NAHL announces Marquette Rangers as new member club
Published on February 15, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL) News Release
Frisco, Texas. February 15, 2006 -- The North American Hockey League announces that its Board of Governors has granted a membership in the NAHL to a team that will operate in Marquette, Michigan, beginning with the 2006-07 season.
The team will be called the Marquette Rangers (www.marquetterangers.com) and will play out of the 3,100 seat Lakeview Arena in Marquette.
The Marquette Rangers will be managed by three principals. David Saint-Onge will serve as president and general manager. Mr. Saint-Onge has an extensive business background and serves as president of TriMedia Consultants, Inc., a multi-disciplined professional service firm with offices in Michigan, Wisconsin and Montana.
Rich Tegge will serve as vice president and director of hockey operations. Mr. Tegge is a wealth manager with Salomon-Smith Barney.
Brad Layzell will serve the team as vice president and director of player development. A former 1991 NHL Entry Draft selection of the Montreal Canadiens (fifth round, 100th overall), four-year player at RPI and member of the Canadian National Team, Mr. Layzell will bring an established professional playing record to the Rangers and will be instrumental in developing the team's players.
"The NAHL is very pleased and excited to welcome Marquette as its 21st member," said Michael Santos, commissioner and president of the NAHL. "Marquette is truly hockey country, with a great tradition of youth, high school and collegiate hockey. The Rangers will have an excellent facility and a great fan base upon which to draw. With the league's roots in Michigan, the NAHL is glad to return another team to the state. We firmly believe Marquette will be an excellent member club in the NAHL."
"This announcement culminates a three-year period of evaluation, investigation and organization," said Saint-Onge. "Marquette is a wonderful community with large city amenities and small town service. With our facility being in close proximity to the brand new YMCA complex and Northern Michigan University, our players will be afforded an outstanding opportunity to develop and succeed."
"The team will have dedicated locker rooms and office space, and will have great off-ice training facilities. The players who choose to play here will find Marquette provides the perfect opportunity to advance their careers."
The Rangers management team is currently reviewing coaching candidates and hopes to announce selection of a head coach by late February.
Now in its 30th season, the North American Hockey League is the oldest and largest junior A hockey league in the United States.
The NAHL's primary goal is to enhance the development of its players in conjunction with a commitment to academic support. The league's schedule and playoff schedule is designed to minimize school conflicts.
NAHL competition helps players make the transition from midget and high school hockey to college hockey by creating an environment that is highly competitive, encourages skill development and provides time for physical growth and maturity.
Over its 30 year history, the NAHL has developed more college and professional players than any other junior hockey league in the country.
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