Mechanics week in review

November 21, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


11/18: MECHANICS WIN 5-4 IN A SHOOTOUT!

The Mechanics traveled to Rockford to face the IceHogs for the second time this season. It was a dandy as both teams were battling to the very end. The Mechanics jumped out first as they took advantage of a double minor penalty by Robin Big Snake. Mike Ramsay (4) pounced on a loose puck and fired a backhand shot to the top corner giving the Mechanics the lead early. Kevin Hansen (4) tallied the lone assist on the goal. In the second period the IceHogs took control, as they would go on to score three goals to just two Mechanics goals. Konstantin Kalmikov (4) and Peter Szabo (2) were the goal scorers in the second. In the third the IceHogs took control late and held onto the lead late, however, with 32 seconds left in the game the Mechanics would tie the game and force a shootout. Adam Edinger (4) tallied the goal with Brent Gretzky (9) and Szabo (6) earning the assists. In the shootout Edinger and Matt Smith would both score while Rod Branch shut down all four IceHog attempts to seal the win. Branch finished the game with 25 saves and earned his 6th win of the season.

11/19: FOUR GOAL THIRD PERIOD LIFTS MECHANICS

Both teams were playing playoff style hockey, as neither would give an inch including the goaltenders. Both Rod Branch and Jason Tapp were standing on their heads. Tapp alone faced the most pressure in the second period when the Mechanics were able to pepper 22 shots on goal. The Mechanics and Mallards remained scoreless through the first 40 minutes of action and it wasn't until the 2:30 mark of the third that either team finally got on the scoreboard. Henry Acres (2) scored with assists from Mike Ramsay (6) and Greg Bullock (12). Just 32 seconds later the Mallards would tie the game at one. At 8:07 the Mechanics would re-take the lead on an Adam Edinger goal (5). Then 2 minutes and 43 seconds later the Mallards would re-tie the game. At 14:47 Mike Burgoyne (4) would tally the eventual game-winning goal with helpers from Brent Gretzky (11) and Peter Szabo (8). The Mallards would empty the net to gain the extra man, however that only made them even with the Mechanics as they had a player serving a penalty. Gretzky (2) would put the puck in the open net with 30 seconds left to seal to victory. There were four players with multiple points on the night for the Mechanics. Adam Edinger (1 goal, 1 assist), Peter Szabo (2 assists), Greg Bullock (2 assists) and Brent Gretzky (1 goal, 2 assists). Rod Branch earned his 7th win of the season stopping 27 Mallards shots including a game tying and saving shot attempt in the third period when he made a beautiful kick save to keep the game tied at two.

Weekly Statistical Leaders: Week Five

Games Played (GP): 6 players tied at-14

Goals (G): Konstantin Kalmikov, Adam Edinger-5

Assists (A): Greg Bullock-13

Points (PTS): Greg Bullock-16

Penalty Minutes (PIM): Greg Bullock-44

+/-: Mike Ramsay--+2

Shots on Goal (SOG): Konstantin Kalmikov-50

Shooting Percentage (SPCT): Adam Edinger--.132%

Game Winning Goals (GWG): Greg Bullock-2

Power Play Goals (PPG): Matt Smith, Chris Gignac-3

Short Handed Goals (SHG): Kris Vernarsky--1

Shootout Percentage (SHPCT): Matt Smith-2 for 2, 100%

Wins (W): Road Branch-7

Goals Against Average (GAA): Bill Ruggiero-2.92

Save Percentage (SV%): Bill Ruggiero--.922%

Shutouts (SHO): Rod Branch--1

Weekly Nominees

Player of the Week

The Mechanics nominate Forward, Brent Gretzky for the Sher-Wood Player of the Week. Grtezky tallied five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the two games the Mechanics played this week. Gretzky also finished with a +1 rating and notched 4 shots on goal and had two power play assists and one power play goal.

Goaltender of the Week

The Mechanics nominate Rod Branch as the Southern Sports Supply Goaltender of the Week. Branch finished the week with a 2-0-0 record, in 119:38 minutes played. Branch also made 52 saves on 58 shots for a .897 SV% and a 3.01 GAA in the two games played this week.

Upcoming Week: Week Six, Thanksgiving Weekend!

Thursday, November 24th: Thanksgiving Match-up in Muskegon

The Mechanics travel to Muskegon for a Thanksgiving match-up. The last time these two teams met was back on November 6th when the Fury came into "the Garage" and defeated the Mechanics 6-1. FACE-OFF: 7:40 p.m.

Friday, November 25th: Mechanics Face the Generals In Flint

The Mechanics face the Generals for the second time this season. The first time these two teams met was on October 30th with the Mechanics winning 6-4.

FACE-OFF: 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, November 26th: Kalamazoo Comes To "the Garage"

Kalamazoo Wings come into town for the second time this season. The first match-up was on October 28th when the Kalamazoo Wings defeated the Mechanics 6-0 on the Mechanics opening night. Saturday is also a TEAM PHOTO GIVEAWAY, PRESENTED BY DR. KATHLEEN ABATE, TEAM DENTIST AND 106.7 THE DRIVE!

FACE-OFF: 7:30 p.m.

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-116.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 21, 2005


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