The Marquette Rangers return to North American Hockey League action following a bye week, traveling to Fargo, North Dakota for games this Friday and Saturday against the Fargo-Moorhead Jets of the NAHL Central Division.
The two teams split in Marquette in early October with the Jets winning 5-4 on Friday, night; Marquette won the Saturday match-up 6-5.
“It was good for our guys to get some time back home” said Rangers head coach Randy Enders. “For a lot of our players this is their first experience where their lives are nothing but hockey, and the length of the season can catch-up to the new guys pretty quick, so just getting away from the grind is a valuable thing.
“The great thing about athletes at this level is that we as coaches really don’t need to pester them during the off week, as they all skated and worked-out even while they were at home. Time away not only gives you a mental break, but being away from the game fuels your passion to play so I’m confident we’ll be anxious to get going again and to get ready for the trip to Fargo."
After the bye week, Marquette sits in fifth place in the North Division with a 9-6 record and 18 points. St. Louis continues to lead the division with 28 points, but only five points separate second place from sixth place.
The race being so close isn’t a surprise to Enders.
“We knew going into this year that every weekend was going to be important with the quality of the competition in the North Division” said Enders. “With St. Louis being the defending league champions, and Mahoning Valley having another solid season every point is going to be crucial for the rest of us in the division. But it’s great for our players knowing they have to be ready every night, and great for our fans because they’re going to see everyone’s best effort all season long.”
The Rangers return to Lakeview Arena November 16-17 taking on Alpena in a weekend featuring several game promotions, including a chance to win up to $300 in gasoline from Holiday Station Stores Friday night.
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