The Kitchener Rangers might have discovered their new goaltender to step in for the reigning Goaltender of the Year, Jackson Parsons.
The Kitchener Rangers might have discovered their new goaltender to step in for the reigning Goaltender of the Year, Jackson Parsons.
On Thursday, the Rangers organization announced that they have signed Swiss netminder Christian Kirsch to an OHL Standard Player Agreement.
Press Release: Rangers Sign Goaltender Christian Kirsch To Standard Player Agreement
— Kitchener Rangers (@OHLRangers) July 24, 2025
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The 6-foot-4, 201-pound netminder was drafted in the fourth round (116th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks are still in their rebuild and on the search for a goaltender they feel will be their starter for years to come. Is Kirsch the answer?
The Basel, Switzerland native was picked in the first round (44th overall) by Kitchener in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Ottawa 67’s forward Kimi Korbler was the only Swiss forward in the OHL last season, and he is expected to return home to play for the EHC Kloten organization.
Kitchener Rangers Announce Roster Changes For The 2025-26 Season, Two NHL Prospects Set To ReturnThe Kitchener Rangers announced updates to their roster regarding five of their players for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Kirsch recorded an 8-15-0 record with a 3.16 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage for the Janesville Jets of the NAHL during the 2024-25 season. He also played three games in the USHL for the Green Bay Gamblers, but struggled in his appearances in the crease, posting a 5.09 goals-against-average and a .842 save percentage.
The Gamblers traded Kirsch to the Chicago Steel in exchange for a Phase 2 seventh-round draft pick, and he was recently at their development camp. However, Rangers GM Mike McKenzie mentioned after drafting him earlier this month that Kirsch sounded very keen and excited to join Kitchener and play in the OHL next season.
The Rangers roll into the 2025-26 season now with a one-two punch in the net with the Sharks prospect Kirsch and 2026 NHL draft-eligible Jason Schaubel.
North Bay Battalion Sign Russian Import First-Round Pick The import signings in the OHL continue, with another first-round pick from the 2025 CHL Import Draft committing. After the Niagara IceDogs were able to sign all three of their draft picks, the North Bay Battalion have joined in on the action.
Although the 2008-born Schaubel didn’t perform poorly as the backup to Parsons last season, asking the kid to take on the role of a starter would’ve been a task, potentially setting him up for failure in a pivotal season of his career.
Kirsch represented his country at the 2025 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, recording a 3.52 goals-against-average and a .878 save percentage. He stopped 11-of-12 against Kazakhstan in Switzerland’s only win of the tournament, a victory that saved them from the relegation game.
Kirsch becomes the eighth NHL-affiliated prospect on the Rangers’ roster for the 2025-26 season. There will be many NHL scouts watching Kitchener this season, tracking their players' development.
(Top photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)
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