Mechanics 1-0 Last Week; Win Third Straight

Published on March 14, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


Fraser, MI – The Motor City Mechanics played only one game this week, a 3-2 shootout win at Kalamazoo.

Saturday, March 12th @ Kalamazoo 3-2 Shootout WIN: The Mechanics traveled to Kalamazoo for their only game of the week and picked up a 3-2 shootout win on the heels of Derian Hatcher. Hatcher scored one goal in regulation and the game winner in the shootout. After a scoreless first period, the Wings found the back of the net 1:45 into the second. Blair Manning tied the game at one 35 seconds later, drawing assists from Matt Hunter and Brandon Fleenor. Hatcher put the Mechanics up 2-1 two minutes later. With 2:27 remaining in the game, Kalamazoo's Greg Labenski scored to send the game into a shootout. Motor City netminder Rod Branch stopped all five shots he faced in the shootout, while Hatcher was the only Mechanic to score in the shootout.

UP NEXT: The Mechanics visit the Port Huron Beacons on Wednesday, March 16th before returning home to the garage. Motor City hosts Adirondack, Richmond and Muskegon on March 18th, 19th and 20th. Friday and Saturday's games start at 7:30pm and Sundays game begins at 5:00pm.

In their last meeting against Port Huron, the Mechanics earned a 4-2 win on February 13th , led by Bryan Smolinski who had two goals and an assist. The Mechanics last met Adirondack back on January 22 and suffered a 3-0 loss. Against Richmond, the Mechanics picked up a 4-2 win on February 16th. The last time Motor City met the Muskegon Fury, the Fury picked up a 3-1 in on February 12th.

Captains T-Shirts: The first 500 kids (age 12 and under) at Friday's game will receive t-shirts featuring Mechanics captain Blair Manning courtesy of Miller Garages and 106.7 The Drive. The t-shirts will feature the Mechanics logo and captain's ‘C' on the front and the number 16 and Manning's name on the back. Manning will sign autographs on the concourse following the game.

We're On TV: The Mechanics will broadcast two games live on UPN 50-Detroit. March 19th vs. the Richmond RiverDogs and April 3rd vs. the Elmira Jackals. On Saturday, March 19th, all fans will receive pom poms courtesy of the Macomb Daily. Karen Newman will perform the National Anthem.

Attention Season Ticket Holders: The Mechanics will be hosting a party for season ticket holders prior to Saturday's game on March 19th. The party will begin at 6:00pm and will be held in The Garage Bar.

Pink At The Rink: On Sunday, March 20th, the Mechanics host the Muskegon Fury at 5:00pm. In conjunction with Mary Kay, the Mechanics will be wearing pink jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game. All proceeds will benefit the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. All major credit cards will be accepted at the post game jersey auction. Karen Newman will perform the National Anthem. For more information on the MKACF, please visit www.marykay.com.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: Tickets are still available for all upcoming home games remaining this season! To purchase tickets, please call Ticketmaster (248-645-6666), visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Mechanics box office located at the arena. The box office is open M-F 12pm-9pm and Sat-Sun 12pm-6pm.

Game Time Change: The Motor City Mechanics would like to announce that all Sunday games remaining this season have been changed from 7:30pm to 5:00 pm.

MOTOR CITY MECHANICS (22-35-7) TEAM LEADERS

Points: Blair Manning – 54 (16g, 38a)

Goals: Joe Burton – 24

Assists: Manning – 38

Penalty Minutes: Brad Cruikshank – 201

Power Play Goals: Burton – 11

Game Winning Goals: Burton, Sean Avery – 3 each

Short Handed Goals: Kevin Hansen, Burton – 2

Shots on Goal: Burton – 192

Shoot Out Goals: Burton – 7

Plus/Minus: Sean Avery +9

Goaltending

Minutes Played: Rod Branch – 2,786 (ranked 5th in the UHL)

Saves: Branch – 1,405 (ranked 3rd in the UHL)

GAA: Branch – 3.21

Save %: Branch - .904

To purchase tickets, please call Ticketmaster (248-645-6666), visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Mechanics box office located at the arena. For information on group rates or season packages, please call 866-997-PUCK.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 14, 2005


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