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Mechanics play four games in five days, go 1-3-0 in week fourteen

January 23, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


1/18: MECHANICS GET KNOCKED DOWN BY THE GENERALS 6-4

Whenever these two teams meet there is sure to be a lot of goal scoring, as it has been proven by three of the six games these two teams have played. In those three games at least 10 goals have been scored combined. The last came on Jan. 18th when the Generals knocked down the Mechanics. The Mechanics started the game scoring first when Vlad Serov scored against his former team, his first of the year. Flint went onto score three straight and then the Mechanics responded with three straight goals. Adam Edinger scored his 24th and 25th of the year and Greg Bullock scored the other goal. That's all the Mechanics would get as Flint went onto score three more goals in a row and win the game 6-4. Rod Branch in the process started his 34th start in net and made 12 saves before being replaced by backup Bill Ruggiero in the second period. Ruggiero was solid as he made 6 saves on 7 shots.

- ADAM EDINGER SCORED HIS TEAM LEADING 24TH AND 25TH GOALS ON THE SEASON

- ROD BRANCH STARTED HIS 34TH GAME OF THE SEASON

- 1/20: THE FURY NIP THE MECHANICS

Only three goals were scored in this defensive playoff style game. The Fury gained the 2-0 lead midway through the third period when Matt Smith scored his 10th goal of the season to cut the lead in half. The Mechanics could not muster any more offense as they had two chances late in the game with the extra man advantage. Rod Branch made his 35th start in net and made 22 saves in defeat.

- ROD BRANCH MADE HIS 35TH START IN NET, LEAVING HIM TWO GAMES SHY OF 100 UHL GAMES.

- 1/21: MECHANCS WIN 7-2, SCORE SEVEN GOALS FOR THE FOURTH TIME THIS SEASON

Newcomer Ryan VanBuskirk scored for the Mechanics to open up the floodgates, as the Mechanics would go onto score seven goals against the slumping Port Huron Flags. The Flags had a 2-1 lead at one point in the game but it quickly evaporated as the Mechanics would reel off six unanswered goals. Matt Smith, Tom Kotsopoulos, Peter Szabo (twice), Vlad Serov and Mel Angelstad all scored. Rod Branch looked impressive as he made 25 saves for his 17th win on the year. After the score sheet was completed five Mechanics had multiple point nights. Kotsopoulos (1g, 2a), Serov (1g, 1a), Szabo

(2g, 1a), VanBuskirk (1g, 1a) and Brent Gretzky (2a).

- TOM KOTSOPOULOS SCORED HIS 40TH PRO GOAL

- VLAD SEROV PLAYED IN HIS 80TH UHL GAME AND SCORED HIS 50TH UHL GOAL

- 1/22: MALLARDS SCORE FIVE UNANSWERED GOALS

The Mechanics took a 2-0 lead after Matt Smith scored his 12th goal of the year just 1:23 into the second period. From that point on the Mallards took control by taking advantage of four 5 on 3 power plays. It's a rare sight in hockey these days as it rarely happens four times within a span of 10 games, but in this game it was a sign of how things would go. Quad City would tie the game at 2-2 heading into the third period but reeled of three more goals in the third to end the game at 5-2. Rod Branch made his 37th start in net making 24 saves in defeat.

- ROD BRANCHE'S 37TH START TIES HIM WITH QUAD CITY'S JASON TAPP FOR MOST GAMES PLAYED THIS SEASON

- BRANCH PLAYED IN HIS 100TH UHL GAME AND HE IS ONLY 2 WINS AWAY FROM 50 UHL WINS

Upcoming Week: Week Fifteen, Three games

Friday, January 27th: THE FIRST MEETING OF THREE WITH RICHMOND

The Mechanics face the RiverDogs for back-to-back games for the first two meetings of the season. The Mechanics lead the all-time series 5-1-0, with the last meeting occurring on April 9th with the Mechanics prevailing 3-1. FACE-OFF: 7:35 PM

Saturday, January 28th: SECOND OF BACK-TO-BACK GAMES WITH THE ‘DOGS

The Mechanics face the ‘Dogs for the second time within two days. The second meeting of three as the RiverDogs come into town on March 31st. FACE-OFF: 7:35 PM

Sunday, January 29th: MECHANICS TRAVEL TO ELMIRA TO BITE THE JACKALS

The Jackals and Mechanics face off for a Sunday matinee. The first of two meetings this season between these two clubs. The Mechanics hold the all-time series lead at 4-2-0. FACE-OFF: 4:05 PM

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 you seats now or but prorated season tickets now before time runs out!

All-Star participants

Three Mechanics will be making the trip to St. Charles to play in the UHL All-Star Classic. Goaltender Rod Branch, Defenseman Matt Smith and Center Adam Edinger all earned the recognition of fans and teams from around the league as being the best in the UHL this season. GOOD LUCK to our All-Stars as they certainly deserve the chance to show the rest of the league what their made of.

Weekly Statistical Leaders: Week Fourteen

Games Played (GP): 2 players tied at-41

Goals (G): Adam Edinger-25

Assists (A): Greg Bullock-31

Points (PTS): Greg Bullock-42

Penalty Minutes (PIM): Tom Kotsopoulos--127

+/-: Chris Bogas--+7

Shots on Goal (SOG): Matt Smith-135

Shooting Percentage (SPCT): Adam Edinger--.217%

Game Winning Goals (GWG): Kris Vernarsky-3

Power Play Goals (PPG): Adam Edinger-10

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

Shootout Percentage (SHPCT): Adam Edinger-4 for 5, .800%

Wins (W): Road Branch-17

Goals Against Average (GAA): Bill Ruggiero-2.82

Save Percentage (SV%): Bill Ruggiero--.918%

Shutouts (SHO): Rod Branch--2



International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 23, 2006


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