Established in 1963, the Kitchener Rangers are a community-owned and not-for-profit organization competing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Originally sponsored by the New York Rangers, that partnership concluded in 1967 with the expansion of the NHL’s “Original Six” era. On July 7, 1967, Eugene George purchased the team from the New York Rangers for one dollar, not for private ownership, but to turn it over to the community through the creation of a not-for-profit organization. To this day, there is no single “owner” of the club. Instead, a Board of Directors comprised entirely of Kitchener Rangers season ticket members is elected each year to serve as the trustees of this storied franchise.
The Rangers are one of junior hockey’s most iconic franchises, known for developing elite talent both on and off the ice. Over 180 players and coaches have gone on to serve in the NHL, and five distinguished alumni (Scott Stevens, Bill Barber, Paul Coffey, Larry Robinson, and Al MacInnis) have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Guided by a commitment to excellence, community, and tradition, the Rangers proudly represent the spirit of #RTown through their on-ice performance and deep-rooted community involvement.