Phantoms lose to Rangers

MARQUETTE, Mich. — With a mere 1:33 left in regulation, Josh Bussell’s slapshot from the top of the left circle found its way over the shoulder of Mahoning Valley Phantoms goaltender Jordan Tibbett, giving the Marquette Rangers a 4-3 win over the Phantoms on Saturday night at Lakeview Arena.

The goal was Bussell’s second of the night, and one of the three Marquette goals that deflected into the back of the net off of Phantoms players.

The Alpena Ice Diggers pulled out a 2-1 win over the U.S. National Team. Coupled with the Phantoms loss, Alpena moved to within three points of Mahoning Valley in second place in the NAHL North. The top four teams in each division will make the playoffs.

Next up, the Phantoms host three games at the Ice Zone against the Traverse City North Stars, beginning Friday at 7:15 p.m.