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Mechanics get their man

August 25, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


FRASER, MI-The architect to the late season playoff push returns for two more seasons as Danton Cole re-signs as the Head Coach of the Motor City Mechanics, in keeping with club policy, terms of the contract are not disclosed.

Cole, 38, a former Michigan State Spartan, joined the Mechanics late in the season when he took over for Steve Shannon who was suspended by the UHL.

After Cole took over behind the bench, the Mechanics finished the season with an impressive 18-2-0 record in their final 20 games including a 12 game winning streak to end the season. The late push propelled the team into a playoff contending team; however, the Mechanics missed the playoffs by only eight points.

"Danton has won at every level of hockey. The guy likes to win," said Mechanics President, John Tull. "We are excited to have him back to challenge Muskegon for the Colonial Cup."

Cole has been hard at work during the off-season signing six players, including four returning players from the 2004-05 roster. All-Star Defenseman, Kevin Hansen, Goaltender, Rod Branch, Forward, Mike Burgoyne and Center, Chris Gignac.

Before coming to Motor City last season Cole coached for three years with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, taking them to the playoffs during two of those years. In 2002 he won a Colonial Cup as Head Coach with the Muskegon Fury and has won a Stanley Cup with the 1995 New Jersey Devils as a player.

"I am looking forward to picking up where we left off last season. The ownership and organization is committed to winning," said Mechanics Head Coach, Danton Cole. "I'm excited to be back!"

The Mechanics open the 2005-06 season October 21st when they visit the Missouri River Otters and come join the Mechanics when they open up at home against the Kalamazoo Wings on Friday October 28th.

Every fan that enters the Garage will receive a complimentary opening night collectible game puck sponsored by McDonald's. Opening night is also a youth hockey celebration as all youth teams are encouraged to come join the fun and participate in the first intermission team parade, and meet McDonald's own, Ronald McDonald.

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