The Kitchener Rangers are in the Limestone City Friday night to face the Kingston Frontenacs for the first time this season, and received some grim news regarding their blueline heading into the game.

Head Coach Jay McKee has confirmed defenseman Connor Hall will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after suffering the injury in a game against Sarnia on November 23.

McKee says it gives his younger defenseman an opportunity to step up.

”Alex Peterson’s ice time is going to go up. Giovanni Vallati, Kyle Gentles, those are three guys that are just getting their toes wet in this league. When someone loses out with an injury, that just gives other guys an opportunity,” said McKee.

We’re also learning that goaltender Chris McGonigle is done for the season as well because of an injury.

He hasn’t played since a shutout win over Peterborough on October 28.

The Rangers have had nearly a week to prepare for the Fronts after a 4-1 win over Saginaw on Saturday.

Jeremy Bracco will look to extend his season-long point streak to 23 games against a Frontenacs squad that’s won two in a row.

Air time on 570 News is 6:35 p.m.

The Rangers then head to Ottawa and battle the 67’s in a Saturday matinee, which will be a homecoming game for a few of the boys.

Greg Meireles, Giovanni Vallati and Nick McHugh all hail from the Ottawa area.