Mechanics remain in hunt for playoff berth

April 10, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


4/7: WINGS DEFEAT THE MECHANICS 5-3 IN KALAMAZOO

Adam Edinger netted two more goals for the Mechanics and Greg Bullock scored in his first game back from injury, but the Mechanics fell 5-3 to the Wings. Edinger netted his 50th and 51st goals of the season placing him among the UHL's elite. He becomes the 28th 50+ goal scorer in the UHL record books and third this season. Bullock has been out since February 22nd with an injury and played in his first game and scored his 17th goal to pull the Mechanics within one at the start of the third period.

Rod Branch made his 68th start and made 34 saves in the defeat.

- ROOKIE TYLER DONATI RECORDED HIS FIRST PRO POINT WITH AN ASSIST

- ADAM EDINGER BECAME THE 3RD PLAYER THIS YEAR AND 28TH IN UHL HISTORY TO SCORE 50+ GOALS IN A SEASON

- 4/8: QUAD CITY SQUEAKS OUT A 1-0 WIN

This game had playoff atmosphere written all over it as both teams are fighting for the two final playoff berths. The Mechanics came into the game one point up on the Mallards for seventh overall, while the Mallards needed a win to overtake seventh. As it turned out one goal would be all that was needed as Quad Cities Patrick Nadeau scored 5:29 into the second period. That goal would hold up and the Mechanics would drop to eighth overall in the UHL standings.

Rod Branch made his 69th appearance in net tying a UHL record. Branch also set a new record for minutes played in one season.

- ROD BRANCH TIED A UHL RECORD FOR GAMES PLAYED AT 69, HE ALSO SET A NEW UHL RECORD FOR MINUTES PLAYED AFTER THE 1:16 MARK IN THE FIRST PERIOD WITH 3918:16

- 4/9: MECHANICS EARN A POINT IN A 2-1 SHOOTOUT LOSS

The Mechanics have been in playoff mode as they fight their way into the 2006 Colonial Cup playoffs. Tonight was no different as they battled the Wings for the third time within eight days. Both goals were scored early in the game as Kalamazoo's Kory Karlander scored at 2:56 of the first while the Mechanics responded with a wrist shot from former Wing Tom Kotsopoulos that beat the Kalamazoo goaltender. The game would remain tied at 1-1 for the remainder of the game and would result in a shootout. The Mechanics killed off a seven-minute power play in the middle of the third period to keep the game tied. In the shootout Damian Surma and Nick Bootland would score as the Mechanics failed on all of their attempts. Rod Branch made his record breaking 70th appearance and made 36 saves in defeat.

- ROD BRANCH SET A NEW UHL RECORD FOR GAMES PLAYED WHEN HE MADE HIS 70TH APPEARANCE OF THE SEASON. BRANCH IS ALSO 14 SAVES AWAY FROM SETING ANOTHER RECORD FOR MOST SAVES IN ONE SEASON

Upcoming Week: Week Twenty-Six; Last week of the regular season, Two games left with the Port Huron Flags!

It all comes down to this...the final week of the regular season as the Mechanics face the Port Huron Flags in a home and home series.

Friday, April 14th: MECHANICS INVADE MCMORRAN ARENA FOR THE FINAL TIME THIS SEASON

With the Mechanics sitting eighth in the UHL, they need a win against one of the lower teams in the UHL. It should benefit the Mechanics with the break in the schedule at this point. The Mechanics have had the Flags number with a 6-2-0 record this year against them. FACE-OFF: 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 15st: MECHANICS LOOK TO SECURE A PLAYOFF BERTH WITH WINS AGAINST THE FLAGS

FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT; JOIN THE MECHANICS FOR THE FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME, PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN OUT ALL NIGHT!

In the home finale the Mechanics look to secure a playoff berth for the first time in their brief existence. A win against the Flags would all but guarantee the Mechanics in the eighth and final slot. FACE-OFF: 7:30 PM

Edinger, Szabo, Gretzky Line Has A Name

The great line of Adam Edinger, Peter Szabo and Brent Gretzky achieved the name on March 3rd. "The Assembly Line" was submitted along with hundreds of others but won out on our website vote by an astonishing margin. The other three final entries were, "Pit Crew," "Engine Line" and "Motor City Drive Train." The winning name was submitted by David Bolam. He wins an autographed jersey by the line and dinner at bd's Mongolian barbeque.

Assembly Line Factor: Updated through Week 25

When Adam Edinger scores a goal the Mechanics are 27-8-3, and 31-9-3 when he nets a point.

When Brent Gretzky nets a point the Mechanics are 33-9-4.

When Peter Szabo nets a point the Mechanics are 32-13-2.

Player of the Week Nominees

Player of the Week

The Mechanics nominate, Adam Edinger as the Sher-Wood player of the week for the 25th week of the season. This week Edinger tallied two points (2 goals) and was a

-1 rating in the three games played. Edinger scored his 50th and 51st goals of the season on Friday against the Kalamazoo Wings.

Goaltender of the Week

The Mechanics nominate Rod Branch as the Southern Sports Supply Goaltender of the week for the 25th week of the season. This week Branch was 0-2-1 making 87 saves on

94 shots while compiling a .926 SV% and a 2.33 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.

Season Tickets On Sale!

Tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale and all it takes to hold your current seat or new seat is $50! Fans have until May 31st to get the discounted rate on the seats. Don't wait get your seat now and be a part of the action next season!!

Weekly Statistical Leaders: Week Twenty-Five

Games Played (GP): Mike Burgoyne-74

Goals (G): Adam Edinger-51

Assists (A): Brent Gretzky-64

Points (PTS): Brent Gretzky--78

Penalty Minutes (PIM): Tom Kotsopoulos--222

+/-: Adam Edinger--+9

Shots on Goal (SOG): Peter Szabo-216

Shooting Percentage (SPCT): Adam Edinger--.241%

Game Winning Goals (GWG): Kris Vernarsky, Adam Edinger-4

Power Play Goals (PPG): Adam Edinger-19

Short Handed Goals (SHG): Kris Vernarsky--4

Shootout Percentage (SHPCT): Chris Gignac-5 for 7, .714%

Wins (W): Road Branch-37

Goals Against Average (GAA): Bill Ruggiero-3.03

Save Percentage (SV%): Bill Ruggiero--.908%

Shutouts (SHO): Rod Branch--3



International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 10, 2006


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