Stars shaded, 3-2
December 29, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release
TRAVERSE CITY - Marquette's Josh Kessler scored a shorthanded goal 3:48 into the third period on Saturday night at Centre ICE arena, providing the difference-maker in a as the Rangers hung on for a 3-2 win over the host Traverse City North Stars. Marquette also seized a two-game lead in the SmithBarney Challenge Cup series, which has six meetings remaining this season.
"This could have just as easily have been a win," assessed North Stars head coach/GM Anthony Palumbo. "I can't complain one bit about the effort we gave, our execution, or really anything but the final score."
Stars captain Joe Greener (Camberley, ENG/Cleveland NAHL) put the hosts in front first - and early - scoring a power play marker 2:44 into the game on an assist from Ben Plocar (Elkhart Lake, WI/ Springfield NAHL). The Rangers evened it up less than seven minutes later, and grabbed a 2-1 edge 5:48 into the second period. Jameson Raymond (Flint, MI/Bozeman NAHL) got TC back on the board at 10:12 of the middle stanza, wristing home his first of the year from the right point. Garrett Thompson (Traverse City, MI/Soo Indians AAA) - who pointed in his second straight game - and Jarrod LaBelle (Bay City, MI/Flint Jr B CSHL) drew assists.
The Rangers had drawn a high-sticking double minor just over a minute before Kessler's game-winner, which deflected off a defenseman's stick before finding twine.
"A bounce or two like that our way, and it's us coming out with two points." Palumbo added. "Sometimes, when you're not winning, you don't seem to get those bounces. But I thought we had put in enough hard work and effort tonight to earn a bounce. It wasn't to be."
TC outshot the visitors by a 31-24 margin - holding Marquette to just two shots in the final period - and both goalies showed flashes of brilliance throughout. Brandon Stephenson (Saline, MI/Victory Honda AAA) made 21 saves for Traverse City - and earned âfirst star' designation - while Beau Christian stopped 29 shots for the Rangers (19-10-2).
Traverse City (11-14-5) won't have long to ponder the tightly- contested affair, as the Stars travel to Alpena for the teams' annual New Year's Eve showdown on Monday. Marquette returns to Centre ICE arena next Saturday for the seventh installment of the 12- game SmithBarney Challenge Cup series.
We thank you, our media partners, for your continued interest in Traverse City North Stars hockey. If there is anything we can do to help facilitate any aspect of your coverage, please do not hesitate to contact us. You are a valued component of North Stars hockey.
For more information, call Lance-Michael Correia at (231) 632-5047, the Traverse City North Stars office at (231) 941-9200 or visit the team's Web site at: www.traversecitynorthstars.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2007
- Stars shaded, 3-2 - Traverse City North Stars
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