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Rangers to Kick-Off Season

September 16, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - The Kenny Miller era officially begins this week for the Marquette Rangers Tier II Junior A hockey team; as the team heads to Blaine, Minnesota for four games in the annual North American Hockey League Showcase.

After a two week training camp featuring both on and off ice training, the first year Rangers coach says he's optimistic about the first part of the season.

"We had two good weeks of training camp," Miller said. "I think the guys are ready to start league play and to get going on the season, and from what I've seen I think we're going to be just fine heading into the Showcase."

Marquette opens play against the North Iowa Outlaws Wednesday evening at 8:30 Eastern. Last year, the Rangers opened the Showcase against the Outlaws and skated away with a 4-3 shootout win en route to a 3-1 Showcase record.

Despite wanting a fast start again this season, Miller added that the Showcase won't make or break the season for his team.

"Obviously we want to go in there and play well and get some confidence coming into our home opener, but the real value of the event is getting our guys in front of all the college programs who will be there watching," Miller added.

"We'll do all the necessary things we need to do to win, but we're certainly not putting the entire season on one four game tournament."

In addition to facing the Outlaws, Marquette also plays the Topeka Roadrunners Thursday afternoon at 2:00, Friday they'll play the Owatonna (Minn.) Express before wrapping up the four game set with the Wichita Falls Wildcats at 10:00 AM Saturday morning.

All Rangers games from the NAHL Showcase will be available with streaming video and audio through B2 Networks by accessing the teams' website www.marquetterangers.com.

Marquette's home opener is set for Friday September 26th at 8:00 at Lakeview Arena against the Traverse City North Stars. The game is part of the Marquette Electricians Fall Classic, and will feature the championship rounds of a Midget AAA skills competition at each intermission. The game will also be the first of 12 contests between the two clubs to determine the winner of this year's Smith Barney Challenge Cup Series claimed by Traverse City last season.

For more on tickets, call the Rangers office at 906-225-9077 or see the teams' website.

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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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