Blazers’ Brendan Ranford Named CHL Player of the Week

Press Release

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Brendan Ranford of the Kamloops Blazers is the CHL Player of the Week for the playoff week ending April 7 collecting eight points in three games including three goals and five assists with a plus-minus rating of plus-5.

Ranford helped the Blazers build a 2-0 series lead over the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL’s Western Conference Semi-Finals earning first star honours in each of the first two road games.  On Saturday night in Game 1 he scored twice including the game-winner as part of the 4-2 victory, then scored a goal and an assist in Game 2 on Sunday in the 5-1 win.  His week also included a four-assist effort last Monday night in the Blazers’ 6-2 win over the Victoria Royals in the decisive sixth game of their first round series.     

Ranford, a 20-year-old from Edmonton, AB, is playing in his fifth and final WHL season with the Blazers.  He produced 87 points in 70 regular season games this season and now sits tied for third in playoff scoring with 14 points through eight games.

Also considered for the award this week was Andreas Athanasiou of the Barrie Colts who scored two goals and four assists for six points in three straight wins against the Oshawa Generals in OHL Eastern Conference Semi-Final action.  Christopher Clapperton of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada was also considered after scoring one goal with six assists for seven points in two straight wins against the Val-d’Or Foreurs in second round action of the QMJHL playoffs.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)