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Starting Goaltender Returns For Another Season

August 15, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Motor City Mechanics News Release


FRASER, MI- The Motor City Mechanics, proud members of the United Hockey League (UHL) are happy to announce the re-signing of starting Goaltender, Rod Branch.

Branch, 30, is coming off one of his better seasons to date, finishing the season strong with a 17-2-0 record. He twice grabbed Player of the Month honors in March and April, and Player of the week honors during the final week of the season.

After all was said and done Branch finished in the top five in four different UHL goaltender categories and set new career highs. His 1,812 saves ranked 1st (career high), the 3,686 minutes played ranked 2nd (career high), the 63 games played ranked 2nd (career high) and his 31 wins ranked 5th in the UHL.

Branch will be entering his 10th professional season, second in the UHL. The majority of Branch's career has been spent in the Central Hockey League (CHL) with the Tulsa Oilers, Topeka Scarecrows and the Oklahoma City Blazers.

"I'm excited to have Rod back, he fits in well with this team," said Mechanics Head Coach, Danton Cole. "He is one of the top goaltenders in the league as he proved last season finishing 17-2-0."

The Mechanics now have six players signed for the 2005-06 season. All-Star Defenseman, Kevin Hansen, former Michigan State Spartan Defenseman, Chris Bogas, returning Center, Chris Gignac, Forward, Mike Burgoyne and Ukrainian Right Wing, Konstantin Kalmikov are all under contract for the upcoming season.

The Mechanics open the 2005-06 season October 21st when they visit the Missouri River Otters and come join the Mechanics when they open up at home against the Kalamazoo Wings on Friday October 28th.

Every fan that enters the Garage will receive a complimentary opening night collectible game puck sponsored by McDonald's. Opening night is also a youth hockey celebration as all youth teams are encouraged to come join the fun and participate in the first intermission team parade, and meet McDonald's own, Ronald McDonald!

SEASON TICKETS are on SALE NOW!! Packages start for as little as $288. Call 866-997-PUCK (7825) for more information.

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