2/23/2005

MECHANICS FLY PAST WINGS

2/23/2005

Kalamazoo, MI – Captain Blair Manning scored a hat trick, Joe Burton picked up a goal and two assists and Brad Cruikshank added two assists as the Mechanics defeated the Kalamazoo Wings 5-2 in an early morning game at Wings Stadium.
Kalamazoo took a 1-0 lead at 13:15 of the first period but Manning answered on the powerplay just over a minute later to even the score. At 16:32, Matt Hunter broke the tie and gave the Mechanics a 2-1 lead heading into the second frame.
Manning boosted Motor City’s lead to 3-1 when he found the back of the net for the second time this morning, 1:34 into the second period. Tim Krueckl scored his second to pull the Wings back within one but Manning scored at 19:19 of the second to give the Mechanics a 4-2 lead and tally the hat trick. Through a scoreless third period, Kalamazoo pulled goaltender Chad Alban in a final effort to tie the game but Burton landed an empty netter to secure the 5-2 win.
The Mechanics return home this Friday, February 25th at 7:30pm when they host the Flint Generals and Jason Woolley. The Zooperstars will also make an appearance!
On Saturday, February 26th, the Motor City hockey hits the road for a game in Quad City.
The Mechanics play at home on Sunday, February 27th when they host the Missouri River Otters at 5:00pm. Derian Hatcher will sign autographs for fans following Sunday’s game. The River Otters roster boasts the 2003 NHL Rookie of the Year Barrett Jackman as well as NHLer Ryan Johnson.