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Machine Melt the Icedogs, 3-2

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


Blaine, Minn. - It took all 20 players and 60:00 minutes to seal the deal using the game-winner by Kevin Bechard (Trenton, Mich.) to beat the reigning South Division champs.

It was another defensive design on both sides as the Machine and Icedogs, while the Dogs' tested goaltender Zach Hansen (Dexter, Mich.) with shots from all points of the rink. It would be a Cody Holzworth goal that would separate the two teams in the first period, 1-0. The Machine would do what they do best; outshoot their opponents 16-8 but coming away empty handed. The period came to closure with Fairbanks on top, 1-0.

With some late period trash talking the Machine's Bennett Schneider and Icedogs' Dan Barnes would exchange blows before the puck would eventually drop. After all the talking was settled the Machine used a 5-on-3 power-play to bag a goal by Andy Inderieden (Maple Grove, Minn.), assisted by Trevor John knotting the game 1-1.

"We did a good job of getting traffic to the net and creating second opportunities," stated assistant coach Sean Clark.

The scoring wasn't done yet as Austin Block rifled a shot that was redirected out in front and past Hansen sending the Icedogs back on top. The second period would come to an end with the Machine outshooting Fairbanks 36-14 and once again trailing on the scoreboard, 2-1.

The third period started with the Machine dominating the both zones while working power-plays in their favor. Another 5-on-3 power-play for the Machine had Bechard laid up in front of net as he made it 2-2. This wouldn't be the end for Bechard and the Machine though, as some great passing led to the game-winner off the stick of Bechard with less than 11:00 to play in regulation.

Kevin Bechard would finish with two more goals including the winner as Hansen backstopped the Machine to his second victory with 15 saves. The Machine finish off the showcase with Albert Lea at 5:30pm CST on Saturday.

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.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 19, 2008


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