3/28/2005
WEEK IN REVIEW - MECHANICS FINISH FIRST EVER 4-0 ROAD TRIP!
3/28/2005
March 28, 2005 - Fraser, MI – The Motor City Mechanics notched their first perfect 4-0 week in franchise history. The red hot Mechanics are 10-2 under new head coach Danton Cole and recorded their first shutout in franchise history on Saturday night.
Wednesday, March 23rd @ Flint 4-1 WIN: Four different Mechanics got in on the goal scoring action as Motor City topped the Flint Generals 4-1. After going down 1-0 early in the first period, the Mechanics dominated the remainder of the game scoring four unanswered goals from Joe Burton, Derian Hatcher, David Ambler and Matt Hunter.
Friday, March 25th @ Adirondack 5-2 WIN: Garden City, MI native Joe Burton netted two goals as the Mechanics beat Adirondack 5-2 on Friday night. Brandon Fleenor, Mike Burgoyne and Burton gave the Mechanics a 3-0 lead after just one period of play. The Frostbite got on the board 1:31 into the second frame but Jeff Doyle struck, boosting the Mechanics lead to 4-1. Burton notched his second of the night before Adirondack scored again for the 5-2 final.
Saturday, March 26th @ Danbury 3-0 WIN: Rod Branch recorded his first shutout of the season and the Mechanics first in franchise history in a 3-0 victory over the Danbury Trashers. David Bonk netted two goals and an assist and captain Blair Manning assisted on all three goals in the win. Mike Burgoyne scored the third Motor City goal and Branch made 32 saves between the pipes for the win.
Sunday, March 27th @ Elmira 4-1 WIN: The Mechanics scored their fourth consecutive road win of the week in Elmira on Sunday night. Matt Hunter, Joe Burton, Ryan Baker and Rick Smith each scored for the Mechanics. Burton, Chris Gignac and Blair Manning each lended two assists in the 4-1 victory and Branch made 35 saves to record his fourth consecutive win.
UP NEXT: The Mechanics host four home games this week! Wednesday, March 30th the Flint Generals visit The Garage at 7:30pm. Friday April 1st Motor City hosts the Elmira Jackals at 7:30pm. Saturday April 2nd it’s the Fort Wayne Komets and on Sunday April 3rd the Jackals return for a 5:00pm game.
Mascot Broomball: On Wednesday, March 30th, the Mechanics will host the Flint Generals at 7:30pm. In addition, it is Mascot Broomball Night! Approximately 25 mascots from around the area will be featured on the ice during the first intermission for a game of broomball. Mechanics mascot Sparky will captain the home team. Come meet Sparky and all his mascot friends!
Meet The Mechanics: Several of the Motor City Mechanics, including Blair Manning, Tim Laurila, Kevin Hansen, Brad Cruikshank and Wade Paterson, will be signing autographs at the Macomb Mall from 6-8pm on Thursday, March 31st.
Team Photo Night: The Mechanics will be giving away an updated team photo on Friday, April 1st courtesy of McMillan Brothers Furniture of Royal Oak, 106.7 The Drive and the Macomb Daily. All fans will receive a team photo!
Free T-Shirts: The first 1,500 fans to arrive at the game on Saturday, April 2nd when the Mechanics host Fort Wayne will receive a free Motor City Mechanics t-shirt courtesy of LDMI Telecommunications, Logovision, Magic 105.1 and the Macomb Daily. Game time is 7:30pm.
TV and Rally Towels: The Mechanics play the Elmira Jackals on Sunday April 3rd and the game will be broadcast live on UPN 50. Rally towels will be given away to 2,000 fans courtesy of Auto-Lab, Cheli’s Chili Bar and Hatchy’s Sports Bar and Grill, UPN 50 and WYCD.
Final Home Game: On April 6th, the Mechanics host Muskegon for their final home game of the season. The entire team will auction off their game worn home jerseys following the game. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. The first 2,000 fans will receive FREE Mechanics pucks courtesy of WCSX and the Children’s Leukemia Foundation. Wednesday, April 6th is Fan Appreciation Night!
TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE: Tickets are still available for all upcoming home games remaining this season! To purchase tickets, please call Ticketmaster (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.
MOTOR CITY MECHANICS (29-36-7) TEAM LEADERS
Points Blair Manning – 69 (16g, 53.a)
Goals: Joe Burton – 30
Assists: Manning – 53
Penalty Minutes: Brandon Fleenor – 208
Power Play Goals: Burton – 12
Game Winning Goals: Burton – 4
Short Handed Goals: Burton – 3
Shots on Goal: Burton – 225
Shoot Out Goals: Burton – 7
Plus/Minus: Sean Avery +16
Goaltending
Minutes Played: Rod Branch – 3,266 (ranked 2nd in the UHL) Saves: Branch – 1,617 (ranked 2nd in the UHL)
GAA: Branch – 3.01
Save %: Branch - .908
To purchase tickets, please call Ticketmaster (248-645-6666), visit www.ticketmaster.com or stop by the Mechanics box office located at the arena. For information on group rates or season packages, please call 866-997-PUCK.