Stars stung, 5-0

Published on February 26, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


TRAVERSE CITY - Despite outshooting the Marquette Rangers nearly 2- to-1, the Traverse City North Stars found themselves on the short end of a 5-0 contest on Thursday at Centre ICE arena.

The Rangers kept their flickering playoff hopes alive, and stayed in contention for the SmithBarney Challenge Cup - a traveling trophy retained by the winner of the teams' 13-game season series. TC still holds a 14-11 lead with two meetings remaining.

"To be honest, I though we carried a pretty good portion of the play," offered Traverse City head coach/GM Anthony Palumbo. "We simply didn't bury our chances, and they did. Plus their guy (goalie Kevin Kissaw) had a very good game."

The Rangers (21-22-7) had a 2-0 lead little more than six minutes into the game, and added another goal in the second period before a pair of Dustin Partacz markers - including an empty-netter - closed out the third. It was the first time in the last 67 games that the Stars had been held off the scoreboard, in spite of a 35-20 advantage in shots on net.

"We'll have to come back a little more emotionally-ready (tomorrow)," said Palumbo, whose team welcomes Alpena to Centre ICE arena on Friday evening. "We missed out on an opportunity for two points, and we're down to three (regular season) home games. We have to hold serve at home."

Traverse City (27-13-6) burned one of its three games-in-hand against Mahoning Valley, which still leads the NAHL North by seven points. The Stars remain seven clear of third-place Team USA, but have played five fewer contests. USA travels to St. Louis for two games this weekend, while Mahoning visits sixth-place Motor City for three.

Friday's contest against Alpena (22-18-5) is set to face-off at 7 p.m.

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.

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2009


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