2/11/2005

FORMER WING AND SPARTAN

2/11/2005

FRASER, MI - The Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League announced today that NHL forwards Bryan Smolinski and Sean Avery. The Mechanics held a press conference this morning at 10am announcing the roster additions. Smolinski, a Toledo native and former Michigan State University standout, was drafted in the 1st Round (21st overall) of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins. Having played in the NHL since 1992, Smolinski has played for Boston, Pittsburgh, New York Islanders and most recently, Ottawa. Smolinski collected 46 points in 80 games last season with the Senators. Avery spent his first two years of pro hockey in the Motor City, playing in 75 games for Detroit from 2001-2003. During the 2002-03 season, Avery was dealt to the LA Kings where he spent the past two seasons. Last year, Avery scored 28 points and racked up 261 penalty minutes in 76 games with LA. “Our mission is to win more hockey games. Last week we beefed up our defense with Chelios and Hatcher and the addition of Smolinski and Avery should give us an added offensive punch,” Mechanics President John Tull said. Tickets for all upcoming home games are still available. To purchase tickets, please call Ticketmaster, visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Mechanics box office located in the arena. For more information on today’s press conference, please contact Lauren Segall at lbsegall19@yahoo.com or at 586-294-8062.