Rangers' Rally Falls Short

January 31, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - A furious Marquette Rangers rally in the final minute failed to tie the game, and the team lost 4-3 to the US National Team Development Program Saturday night at Lakeview Arena.

With the loss, Marquette failed to gain ground on Alpena in the North American Hockey League North Division race; as the IceDiggers were blown out by Mahoning Valley 9-2 at home Saturday night.

The USNDTP and Alpena are now tied for fourth in the standings with 45 points apiece, with Marquette in fifth with 43.

The USNTDP roared out of the blocks scoring two quick goals before the home-crowd could get settled in. Matt Nieto and Austin Czarnik scored 22 seconds apart to open the night five minutes in, before the Rangers Chad Pietila answered on the power play at 10:52 with assists given to Aaron Pietila and Ryan McGrath.

Team USA would make it 3-1 to end the period when Nieto scored his second of the night from Jacob Fallon at the 12:23 mark.

The USNTDP would score to make if 4-1 in the second before the Rangers finally got going.

James Gallagher scored his 18th and 19th goals of the season in the third period to cut the deficit to 4-3, setting up the drama of the final two minutes.

After peppering USNTDP goaltender Jack Campbell over the final 5 minutes, USA's Bryan Rust took a tripping penalty with 1:49 on the clock. Following a Marquette timeout, the Rangers set up the power play and eventually pulled goaltender Kevin Kissaw for the extra attacker.

Several scoring chances ensued, including one with three seconds remaining that trickled past the right post; but USA would hold on for the win to split their series on the weekend.

Marquette is off this next week, and will host division leading Mahoning Valley for a three game set February 12 - 14th at Lakeview Arena.



North American Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2009


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