Mechanics Get Help

Signaling the end of the NHL season, Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher have signed with the Motor City Mechanics, Detroit’s United Hockey League team in Frasier.

The move comes after a dismal start for the Mechanics. In addition to Hatcher and Chelios, Chris Draper and Kirk Maltby are also considering joining the team. In addition to the new players, a new head coach will be introduced and that head coach Gary Unger is moving into the front office as V.P. and Director of Hockey Operations.

But what about the guys who get pushed off the roster? It’s a business and a business has to sell tickets to survive. No one ever said business is fair.

The UHL is equivalent to a class-A baseball level. You have players with promise for the future and you have players making their final tour. They a team salary cap of $260,000 and the rules state that each team can only have seven veterans in each game. Veteran tags come after 280 professional games and the Mechanics already have seven of these players.

"It's just a mutual decision amongst ownership to shake it up a little bit," Tull said. "We're 10-29."

Hatcher and Chelios could join the team as soon as Wednesday in Flint, or Friday at home against Rockford.

Legace Leaves Russia

Red Wings backup goalie Manny Legace didn’t care for the situation in Russia, and has decided not to play for anyone else. He was also surprised to hear that some of his teammates might be playing for the Mechanics. No other North American teams have contacted Legace.