2/1/2005

MECHANICS WING HAT TRICK; SIGN NEW COACH SHANNON

2/1/2005

Fraser, MI – The Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League announced today that Garry Unger has been promoted to Vice President/Director of Hockey Operations. Unger will be replaced behind the bench by Detroit native Steve Shannon. NHL defenseman Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher and center Kris Draper have been added to the Mechanics roster.
The Mechanics held a press conference this morning at 10am announcing the changes. Shannon, a Michigan native, comes to the Mechanics after having coached at the amateur ranks in the Metro Detroit area for over 30 years. John Blum, an NHL vet and former UHL coach, will join Shannon behind the bench as the assistant coach.
“It’s not about where you’ve played or coached at this level…it’s about knowing how to lead, the administrative how to deal with people things,” Shannon said
Chelios, a 22 veteran of the National Hockey League, has spent the past six years playing hockey in Detroit. Chelios has won two Stanley Cups and has been awarded three Norris Trophy’s as the NHL’s top defender.
Last seasons Selke winner as the leagues best defensive forward, Draper has played the majority of his NHL career in Detroit. Having won three Stanley Cups in the Motor City, Draper had his most productive NHL season last year, scoring 40 points in 67 games.
A native of Sterling Heights, Michigan, Hatcher has been playing in the NHL since 1991. Hatcher won the Stanley Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars and returned to his hometown of Detroit in 2003.
“We are committed to playing competitive hockey and the addition of NHL players and the coaching change reaffirms our commitment to our fans,” Mechanics President John Tull said.
For more information, please contact Lauren Segall at lbsegall19@yahoo.com or at 586-294-8062. For Mechanics ticket information, please call the box office at 866-997-PUCK.