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Rangers Win OT Thriller

March 5, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - The Marquette Rangers Junior hockey team knew two things would have to happen Friday night for them to be successful against arch-rival Traverse City at Lakeview Arena.

They had to stay out of the penalty box, and goaltender Kevin Kissaw would have to be on his game.

Marquette accomplished both, and skated to a 2 - 1 overtime win over the North Stars at Lakeview Arena. The win extends the Rangers lead in the North American Hockey League North Division race over Traverse City to two points heading into Saturday's series finale.

"We played a full 64 minutes, which you have to do against a talented team like they have," Rangers head coach Kenny Miller said afterward. "I was pleased with the effort tonight, we chipped pucks out when we needed to; played strong in our end and took advantage of some of our chances and got a huge win."

"Kevin (Kissaw) has been solid for us all season and we know if he comes to play we have a chance and that's how it played out tonight."

Andrew Kolb ended the evening with a wrist shot from the high slot over the left shoulder of Traverse City goaltender Drew Strandberg at 3:22 of the extra period. The play came as the result of pressure put on by the Rangers in the offensive end. Defenseman A.J. Mueller held the puck in the zone and sent it to the right circle; Brent Bain knocked it down and handed the puck to Kolb who buried it for his 21 goal of the season.

Kolb's 20th goal of the year at 12:47 of the first period gave Marquette an early lead; one that they held all the way until midway through the third period. Bain and Jimmy McCusker assisted on the early marker.

Traverse City looked like they might get the equalizer during a furious eight minute span in the second period when they played almost entirely in front of Kissaw's net. Miller credited his defense for preventing that from happening.

"I was impressed with the effort, we had guy diving to block shots; we got to loose pucks at key times and even though they possessed the puck in out end they only had a few quality chances during the that period."

Kyle Jean would score at 7:40 of the third period on a tip-in in front of the Rangers goal, which eventually forced the extra period and setting up Kolb's heroics.

Kissaw stopped 30 of the 31 shots in the night while Strandberg made 31 saves on 33 efforts by the Rangers.

The two teams will play again Saturday night at 7:30 at Lakeview Arena.



North American Hockey League Stories from March 5, 2010


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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