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Rangers Upend IceDiggers

March 4, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - The Marquette Rangers junior hockey team has a fight on their hands this weekend. After disposing of the Alpena IceDiggers Thursday evening by a final of 4 - 3 to take the lead in the North American Hockey League's North Division, Kenny Miller's club now entertains second place Traverse City Friday and Saturday.

The Rangers (29 - 18 - 1, 59pts.) lead the North Stars by a single point in the divisional race heading into the weekend.

Marquette looked to be on cruise-control for the majority of the evening opening up a 4 - 1 lead five minutes into the third period; only to see Alpena score twice to make it a one goal game with just under nine minutes left in regulation.

The Rangers held tough however, never allowing Alpena goaltender Marcus Weiser out of the net at the end in favor of the extra attacker; skating away with their division best 29th win of the year.

The Rangers made it 2 - 0 after one period on goals by Andrew Kolb, an even strength goal from Jimmy McCusker and Brent Bain; and an unassisted power play goal from defenseman Kevin Gibson. For Gibson it was his first of the season to compliment 14 assists.

Marquette native Brad Chapman made it 3 - 0 at 14:39 of the second period with a blast from the top of the left face-off circle that found its' way under Weiser's left pad. For Chapman it was his third on the season, assists were given to fellow Marquette native Collin Saint-Onge and forward Scott Henegar.

After Alpena made it 3 - 1 to end the period, Garrett Ladd of Marquette made it 4 - 1 with a backhand shot that slipped under Weisser's blocker pad into the net. Tanner Kero and Carter Fogth assisted on Ladd's 18th of the season.

That's when the IceDiggers made it interesting.

Goals from Jonas Vassaalli and Jared Williams narrowed the gap, however the Rangers rallied around goaltender Kevin Kissaw and held on down the stretch for the win.

Kissaw stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced on the night, while Weiser made 31 saves on 35 shots thrown at him by the Rangers.

Both games against Traverse City start at 7:30 at Lakeview Arena.

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