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

November 8, 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.) backstopped his first victory in the North American Hockey League, as the Machine picked up a 2-1 shootout win over Albert Lea in the NAHL Showcase.

Motor City finished the Showcase with a 3-1 record.

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 its 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 minutes 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 a close at 1-1.

With shots fired from all angles, both goaltenders knew it was up to them to decide 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. Eventually, the game would head to 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 minutes and some injuries to the Machine's defensive corps, a shootout loomed ahead.

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.

"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.

Opening weekend set for the 26th and 27th at Yack Arena as the Machine welcome St. Louis.



North American Hockey League Stories from November 8, 2008


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