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The Players

The information presented here originated from Official Programs of The Marquette Iron Rangers.  Additional entries will be added, and  * A complete collection of photos is forthcoming.

Floyd Sommers 
'74:  Well-known as "Pigeon" to Iron Ranger fans, Floyd is an eight-year veteran, and generally plays defense. A native of Marquette, he is a favorite of North Marquette fans. He is 28 years old, 5' 11" tall and weighs 175 pounds. He is single and employed by Pike Distributing Co.

'67:  A former Iron ranger that just returned from two years with the US Army, "Pigeon" is the pride of North Marquette and has the size and speed to help the rangers on defense. He needs to get his timing back after two years in the Army, but he can be counted upon to do this, and when he does, could be a pleasant surprise to the local fans. He is 21 years old.

'72:  Another Marquette native, 21 years old, 5-10, 180 lbs. 2nd season on team, Rangers best boxer. Goes by the name of "Pigeon", Defenseman, has large fan club and is the Pride of North Marquette. Single and Number 4.

'66:  Floyd or Pigeon as he is known in the Marquette area is back for his sixth year in an Iron Ranger uniform.  “Pige” is a good skater and shooter playing both Defense and Wing.  Coach Sullivan is looking forward to a lot of help from “Pige” this year as he is coming off a season in which he played 39 games.  This sort of durability is just what will be needed this season.

'69:  "Pigeon" as he is known is another local boy on the squad and is improving each and every game. An Army Veteran at the age of 20, "Pige" is now employed by the Fish and Wildlife Department. A good skater and shooter he is the pride of North Marquette and often has his own fan club in the North East corner of the Palestra, He is single.

Roger Venasky
'67:  The Iron Rangers "Most Valuable Player" is 23 years old and a native of Ft. William, Ont. Roger is the finest forechecker in the league and one of the better scorers. An outstanding penalty killer and a tireless skater, Roger gives the fans and the team 110% every time he goes out on the ice. He is married and a Senior at NMU-NHL take notice!

'66:  Roger Venasky, another NMU student, is single and 22 years old.  An impressive stickhandler, he gives the defensemen a run for their money near the rival's goal.

’72:  Roger is one of the original Iron Rangers and is also one of the team’s scrappiest players.  He is very tough in the corners and has a knack for getting the big goal.  He is a graduate of NMU in Business and is employed by Firestone Sales and Service.  Roger is from Thunder Bay, Ontario and won the MVP Award in 1965-66.  Last year he played in 38 games with 28 goals and 24 assists for 52 points.

’73:  24 years old, 5-9, 150 lbs. from Ft. William, Ont. One of the outstanding players on the team and in the league. Great checker and unbeatable in the corners. Graduate of NMU courtesy of the Iron Rangers, plays wing, married, wears Number 15.

'69:  Roger is also one of the original Iron Rangers and one of the team's scrappiest players. Almost impossible to beat him in the corners, he has a knack for getting the "big" goals. Since coming to Marquette he has graduated from NMU with a degree in Business and is employed by Firestone Sales and Service. He is married and the father of one child.

Steve Sopher
'67:  "Selkirk" Steve Sopher is not only one of the smoothest hockey players in town but rumor has it that it carries over to the girls also. Another outstanding playmaker and goal-getter, he is in his second year with the Iron Rangers. A native of Selkirk, Manitoba, single and a Sophomore at NMU.

'66:  Steve Sopher, a 22 year old center, attends Northern Michigan University where he resides in Spooner Hall.  The former member of the Selkier Fishermen is single.

69:  23 years old, 5-9, 170 lbs from Selkirk, Man. Student at NMU, 3rd year on team, plays center or wing, good stick handler and scorer. Always comes through in the clutch. Single and wears Number 11.

'69:  Steve is from Selkirk, Manitoba and this is his fourth year with the Rangers. A very clever stickhandler and good scorer. He is a Senior at NMU and looks to be his best since joining the team.  He is single.

Gerry Sullivan
'67:  Gerry at 29 is one of the older Iron Rangers but one of the best. An All-American at Michigan Tech he has also played at Green Bay and in Finland. A clever playmaker and excellent scorer, "Sully" can be counted on to deliver when the going gets hardest.  He is married and is presently doing graduate work at NMU.

'72:  Gerry is assuming new duties this year on a full-time basis.  He will be the Iron Rangers’ playing coach and manager.  This is Gerry’s 6^th year with the Rangers and has led them for four years in scoring coming in third last year.  He has made the League All-Star Team every year he has been in the league and was League MVP in 70-71.  Gerry was raised in Noranda, Quebec and played 4 years for Michigan Tech U.  He also played for, and coached, a club team in Helsinki, Finland for two years.

'67:  30 years old, 5-8, 170, comes from Norada, Quebec, married, former Michigan Tech All-American, outstanding center in the league and leading scorer. Excellent playmaker and goes both ways. Best forechecker in league. Gives 100% at all times. Number 6.

'69:  Sully has been the leading scorer for the Iron Rangers the two years he has been with the squad. A former star at Michigan Tech he brings a wealth of talent and experience to the young Rangers. He is an all around playmaker and an excellent fore checker. Probably one of the most outstanding men in the U.S.H.L. Sully is married, has two children, and is employed by the Negaunee School System and the City of Marquette.

Click here to see The Marquette Mirror's Player Profile No. 7 on Gerry Sullivan

Click here to see The Hockey History of Gerry Sullivan.

Jim Russell
'67:  Another hometown boy trying to make good and presently is doing a good job of it. Capable of making the big moves but needs experience for consistency. Has the misfortune of playing behind Brian Lunney, but has desire and could help if needed. 28 years old and single.

'67:  Spare goalie, 29 years old, 5-10, 170 lbs., Marquette native and owner of Subco Concrete. Has not seen much action because of Brian Lunney but is always ready if necessary. 

Mike White
’73: Mike is beginning his fifth season with the Iron Rangers and is noted for his speed on the ice.  Born and raised in Detroit, he played with the Waterloo Blackhawks before coming to Marquette.  Last year Mike played in 38 games and scored 8 goals with 11 assists.  His speed and stamina are a big help on the ice.  Much is expected of Mike this season and his great conditioning will be a prime factor in Iron Ranger plans.

’72: 31 years old, 5-11, 150 lbs., formerly played for Waterloo and Rochester. Native of Detroit, married, employed by Stenglein Printing, very fast and tireless skater. New to the Iron Rangers and fans will get a top performance every game. Plays wing and wears Number 10.

'69:  Mike is a transfer from the Waterloo Blackhawks and one of the fastest players on the squad. A Detroit native, Mike likes to mix it up and is a tireless skater. His speed and stamina have been a considerable help to the Rangers, as he is still going strong when others are tired out. He is married, the father of a little girl, Ann, and employed by the Mining Journal.

Emery Ruelle
'67: The Copper Country's gift to the Iron Rangers, Emery has proven his ability as a member of the old Marquette Sentinels, the Des Moines Oak Leafs and the Waterloo Blackhawks. He is a determined competitor, a tricky skater and can score. Emery is from Hancock, a Senior at NMU and single.