Rolling Rangers to face Phantoms

Both teams have a chance to move into first place.

YOUNGSTOWN — Two of the hottest teams in the NAHL’s North Division will face off tonight with first place hanging in the balance when the Mahoning Valley Phantoms host the Marquette Rangers at the Chevrolet Centre.

The second-place Phantoms (16-6-2, 34 points) have won seven of their last nine games.

The Rangers (14-13-4, 32) have used eight wins in their last 12 games to surge from fifth place all the way to third, only two points behind Mahoning Valley.

Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt credits the Rangers’ resurgence to a balanced attack.

“They’re a well-rounded team,” Mainhardt said.

“They’ve got great defensemen, good goaltending and forwards who can put the puck in the net. They do everything well, plus they’re an experienced team with a great coach in Kenny Miller.

“These are going to be tight games, just like almost every other game in our division has been this season.”

With the division-leading Traverse City North Stars (15-5-5, 35) sitting idle this weekend, the Phantoms and the Rangers have a chance to grab first place for themselves.

In their only previous meeting, Marquette rode a third-period hat trick from leading goal-scorer Aaron Pietila to a 5-2 win over the Phantoms in the North Division Showcase at the Ice Zone.

Marquette goalie Kevin Kissaw finished with 30 saves in the win; Phantoms netminder Garrett Bartus made 37 saves in the loss.

Mainhardt said the win makes the Rangers even more dangerous this time around.

“Marquette is coming in here with a lot of confidence this weekend,” Mainhardt said, “especially after that convincing 5-2 win over us at the Showcase. They’re playing some very good hockey right now, so I’m expecting a playoff-type atmosphere at the Chevrolet Centre this weekend.”

Chad Pietila’s 11 goals and 18 assists lead the Rangers’ scoring attack. Kevin Kissaw’s 9-5-2 record, 2.60 goals against average and .919 save percentage backstop Marquette.

The Phantoms are led in scoring by Jordy Trottier (9-8-17).

Jordan Tibbett and Garrett Bartus have combined for a 2.54 GAA and .907 save percentage between the pipes for Mahoning Valley.

Tonight is Toys for Tots night. Any fan who brings in a new, unopened and unwrapped toy to the Chevrolet Centre will get $5 off any ticket.

Saturday’s game will feature a special visit by Santa Claus.

Both games begin at 7:15 p.m.