3/13/2005

MECHANICS WING SHOOTOUT WIN AT KALAMAZOO 3-2!

3/13/2005

March 13, 2005 - Kalamazoo, MI – Mechanics defenseman Derian Hatcher scored in regulation as well as the winning goal in the shootout to help Motor City to a 3-2 shootout victory over the Kalamazoo Wings tonight.
After a scoreless first period, Tim Turner put Kalamazoo on the board just over a minute into the second frame. Just 35 seconds later, Mechanics captain Blair Manning tied the game at one, drawing assists from Matt Hunter and Brandon Fleenor. Hatcher found the back of the net on the power play four minutes into the period to give the Mechanics a 2-1 lead. Chris Gignac and Bryan Smolinski assisted on the goal.
Greg Labenski tied the game at two for the K-Wings with less than three minutes remaining in the third period, pushing the game into a shootout. Kalamazoo was unable to solve Motor City netminder Rod Branch in the shootout. Branch stopped all five shots. Hatcher was the only Mechanic to score during the shootout, giving Motor City the 3-2 victory. In goal, Branch made 23 saves for the Mechanics, while Joel Martin made 35 saves between the pipes for the K-Wings.
The Mechanics are at home Friday March 18th against Adirondack, Saturday March 19th against Richmond and Sunday March 20th against Muskegon. Tickets are still available for all three contests. Friday and Saturday game time is 7:30 pm and the puck drops at 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Tickets still remain for all upcoming home games! To purchase tickets, please call Ticketmaster at 248-645-6666, visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Mechanics box office located at the arena. The box office is open M-F 12pm-9pm and Sat-Sun 12pm-6pm. For information on group rates or season packages, please call 866-997-PUCK.