Published: March 29, 2008 09:35 am         

Stars rally to topple Rangers

Kaunisto, Jean score goals in 3rd period of victory

TRAVERSE CITY -- Kory Kaunisto and Kyle Jean scored third-period goals to lead the Traverse City North Stars to a 2-1 comeback win over Marquette.

The win leaves the Stars (22-23-12) needing to win their season finale tonight to finish at .500 for the season and avoid ending up in last place in the North Division.

TC has 56 points to Marquette's 55 heading into the final game of the year for both squads tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Lakeview Arena.

The contest will also decide the fate of the SmithBarney Challenge Cup. The North Stars pulled even, 12-12, in the season-long contest with Friday's win.

Kaunisto struck at 11:38 of the third on the power play, assisted by Nate Urbaniak and Kyle Bonis. Jean scored 24 seconds later off Jarrod LaBelle and Tyler Stephens helpers.

Chris Paliafito made 24 saves on 25 shots for the Stars. Marquette's Matt Brooker had 28 saves.

The Rangers' Jake Hannon scored at 16:53 of the first.