Rangers Come Home

Published on November 17, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


With their last 9 games on the road, the Marquette Rangers have been able to stay in the hunt for the North Division title in their inaugural year in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

The Rangers sit in third place with a 9-10-1 record. Now the Rangers are looking to get back on track returning to familiar ice tonight for their first weekend series at Lakeview Arena in four weeks. "It's good to be home in a familiar atmosphere and have support around us. We haven't felt that excitement from a crowd in a month, so we're definitely excited to be home. We're prepared to come out strong and win one for the hometown crowd," says Dustin Partacz, a first-year forward for the Rangers.

Returning home with the Rangers will be a few new faces. The recent roster changes for the Rangers strengthen the team and provide a wide-range of skill and physical ability on the ice. "The addition of Nikki Holt and John MacAfee on the blue line and Jim Gallagher and Artie Peckskamp up front has definitely helped deepen our team," said David Saint-Onge, General Manager. Goalie Stephen Ritter continues to lead the team with solid play between the pipes and is ranked among the top goaltenders in the league. Rookie Matt Brooker also continues to improve as Ritter's understudy, averaging over 35 saves per game. "We're an expansion team still learning Coach Mendelson's system and how to compete as a team," said Saint-Onge. "we're becoming a very good team and look forward to playing Alpena this weekend. The series should be physical and great old-time hockey."

Tonight's theme, Save a Buck Night, is sure to provide fans an inexpensive night filled with great hockey and chances to win. You can save $1.00 on all Ranger gear, enjoy $1.00 tap beer and 20-ounce Pepsi products. Fans over 21 wearing hunters orange will receive free admission to the Beer Garden.

Next weekend (Nov. 26) is Rangers' Youth Hockey day. Kids wearing their team hockey jersey will receive free admission to the game. Immediately following the game against the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, youth hockey players are invited to stay and skate with the Rangers and have Ranger gear autographed.

December 3 is an important day in the community. The Marquette Rangers are teaming up with the YMCA of Marquette County in support of their annual Family Wellness Day, as well as bringing you "A Soldier's Christmas." Fans are encouraged to bring new toys, games and clothing to help the families of U.P. soldiers who are deployed this holiday season. All donations must be in their original packaging and unwrapped with a $5.00 value. With your donation you will receive one free kids (eight and under) admission, or $1.00 off each student or adult ticket you purchase (maximum of four). You will also be entered in the door prize drawing for your chance to win free Ranger tickets, YMCA passes, steak dinners at Bonanza and lots more.

The Rangers take the ice tonight and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Lakeview Arena. Game tickets are available at the Rangers Lakeview Arena office, any branch of River Valley State Bank, Johnson's Pro Shop at Lakeview Arena, or by calling (906) 225-9077. For team information, visit the Marquette Rangers at www.marquetterangers.com.

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North American Hockey League Stories from November 17, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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