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Rangers to hold tryout camp

July 6, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


The final try-out camp of the Marquette Rangers is underway today at the Berry Events Center running through Sunday, July 9. The camp is comprised of approximately 60 players from around the country and sure to hold viewers attention with speed, skill and aggressiveness. In the end, only 23 players will don the inaugural Rangers' jersey.

Tenders, draft selections, invitees and open-camp returnees will convene for the first time this morning. Through a series of games, practices and off-ice evaluations, a majority of the final team will be selected.

One player spectators should watch is defenseman Mike Cenisio; a player returning from the Marquette try-out camp. Mike is a native of Finland, who started playing hockey when he was eight years old. He played in Finland for two years and Belgium for one, before coming to the United States. Living in Pennsylvania, Mike has played for the Philadelphia Little Flyers of the Metropolitan League (Jr. B). Mike's talents earned him league Playoff MVP (05-06) while being ranked fourth in the league among defenseman. "I've played and trained all my summers with guys who play D-1, so I'm familiar with the high-speed I expect to see at camp this weekend," says Cenisio. "I'm excited to play and have a good feeling about it and especially excited about Marquette. I like the fact that it's a small town and friendly, which helps my mom be at-ease a bit more."

Coach Mendelson says, "Mike Cenisio is intriguing because he has versatility to play both defense and forward. He is a good skater with strong puck skills."

Forward and invitee, 17 year-old John Grossi from Springfield, PA., started his hockey career at four years of age. John is an NAHL veteran, having played for the Billings Bulls last season. Like Cenisio, Grossi formerly played for the Philadelphia Little Flyers. John is excited about Marquette based on his research of the area and Marquette's hockey reputation. Grossi says, "I am excited to be part of a first-year team. I want to come out, make the team and contribute to a winning season. I love making fans happy because I really love the game. When fans love the team, it makes you fight harder to keep them happy." John is known in hockey for his hands and hard-work ethics. "I love hockey and I'll do anything to play. I'm so excited about the Rangers."

"Grossi is a young player with an offensive upside. His skating and skill will allow him to be very competitive in earning a roster spot," says Mendelson.

A player close to the hearts of hockey fans in the Marquette area is Neeco Belanger. Neeco started playing hockey at age five, right here in Marquette. Last season Neeco played in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League for the Chilliwack Chiefs. Prior to that he played for the Marquette Electricians Midget Major, Marquette Senior High School and American Legion bantam teams. Neeco is a highly respected player among teammates and coaches. He was voted MVP of the MSHS team along with Athlete of the Month. While playing for the Electricians, he was Rookie of the Year. Neeco says, "I have experience at the Junior level and that gives me advantage over many others. I want to stay here (Marquette) to play hockey because it has always been my dream to play in front of my home crowd."

"Neeco Belanger brings valuable junior experience and a fantastic work ethic. His value to the team will be measured both on and off the ice," says Coach Mendelson.

There will be two cuts over the four-day camp, ensuring close screening and observation by scouts and coaches. Newly-named Assistant Coach Randy Enders, will join Head Coach Mendelson this weekend for the evaluation process. Fans can check-out the competition at the Berry Events Center, with games today at 1:00 and 5:30 p.m.; Friday: 3:00 and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.; concluding with Sunday's All Star Game at 9:00 a.m.

The camp is free and open to the public. This is a chance for the community to get a glimpse of who will represent the Rangers starting this September. For more details and the weekend itinerary, visit the Marquette Rangers website at: www.marquetterangers.com.

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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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