Sports stats

Machine Downed by Bandits, 4-2

September 26, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Motor City Metal Jackets News Release


Wyandotte, Mich. - Yack Arena was rocking for the Motor City Machine's first home game. Despite a wild third period that saw the Machine dominate the action, it wasn't enough, as St. Louis spoiled the Machine's Michigan debut, 4-2, Friday night.

After a pre-game ceremony that saw Wyandotte Mayor James DeSana drop the ceremonial first puck, it was the Bandits that came out on fire, scoring the game's first goal 29 seconds in.

"I thought we came out slow," Machine head coach Matt Romaniski said. "We let up a goal 30 seconds into the game. It's never easy when that happens."

But the Machine struck back later in the period, as defenseman Reed Rushing put one on the board from the point. Nick Taurence and Marco Ruggeri assisted.

The Bandits scored two goals in the second period to take a 3-1 lead, but a different Machine team came out in the third period, pressuring St. Louis from the start.

After a checking-from-behind penalty, the Machine converted on the power play to cut the lead to one, 3-2, as Jared Williams scored from in close. Ruggeri and Taurence picked up the assists once again.

Rejuvenated, the Machine tacked on more pressure, but it was Bandits goaltender Keith Kinkaid who stood tall, making several huge saves as Motor City was unable to convert on its chances.

"We fought hard," Romaniski said. "We missed two breakaways, we missed a wide-open backdoor two feet from the net, we missed the net on a tap-in goal. We could've easily been up two goals there with five minutes to play if we just finished our opportunities, but that's just how the puck bounces some nights."

Kinkaid made 37 saves on the night.

With the Machine pressing late for the tying goal, St. Louis took advantage with just under three minutes to play. That would spell the end of Motor City's comeback attempt.

Despite the loss, Wyandotte and Yack Arena got a great taste of Junior A Hockey.

"We had a pretty good crowd in here with it being Friday night and a big football game going on next door," Romaniski said. "It's only going to become better hockey as the season goes on."

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, a team that 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 September 26, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Motor City Metal Jackets Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central