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Mechanics 2-0-0 in week 18

February 20, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


2/17: MECHANICS KNOCK OFF KALAMAZOO 5-2 FOR FIRST WIN AT WINGS STADIUM THIS SEASON

It was the sixth meeting of the season and third game at Wings Stadium. The previous two games at Wings Stadium the Mechanics fell behind early and never recovered, however, this game had a different story. It was the Mechanics who took control early and never stopped pressing the Wings. Vlad Serov scored 7:57 into the game followed by Adam Edinger. Edinger recorded his 35th goal of the season. With a 2-0 lead into the first intermission the Mechanics and Wings traded goals in the second period of action thus heading into the third up 3-1. In the third period of play Chris Gignac, Greg Bullock and Brent Gretzky all scored. Gignac netted his third goal since coming off the injured reserve last Sunday against the Fort Wayne Komets.

Rod Branch made his 48th start in net and made 38 saves for his 24th win on the season.

- 2/18: ADAM EDINGER NETS HIS 36TH GOAL IN A 6-3 MECHANICS WIN!

The Mechanics had to take advantage of a reeling Port Huron team, and take advantage they did! With over 2,000 people on hand the Mechanics put on a show as they scored six goals including three in the third period to put the game away and bury their state rival Port Huron Flags.

At 4:57 of the first period Adam Edinger tied history as he netted his 36th goal of the season. His 36th goal tied Joe Burton on the all-time franchise list for most goals in a season.

Vlad Serov and Matt Smith netted the other first period goals taking a 3-1 lead into the intermission. Only one goal was scored in the second period as the Flags made it interesting heading into the third only down one goal at 3-2. At 1:43 of the third period the Mechanics extended their lead to two goals as Brent Gretzky buried a rebound. Then 45 seconds later the Mechanics took advantage of some sloppy play by the Flags as Greg Bullock jumped on a loose puck and fired a shot from the slot beating Flags goaltender, Scott Hay. Four minutes later Serov netted his second goal of the game to put the icing on the cake as the Mechanics went on to bury the Flags 6-3.

Rod Branch again made the start in net and made 30 saves to earn his 25th win of the season. Through 53 games this season Branch has started in an impressive and outstanding 49 games. Last season Branch started 63 games, Branch this year is on pace to shatter that mark from the 2004-05 inaugural season.

- Kevin Hansen recorded his 30th UHL assist

- Mel Angelstad played in his 300th UHL game

Upcoming Week: Week Nineteen, Four Games on the Schedule

Wednesday, February 22nd: MATINEE MATCHUP WITH THE WINGS

On a rare Wednesday morning the Mechanics will be facing the Wings for a 10:30 AM meeting. The last time these two teams met was last week when the Mechanics defeated the Wings 5-2 at Wings Stadium. The Wings still lead the season series 4-2-0 and lead the all-time series 8-5-0. FACE-OFF: 10:30 AM

Friday, February 24th: BRING ON THE FURY!

After getting over the proverbial hump earlier in the season by winning two games at LC Walker Arena the Mechanics and Fury have played some outstanding and closely challenged games. Three of the Furys eight losses come by the hands of the Mechanics! Through seven games the Fury lead the season series 4-3-0 but the Mechanics have shown the Fury that they will no go down without a fight against the defending champs. FACE-OFF: 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 25th: BACK TO FLINT-TOWN FOR A SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN

The Mechanics and Generals meet for the eighth time with the Mechanics holding the

5-2-0 season series lead. The Mechanics knocked off the Generals 3-2 on February 11th when Kevin Hansen scored a dramatic third period game-winning goal.

FACE-OFF: 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 26th: FORT WAYNE KOMETS MAKE THE TRIP TO FRASER!

For the first time this season fans will see the Komets take the ice against the Mechanics. These two teams are familiar with each other, as they have played three games this season, all in Fort Wayne. The Komets have won all three games. FACE-OFF: 7:30 PM

Sunday is also Mechanics mascot SPARKYS BIRTHDAY!! Come celebrate his birthday with the Mechanics as all kids can get into the game for just $5!!

Player of the Week Nominees

Player of the Week

The Mechanics nominate, Brent Gretzky as the Sher-Wood player of the week for the 18th week of the season. This week Gretzky tallied four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and was an

Even rating. Of Gretzkys' four points, two of them came on the power play as he netted

2 PPA. This is Gretzkys' fourth weekly nomination.

Goaltender of the Week

The Mechanics nominate Rod Branch as the Southern Sports Supply Goaltender of the week for the 18th week of the season. This week Branch was a perfect 2-0-0 making

68 saves on 73 shots while compiling a .932 SV% and a 2.50 GAA.

Bally's Three Star Standings

Check out the Bally's Three Star Standings throughout the season at www.motorcitymechanics.com. Throughout the season we will be updating the standings as a number one star selection earns 3 points, a number two selection earns 2 points and a number one selection earns 1 point.

CN Railroad Community Corner

The Mechanics have partnered with CN Railroad to award individuals and or groups in the community that have strived to make this area a better place to live, by inviting them to enjoy an exciting night at a Mechanics hockey game. If you know someone or a group of individuals that have done an outstanding task and are worthy of praise, contact Matthew Olinik at: 586-294-8062 x-100.

Lower Ticket Prices

Remember fans that the Mechanics ticket prices are now only $5, $10 and $15. Get your seats now or buy prorated season tickets now before time runs out!

Weekly Statistical Leaders: Week Eighteen

Games Played (GP): 2 players tied at-53

Goals (G): Adam Edinger-36

Assists (A): Brent Gretzky-44

Points (PTS): Adam Edinger--56

Penalty Minutes (PIM): Tom Kotsopoulos--140

+/-: Chris Bogas--+9

Shots on Goal (SOG): Matt Smith-160

Shooting Percentage (SPCT): Adam Edinger--.242%

Game Winning Goals (GWG): Kris Vernarsky-3

Power Play Goals (PPG): Adam Edinger-13

Short Handed Goals (SHG): Kris Vernarsky--3

Shootout Percentage (SHPCT): Adam Edinger-5 for 7, .714%

Wins (W): Road Branch-25

Goals Against Average (GAA): Bill Ruggiero-2.77

Save Percentage (SV%): Bill Ruggiero--.916%

Shutouts (SHO): Rod Branch--2



International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 20, 2006


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