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Misiak Machine's Motor City over the Thunder, 2-1 in a Shootout

September 21, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Motor City Metal Jackets News Release


Blaine, Minn. - It was another dominating performance by the Machine with little offense and lots of defense as Joe Rogers (Marysville, Mich.) backstops his first victory in the North American Hockey League.

The Machine came out like have lately by outshooting their opponents but receiving little on the scoreboard. In the previous three games the Machine hadn't gotten on the board first but that would all change as Kevin Bechard (Trenton, Mich.) used a pile up in front of the net to beat Brady Sand. Motor City would hold their first opening period lead until a late penalty on Phil Webb and goal by Collin Moberly (Ely, Minn.) to make it 1-1 after one.

An absolute display of saving the game from Sand in the second would keep the Machine away from the lead again. Rogers continued to keep the puck away from his end as well collecting eight saves in 40:00 of work. Meanwhile, the Machine racked up 24 shots with only one goal to show for it. The scoreboard would see no action as the second came to closure at 1-1.

With shots fired from all angles, both goal tenders knew it was up to them on deciding the outcome. Rogers played great seeing only 13 shots, while Sand had his share of 38 pucks in the face to fend off. The main show of the third took place when Bechard was challenged by Mark Ellis of the Thunder to a fight, needless to say Ellis chose the wrong contender as he got worked in the fist-a-cuffs dual. Both sides would play a scoreless note awaiting overtime. In the extra session it was apparent that this battle, which was the fourth in as many days, would go even further. After 65:00 minutes and some injuries to the Machine's defensive core a shootout loomed overhead.

Being the away team Adam Kuhn and Motor City would shoot first, Kuhn was unsuccessful as was Ellis for the Thunder was stopped on his turn. Then along came Ryan Misiak (Shelby Township, Mich.) who slide right then left before backhanding Sand in the face for the goal.

"Whenever you get a chance to come out and make it happen like that you have to be ready for the challenge and boy, were we ever!" announced Misiak after the game.

Rogers would come out of the crease and challenge every shooter for Albert Lea cutting off theirs angles and allowing no goals in the process. It was Rogers's first win in the North American Hockey League.

"I was able to see everything and my defense made sure I wasn't going to get caught off guard," proclaimed Rogers.

Motor City finished with 38 shots in the win while the Thunder just 13. In the four games at the Showcase the Machine put up 158 shots while posting a 3-1 record to open their first season. Bechard netted his third of the season and Misiak bagged the game-winner. Opening weekend set for the 26th and 27th at Yack Arena as the Machine welcome the likes of St. Louis.

(Notes: Bennett Schneider and Ben Danford left Saturday's game early with mild injuries).

The Motor City Machine is in their first season in Michigan as members of the North American Hockey League. The Motor City Machine are formerly the Southern MN Express in which they made the playoffs three straight years and twice into the Robertson Cup finals. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33rd year of operation. For more information, visit machinehockey.com or call (734) 642-0544.

Machine home games will be played at the Yack Arena in Wyandotte, Mich. All games are broadcast on machinehockey.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2008


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