Rangers Sweep Weekend

Published on October 31, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


The Marquette Rangers have steadily worked on team chemistry and, following the first franchise weekend sweep, the Rangers have moved into second place in the NAHL North Division.

"As the only new team in the NAHL this year, we have steadfastly stayed the course, building team chemistry and patiently waiting for our players to learn to play together," said David Saint-Onge, President and General Manager. "Although the season still has a long way to go, we're coming together as a team and expect to be in the hunt as the season progresses," he went on to say.

On Friday night the Rangers skated to a resounding 3-1 win against the Traverse City North Stars. James Gallagher (Brodie Zuk and Luke Bennett) scored the first goal of the night five minutes into the second period. With 13 minutes left on the clock, Zuk (Mike Macari and Jason Cohen) took a shot to the net that put the Rangers up 2-0. Two minutes later Nic Weight scored the final Rangers goal of the night (Jake Hauswirth and Zuk) as he buried a rebound on the power play. The Rangers lost their shutout when a rebound popped out to Matt Hughes from the North Stars. "Our chemistry is coming together nicely as expected and we're sticking together. Friday we played a good, hard game offensively and defensively where everyone stuck to their role," said Coach Leigh Mendelson.

Saturday night the Rangers completed their first weekend sweep in franchise history, downing Traverse City by a score of 4-2. Traverse City opened the scoring just eight minutes into the game, but the lead was short-lived when the Rangers' Neeco Belanger (Nikki Holt) tied up the first period with a rebound goal. The North Stars continued their strong play with another goal with less than three minutes left, ending the period 2-1.

Nick Kosinski worked the power play to Luke Bennett who passed to Matt Tinordi in the slot. Tinordi delivered a one-timer that found the five-hole against North Stars goaltender Kyle Jendra, earning his first Junior goal.

With less than two minutes left in the second period, Weight caused a turnover in the corner and took the puck to the net. Faking a pass he was able to take a shot, ending the second period 3-2 in favor of the Rangers.

"During the third Ritter made some great saves. The North Stars passed across the slot and took a shot at what appeared to be an open net which Ritter blocked and shut them out in the third," says Rangers Assistant Coach Randy Enders. The North Stars pulled their goalie with less than two minutes left in the game, but Bennett sealed the 4-2 victory for the Rangers.

"Saturday was a character win with our bench being short because of an injury and a suspension. I am very pleased with our progress though. Our forwards are starting to click and our team defense is continuing to make progress. We've been getting contributions from all four lines and our special teams have continued to be effective," said Coach Mendelson.

The Rangers continue their month log road trip with two games this weekend against Fargo, then another long road trip to Youngstown, Ohio to take on the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in a three game series. The Rangers finally return to the friendly confines of Lakeview Arena to take on the Alpena Ice Diggers on November 17 and 18. 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 October 31, 2006


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