1/17/2005

MOTOR CITY MECHANICS WEEK IN REVIEW


1/17/2005


Mechanics Go 1-0-2, Collect 4 Points
Fraser, MI – The Motor City Mechanics hit the road for games in Kansas City, Fort Wayne and Kalamazoo this past week. After picking up a point in a shootout loss to Kansas City, the Mechanics earned a solid victory against top ranked Fort Wayne on Friday night. On Saturday, the Mechanics earned another point in a shootout loss to Kalamazoo.

Wednesday, January 12th @ Kansas City 4-3 Shootout Loss:

Trailing 1-0, veteran Joe Burton found the back of the net with just four seconds remaining in the first period to tie the game. The Outlaws took a 2-1 lead early in the second period before Chris Gignac tallied two to give Motor City a 3-2 advantage. At the 18:30 mark of the third period, Joe Seroski beat Mechanics netminder Rod Branch to tie the game. In the shootout, the Mechanics were unable to solve Mark McArthur and Seroski slipped one past Branch for the game winner. Rookie David Bonk contributed three assists on the evening, while defenseman Kyle Kos added two.

Friday, January 14th @ Fort Wayne 4-2 WIN:

The Mechanics earned their first victory over top ranked Fort Wayne on Friday night. After taking a 3-0 lead in the first period, the Komets scored two third period goals but Motor City held on and fired in an empty netter to secure the win. Dan Price scored two goals and added an assist on the night, while defenseman Wade Paterson notched the game winner. Gignac contributed two assists and Branch made 38 saves in goal for Motor City.

Saturday, January 15th @ Kalamazoo 4-3 Shootout Loss:

Trailing 2-0 late in the first period, Burton scored with just 48 seconds remaining to bring Motor City within one. The Wings tallied the only goal in the second frame, taking a 3-1 lead. It was all Mechanics in the third period, with Bonk and Burton each finding the back of the net to tie the game. In the shootout, Kalamazoo scored three, while Motor City only managed one.

UP NEXT:

The Mechanics continue their road trip with an Eastern swing, playing games this week in Richmond and Adirondack. On Friday, January 21st, Motor City will face the Richmond River Dogs for their second meeting of the season. In their first meeting this season on November 12th, the River Dogs earned a 3-2 victory over Motor City at home. On Saturday, January 22nd and Sunday, January 23rd the Adirondack Frostbite will host the Mechanics. Back on November 28th, the Frostbite shutout Motor City 2-0 in Fraser.

All-Star Classic:

On Monday, January 24th Mechanics defenseman Kevin Hansen will participate in the UHL All-Star Classic in Glenns Falls, NY, home of the Adirondack Frostbite. This is Hansen’s first career all-star appearance. Mechanics Head Coach Garry Unger will skate in the alumni game, which will be held prior to the All-Star game. You can vote for the All-Star starting line-up on www.theuhl.com, so be sure to vote for you favorite!

Mini-Mite All-Stars and Poster Give Away:

The Mechanics and 106.7 The Drive are hosting a Mini-Mite All-Star game during the Mechanics game on Friday, January 28th. If you think your mini-mite has what it takes, check out www.1067thedrive or www.motorcitymechanics.com. And don’t forget, on January 28th the Mechanics will be giving away 2,000 Pepsi All-Star posters featuring Kevin Hansen. And be sure to stick around after the game for an autograph session with Hansen.

Guns v. Hoses:

The Motor City Mechanics are proud to host the 1st Annual Guns vs. Hoses charity hockey game. The Macomb County Sheriffs Department and Fraser Fire Department will battle it out on the ice at 5:00 pm on January 28th prior to the Mechanics home game against Fort Wayne. Each ticket purchased through either the Fire or Police departments will donate $3 to that particular departments Honor Guard. Tickets purchased for the Mechanics game at 7:30pm will also be valid for entry into the Guns vs. Hoses hockey game.

Skate With The Mechanics:

Campus Martius Park, the outdoor skating rink in downtown Detroit, is hosting the Motor City Mechanics for a public skate and meet and greet on January 27th from 7-9pm. Campus Martius is located on Woodward Avenue between Fort St. and Michigan Avenue. Be sure to bundle up and come skate with your favorite Motor City players on Thursday, January 27th.

Game Time Change:

The Motor City Mechanics would like to announce that all Sunday games remaining this season have been changed from 7:30pm to 5:00 pm.

TEAM LEADERS


Points: Blair Manning – 30 (9g, 21a)
Goals: Joe Burton – 15
Assists: Manning – 21
Penalty Minutes: Brad Cruikshank – 155
Power Play Goals: Jeff Goldie, Burton – 7
Game Winning Goals: Goldie – 2
Short Handed Goals: Several Players Tied at 1
Shots on Goal: Burton – 124
Shoot Out Goals: Burton – 5
Plus/Minus: Chris Gignac +2

Goaltending


Minutes Played: Rod Branch – 1964 (3rd in the UHL)
Saves: Branch – 1031 (2nd in the UHL)
GAA: Branch – 3.36
Save %: Branch - .904
For ticket information please call 866.997.PUCK. Tickets may also be purchased online through Ticketmaster.