Mechanics Riding 8-0 Hot Streak

Published on April 4, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


Fraser, MI – The Motor City Mechanics closed out the month of March with an 11-2 record and opened up the month of April 3-0 for their second consecutive 4-0 week. The Mechanics are currently riding an eight game winning streak heading into their final four games of the season.

Wednesday, March 30th vs. Flint 7-3 WIN: David Bonk led the way with two goals as the Mechanics dumped the Flint Generals 7-3 for their fifth consecutive win. After jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Rick Smith, Bonk and Sean Avery, the Mechanics found the back of the net two more times in the second to take a 5-0 lead. Derian Hatcher, Blair Manning and Joe Burton also scored for Motor City in victory. The red hot Mechanics fired 55 shots at Flint netminder Marco Emond and Rod Branch made 32 saves in goal for Motor City. The Mechanics finished the season with a 6-3-0 record against the Flint Generals.

Friday, April 1st vs. Elmira 5-2 WIN: Rick Smith and Joe Burton each netted two goals and rookie netminder Zach Sikich recorded his first pro win in his first pro start. With his two goals, Burton inched two goals closer to the 600 career mark. The Mechanics also pounded the Jackals with 58 shots on net, a franchise record. Bryan Smolinski also scored in the victory for the Mechanics, their 12th win in 14 tries.

Saturday, April 2nd vs. Fort Wayne 3-2 WIN: Down 2-0 after the first period of play, the Mechanics fought back to tie the game on goals from Jared Ross, the first of his pro career, and Chris Chelios in the second and third period. Matt Hunter found the back of the net with just 20 seconds remaining in the third period to win the game, drawing assists from Mike Burgoyne and Joe Burton.

Sunday, April 3rd vs. Elmira 6-1 WIN: Jared Ross netted two goals and an assist, while Joe Burton tallied a goal and two assists as the Mechanics picked up their eighth consecutive win. Rick Smith, Bryan Smolinski and Chris Gignac also scored for Motor City and for the fourth straight game, the Mechanics tallied over 50 shots on goal.

UP NEXT: The Mechanics are at home Wednesday April 6th when they host the Muskegon Fury, the only team that the Mechanics have not defeated this season. Motor City hockey hits the road for their final three games of the year, playing two contests against the Richmond RiverDogs on Friday and Saturday and finishing up the season at Elmira on Sunday.

Final Home Game & Jersey Auction: On April 6th, the Mechanics host Muskegon for their final home game of the season. The entire team will auction off their game worn home jerseys following the game. All proceeds will benefit the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. The first 2,000 fans will receive FREE Mechanics pucks courtesy of WCSX and the Children's Leukemia Foundation. Wednesday, April 6th is Fan Appreciation Night! Game time is 7:30pm.

600 On The Horizon: Mechanics assistant captain and Garden City, MI native Joe Burton is just one goal shy of 600 for his career. Burton netted goal 599 on Sunday night against the Elmira Jackals at the 19:47 mark of the third period. Only one other American born player has hit the 600 goal mark at any level of professional hockey, Joe Mullen, who has a combined 622 goals in the NHL and CHL.

Mechanics Are RED HOT: The Motor City Mechanics are the hottest team in the UHL right now, currently 14-1 in their last 15 games and riding an eight game winning streak. Captain Blair Manning hit the 70 point mark on Wednesday with his 16th goal of the season. Rookie netminder Zach Sikich picked up his first pro win and rookie Jared Ross scored his first professional goal. With just four games remaining this season, the Mechanics look to finish the season one game above .500.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: Tickets are still available for the final home game 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.

MOTOR CITY MECHANICS (33-36-7) TEAM LEADERS

Points Blair Manning – 73 (17g, 56.a)

Goals: Joe Burton – 34

Assists: Manning – 56

Penalty Minutes: Brandon Fleenor – 225

Power Play Goals: Burton – 12

Game Winning Goals: Burton, Matt Hunter – 4 each (Hunter is tied for 2nd among rookies in the UHL)

Short Handed Goals: Burton – 3

Shots on Goal: Burton – 261

Shoot Out Goals: Burton – 7

Plus/Minus: Bryan Smolinski +19

Goaltending

Minutes Played: Rod Branch – 3,446 (ranked 2nd in the UHL)

Saves: Branch – 1,694 (ranked 2nd in the UHL)

GAA: Branch – 2.96

Save %: Branch - .909

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 April 4, 2005


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