Rangers acquire Kosinski and Larson

The Marquette Rangers have announced the acquisition of two players for the upcoming season.

Nick Kosinski, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound veteran NAHL forward with two years experience playing for the Cleveland Barons, returns to his hometown.

"With consecutive 35-plus point seasons in the NAHL, Nick brings success and production to the Rangers," said Marquette head coach Leigh Mendelson.

Kosinski was acquired as a free agent from the Barons’ organization when they chose to suspend operations for the 2006-07 season. In the 2005-06 season, Kosinski scored 14 goals and registered 23 assists for 37 points in 54 games.

"We are pleased to have another Upper Peninsula native on the team and are excited to reunite two former Marquette Electrician and Marquette Senior High School teammates (Kosinski and Neeco Belanger) together on the Rangers," added Mendelson.

The Rangers also obtained Bret Larson, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound defenseman, in a trade with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.

"Bret Larson brings the Rangers valuable experience and character as we continue to become a contender for the NAHL North Division crown and the league-wide Robertson Cup championship," stated Mendelson.

Larson is entering his second season in the NAHL and has committed to play hockey for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the 2007-08 season.

"Bret’s commitment to West Point and his experience playing in the NAHL and Robertson Cup tournament this past May will bring added focus to our players from the start of training camp," said Mendelson.

Larson scored four goals and registered 11 assists for 15 points in 54 games with Mahoning Valley last season. Larson is also a former member of the Electricians.

Both Kosinski and Larson, as well as some 60 other players will convene at the Berry Events Center on the campus of Northern Michigan University July 6-9, to fight for Rangers’ roster positions.

"Our staff has put forth a great effort to prepare for the upcoming season," stated Marquette general manager David Saint-Onge. "Our final camp will give local fans a glimpse of the talent we have cultivated over the last several months and from which we expect to formulate our team when we open training camp in late August."

Training camp will open August 24 with the team traveling to Blaine, Minn., on Sept. 13 to participate in the NAHL Showcase. The remainder of the Rangers’ schedule is expected to be released by the end of June.