our great fans into venues across the province.”