Mechanics Rock 2-1-1 Week

Published on February 28, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


Fraser, MI – The Motor City Mechanics earned two solid victories this week and closed out the month of February with an 8-4-1 record, collecting 17 points.

Wednesday, February 23 @ Kalamazoo 5-2 WIN: Blair Manning recorded a hat trick, Joe Burton netted a goal and two assists and Brad Cruikshank and Chris Chelios each added two assists as the Mechanics rolled over the Kalamazoo Wings in an early morning game at Wings Stadium. With the game tied at one, Matt Hunter scored late in the first period to give Motor City a 2-1 advantage heading into the second. Manning scored his second and third goals in the second period, boosting Motor City's lead to 4-2. Burton scored in the final frame for the 5-2 win.

Friday, February 25th vs. Flint 3-2 WIN: The Mechanics dominated the second period, scoring three quick goals to take a 3-0 lead over the Generals on Friday night. Flint battled back, scoring two in the third period. After pulling their goaltender, Flint was unable to muster enough offense to solve netminder Rod Branch. Matt Hunter's goal at 12:43 of the second period would prove to be the eventual game winner.

Saturday, February 26th @ Quad City 6-4 Loss: The Mechanics let a 4-1 lead slip through their fingers and allowed five unanswered goals to suffer a 6-4 loss in Quad City. Dan Price and Tim Laurila gave Motor City a 2-0 lead on their first shots of the game. The Mallards came within one but Joe Burton scored consecutively to boost the Mechanics lead to 4-1. Quad City replaced netminder Kevin Reyneart with Robert Gherson who recorded a shutout in his last outing. The Mechanics were unable to solve Gherson. The Mallards took over, scoring five unanswered goals, three in the second period and two in the third. Manning recorded three assists in the loss.

Sunday, February 27th vs. Missouri 6-5 Shootout Loss: David Bonk put Motor City on the board first, scoring a powerplay goal at 12:47 of the first period. The River Otters tied the game at one at 15:47 and just 17 seconds later, Mechanics defenseman Jason Reimers netted his first goal of the season to put Motor City in the lead 2-1. Frank Littlejohn tied the game for Missouri just over a minute into the second period but Rick Smith answered quickly at the 2:10 mark, giving the Mechanics their third lead of the game. Missouri scored two more to take a 4-3 lead and it was Reimers for the second time knotting the game at four. Littlejohn scored his second of the night, giving the River Otters a 5-4 lead. Joe Burton found the back of the net at 16:59 of the third to tie the game. In the shootout, Blair Manning and Burton each scored for Motor City but the River Otters netted three for the win.

UHL Sher-wood Player of the Week: Mechanics captain Blair Manning was selected as the UHL's Sher-wood Player of the Week for the week of February 21-27. Manning tallied eight points this week (4gp, 3g, 5a), including a hat trick against Kalamazoo on Wednesday and three assists versus Quad City on Saturday. Manning netted 14 points in 14 games during the month of February (4g, 10a).

UP NEXT: The Mechanics host the Quad City Mallards on Friday, February 4th at 7:30pm when Karen Newman will perform the National Anthem. The Missouri River Otters return to The Garage on February 5th at 7:30pm. On Sunday, February 6th, the Mechanics head to Flint to face the Generals at 4:00pm.

Smolinski Poster Night: Saturday, March 5th is Bryan Smolinski poster night! The Mechanics will be giving away Smolinski posters to all fans, brought to you by Autolab and WDFN. Smolinski will sign autographs on the concourse following the game.

Sparky's Skating School Mar 3: Mechanics mascot Sparky is offering free open skating to all fans on Thursday, March 3rd from 4:00-5:30pm in Ontario Rink (located in the Great Lakes Sports City Arena). Learn to skate, meet Sparky and meet a few of the Mechanics players!

MEET THE MECHANICS: Meet the Mechanics on March 8th from 7-9pm at Cheli's Chili located in Dearborn (21918 Michigan Ave). The entire team will be available to meet and sign autographs. This event is open to the public.

We're On TV: The Mechanics will broadcast two games live on UPN 50-Detroit. March 19th vs. the Richmond RiverDogs and April 3rd vs. the Elmira Jackals. Stay tuned for more details.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: Tickets are still available for all upcoming home games remaining 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.

Game Time Change: The Motor City Mechanics would like to announce that all Sunday games remaining this season have been changed from 7:30pm to 5:00 pm.

TEAM LEADERS

Points: Blair Manning – 51 (15g, 36a)

Goals: Joe Burton – 24

Assists: Manning – 36

Penalty Minutes: Brad Cruikshank – 197

Power Play Goals: Burton – 11

Game Winning Goals: Burton – 3

Short Handed Goals: Kevin Hansen, Burton – 2

Shots on Goal: Burton – 184

Shoot Out Goals: Burton – 7

Plus/Minus: Sean Avery +5

Goaltending

Minutes Played: Rod Branch – 2547 (ranked 5th in the UHL)

Saves: Branch – 1308 (ranked 3rd in the UHL)

GAA: Branch – 3.34

Save %: Branch - .902

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 February 28, 2005


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