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Rangers Win North Division

March 27, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - The Marquette Rangers set a goal for themselves earlier this week, and that was to win all three games on their schedule this weekend and win the North American Hockey League North Division title. The team did just that, ending with last night's 3 - 0 shutout of Janesville to claim their championship at Lakeview Arena.

"It doesn't even feel real right now, team captain and forward Garrett Ladd said afterward. "We set this goal at the league showcase in Blaine (Minn.) and worked all year to make this happen. I was here when we reached bottom two years ago (when the Rangers finished in last place) so to get the title is just an unbelievable feeling."

"I love these guys, I can't think of a better group to be playing with right now; but we still have a long road to go so we'll enjoy this tonight and then look forward to next weekend."

Ladd scored what would turn out to be the game winning goal in the first period, with 23rd of the year on an unassisted effort past Janesville goaltender Matt Wichorek.

Bobby Bodette and Brent Bain added goals in the second and third periods respectively to compliment a 34 save shutout by goaltender Lukas Hafner.

Rangers head coach Kenny Miller said he got exactly what he expected from his #2 goalie this weekend after Hafner was called in action for the injured Kevin Kissaw.

"Luke is number two just because of a numbers situation," the coach said. "We knew he could play at this level all along, the guys believe in him and supported him and he really took advantage of this situation and the opportunity he was presented with."

"I can't tell you how happy I am for this group of guys," Miller added. "They've worked hard all year, survived some bumps in the road but when it came time to get it done they really stepped up and earned the right to be number one going into the playoffs."

The Rangers will host the Motor City Metal Jackets this coming weekend at Lakeview Arena, while Janesville will travel to face the number two seed Traverse City at Centre Ice Arena.

Marquette (35 - 22 - 1, 71pts.) and Traverse City (33 - 20 - 5) finished the season tied in overall points, but Marquette wins the title due to the tie-breaker of having more regular season wins. The team will release ticket information, as well as their playoff schedule early this next week.

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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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