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Early Lead Melts Away as North Stars Hold On, 4-2

October 19, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Motor City Metal Jackets News Release


Traverse City, Mich. - Marc Thompson (Traverse City, Mich.) scored the eventual game winner and assisted on another goal to lead first place Traverse City to a 4-2 win over the visiting Motor City Machine.

Not having won in their last six contests the Machine came out did what they hadn't done in quite some while, score first in a game. A nifty lead pass from Ryan Misiak set-up Jared Williams streaking in on the right wing to bury a snap shot past CJ Motte for the quick 1-0 edge just: 90 in.

The lead would hold as Motor City played their most physical game yet this season taking everything they had out on the North Stars. The penalty kill would be tested, which ranks last in the NAHL, half way through the first when Adam Kuhn was whistled for tripping setting up a power-play goal by Dan Radke. The play was designed after three passes and Zach Hanson had little help making 1-1.

While with momentum on their side coming out of the gates to start the second, Motor City was victim to the Thompson relation as Garrett started the scoring and Marc finished it. At this point Motor City was trailing 3-1 and couldn't find answer on the power-play letting a 5-on-3 advantage slip between their skates, over their sticks and around the boards. This wouldn't the last of the power-play as the period came to closure.

With their backs against the wall to open the final 20:00, the Machine needed an answer and they needed it quick. Hanson stepped up and took over the game in the crease but Motte upped the Annie on his end turning aside shot after shot keeping his Stars facing the North.

A late rumble in the corner sent the Machine to a 5-on-3 power-play for 5:00 courtesy of Jared LaBelle, Mike Schenfeld and Marc Thompson fighting, butt-end and cross checking game misconducts. Andy Inderieden was flagged for slashing which started the brawl leading to a game ejection for Schenfeld.

Nate Taurence (Trenton, Mich.) tipped a blast from the point off the stick of Trevor John (Grosse Point, Mich.) and the Machine pulled to within a goal at 3-2.

This, however, would all the scoring for Motor City as a late empty net goal sealed their fate as they fell for the seven straight game, 4-2.

Williams and Taurence added the only goals for Motor City while Hansen made 20 saves. For the North Stars Marc Thompson had the game-winner along with an assist and Motte pushed aside 17 saves and moved to 5-1-0 on the young season.

The Motor City Machine is in their first season in Michigan as members of the North American Hockey League. The Motor City Machine are formerly the Southern MN Express in which they made the playoffs three straight years and twice into the Robertson Cup finals. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33rd year of operation. For more information, visit machinehockey.com or call (734) 642-0544.

Machine home games will be played at the Yack Arena in Wyandotte, Mich. All games are broadcast on machinehockey.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.



North American Hockey League Stories from October 19, 2008


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