The Marquette Rangers continue their preparations for the upcoming 2008 - 2009 North American Hockey League season with the signing of two more Tenders; bringing the total to nine players Tendered by the North Division team.

According to Rangers scouting personnel, Milam (who is not related to former NMU defenseman Jamie Milam) is a highly skilled offensive player who has the ability to be among one of the teams' leading scorers. In 25 games this past season, Milam scored 45 goals and added 19 assists for 64 points on the year; an average of 2.56 points per game.

"Nathan has the ability to put on a show every time he touches the puck," said Tom Boileau, Rangers director of player personnel. "He's a fast skater, has great hands and a natural ability to score goals. This kid is fun to watch, and he's the kind of player every coach dreams of having on his bench."

Gibson, according to Boileau, is a fearless tough nosed player who's willing to go into the corners and win battles for the puck.

"Kevin will do whatever he's asked to do, and will do it well," Boileau said. "He's gritty, physical, he blocks shots he does all the things a NAHL forward must to do to be successful. Add the fact that he can score too (16 goals 40 assists for 56 points in 28 games) and he could be a great addition to the Rangers this next year."

Gibson and Milam join seven other Tenders signed by the team.

Tender - a player signed before the NAHL draft, serves to protect that player from potentially being drafted by another team. In short, it's the teams' way of telling that player they're not willing to risk having him go to another team. A Tendered player is not guaranteed a roster spot and must compete in the Rangers final camp to make the team.

Nathan Milam (forward)
Highly skilled offensively
64 point season (45 goals)
Fast, good hands


Kevin Gibson (forward)
Fearless, hard nosed player
Does the little things well
56 point season (40 assists)