By CHRIS DOBROWOLSKI

News Sports Editor

The Alpena IceDiggers are in a fight for their playoff lives, trying to make up a 13-point deficit behind fourth place Motor City with 20 games to play.

But if the IceDiggers are to make the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, they'll have to do it without their leading scorer and their team captain.

In a pair of moves this week Alpena sent Ryan Timar to Wenatchee, while Jimmy McCusker was traded to Marquette for forward Danny Wood.

"It was a hard decision, especially for Jimmy," said Alpena head coach Jack Fritsche. "He's put himself under a lot of pressure. He wants to keep playing and find a decent scholarship. As far as Timar, (Wenatchee coach) Paul Baxter has been calling forever trying to get him and John (Fritsche). Part of our program is creating opportunities for players. Wenatchee is hosting the national championship and they have a chance to win a national championship. We gave him up for future considerations. It's an amazing opportunity for the kid."

The loss of those two leaves a big void on Alpena's team. Timar, who earlier in the year committed to play for the Air Force Academy, was leading Alpena with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists). McCusker, in his third season as a team captain, has contributed six goals and 13 assists, but has been plagued by injuries this year. Those two have a combined seven years of experience with the IceDiggers. The trade to Marquette reunites McCusker with former Alpena coach Kenny Miller.

"We've been working this one for awhile," Miller said of the trade in an article on the NAHL web site. "Jimmy's a team guy who'll do really whatever we ask of him. He's a player who's been in this league for a long time, so he knows what's expected of him. He's got the ability to do all the things we need, from killing penalties to putting pressure on the opponent in their zone to putting the puck in the net. He adds a dimension that really fits into our plan of success."

The trade of Timar and McCusker comes on the heels of talk the IceDiggers won't be in Alpena after this season. Team owner Steve Marks refuted claims earlier this week he is going to relocate the team, possibly to Spooner, Wis. Fritsche said this week's moves do not signify a fire sale of players.

"Are we throwing in the towel? Absolutely not," said Fritsche. "We've got a big road ahead of us. We've created an opportunity for Timar and we picked up Danny, who is the same type of player as Jimmy.

"Steve has told me he's doing everything he can to keep the team in Alpena."

Wood, a 1989 birth year, is in his second season in the NAHL and playing with his third team this season. He began the season with Albert Lea, where he contributed five goals and five assists in 29 games. He was dealt to Marquette and had two goals in 11 games. Last year was a big season for Wood as he contributed 14 goals and 20 assists in 54 games for Albert Lea.

To replace the loss of McCusker, Fritsche is going to name Michael Henderson as captain. Andy Yarber is the new alternate captain to replace Timar.

Alpena is coming off a 6-2 victory over Motor City that snapped a string of nine straight losses. The IceDiggers have three games at Janesville, starting Friday, with an opportunity to close the gap between them and the Metal Jackets for the final playoff spot in the North Division.