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Rangers Return

December 26, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - Following the North American Hockey League holiday break, the Marquette Rangers resume their schedule with three games against Traverse City this weekend. The North Stars come to Lakeview Arena Thursday and Friday before hosting the Rangers Saturday night at Centre Ice Arena.

The two teams will face-off Thursday and Friday in Marquette at 7:30 PM.

Marquette is currently in a third place tie with Alpena in the NAHL North Division with 34 points (16-10-2) while the North Stars are in 6th place in the division with a record of 11-11-5 (27 points.)

The weekend will also be key games towards determining who wins the Smith Barney Challenge Cup that the two teams are fighting for this year. The winner of the cup, donated by Smith Barney offices in both Marquette and Traverse City, will be determined by head-to-head competition between the two clubs. So far Traverse City holds a two wins to one edge after three games.

"We feel pretty good about where we are right now" said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. "It was obvious we all needed a break and needed to get away from hockey for awhile. Now that we've had a chance to rest our bodies and our minds I'm confident our guys will return to Marquette with a new hunger and desire to get back at it."

"The goal now is to come back and really be focused on these three games this weekend because it's our last series at Lakeview for quite awhile; so taking advantage of home ice is the number one priority. If we can get a good start against a quality division rival like Traverse City, it'll help set the stage for the second half of the year."

Following this weekend, the Rangers won't play a game at Lakeview Arena until January 24th and 25th against Traverse City and Alpena.

According to Enders being on the road is just part of the Junior Hockey experience, and it's something the team will play through.

"It's going to be a long month, no doubt about it, but like we always tell the guys it will help them be better players in the long-run."

"Junior hockey is all about challenges like this and facing them head-on. I think it will help our young-guys the most and we'll come out of the month on the road more mature and battle tested."

"We're fortunate in the sense that we do have a number of guys who have been through a year or two at this level. This is a great opportunity for our veterans to really take-charge and lead this team."

"So as much as it is a tough part of our schedule, I'm looking forward to it because there are so many good things that can come from this challenge."

For ticket information and a schedule of upcoming games, visit the teams' website www.marquetterangers.com.



North American Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2007


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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