Rested Rangers Resume Schedule

February 20, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Marquette Rangers News Release


Marquette - Following their final off-week of the season, the Marquette Rangers return to North American Hockey League North Division action this Friday and Saturday in Ann Arbor battling the U.S. National Team Development Program U-17's.

The puck drops at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube at 7:30pm Friday, and 7:00pm Saturday.

Marquette is currently in fourth place in the North Division with 46 points (23-20-3) and leads the USNTDP (21-18-2) by five points in the NAHL North Division heading into the weekend.

There is, however, an added sense of urgency for Marquette as the USNTDP has played 5 fewer games so far this season due to international competitions in Canada and Europe. Achieving some separation before those games-in-hand come in to play is at the top of the Rangers' agenda this weekend.

"Back in the fall we talked about how tight the division was going to be this year" Rangers head coach Randy Enders said. "Every game is important through the course of the season, so obviously keeping our lead over those guys at this stage of the game is going to be crucial. These four points this weekend could be the difference at the end of the season; so we need to do the things we do best, take advantage of the off-week and come out ready to go."

"I like our team right now we've got an exciting balance of veterans and younger guys who can deliver a lot of firepower. The key for us is getting that on a consistent basis, and it looks more and more like that's happening which is exciting at this time of year."

Although the team enjoyed some time away, two Rangers' players were busy participating in the recent North American Hockey League Top Prospects Showcase in Ann Arbor.

Forward Aaron Pietila (Brighton, Mich.) and defenseman Derek Grogan (Eagan, Minn.) represented the Rangers and the North Division in the round robin event that featured teams from all three NAHL divisions; plus a team representing the National Team Development Program.

The Showcase was designed as an opportunity for scouts and coaches to watch the top players in the NAHL for future recruiting opportunities.

Pietila finished the three games with an assist and a +/- rating of +2 while Grogan ended the tournament with an assist and a +/- rating of +3. Both players are expected back in the Rangers' lineup for the two games in Ann Arbor against the USNTDP this weekend.

All Rangers games are available on the internet on B2 Networks via the teams' website www.marquetterangers.com.



North American Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2008


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