FRASER, Michigan - The Motor City Mechanics' chances of
escaping last place in the United Hockey League's Central
Division just got considerably better.
The Mechanics on Tuesday pulled a major coup, signing defensemen
Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher and center Kris Draper, all
seasoned NHL veterans and members of the Detroit Red Wings.
Frustrated with the lack of progress in the NHL labor dispute
and realizing the 2004-05 season is dangerously close to being
canceled, the trio elected to join Motor City, which currently
resides in the basement of its division with an 11-29-6 record.
The Mechanics also made a coaching move, promoting Garry Unger
to vice president and director of hockey operations and
replacing him behind the bench with Steve Shannon.
"We are committed to playing competitive hockey and the addition
of NHL players and the coaching change reaffirms our commitment
to our fans," Mechanics president John Tull said.
An 11-time All-Star, Chelios began his career with Montreal in
1983-84 after being drafted in the second round in 1981 and
helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup three seasons later.
The 43-year-old, who is a three-time recipient of the Norris
Trophy, also captured a championship in 2002 with Detroit, where
he has spent the last 5 1/2 seasons.
Hatcher, the brother of former All-Star defenseman Kevin
Hatcher, signed with the Red Wings as a free agent in July 2003
and played just 15 games due to injuries. The eighth overall
pick by Dallas in 1990, the 32-year-old was captain of the Stars
for eight seasons, including their championship campaign in
1998-99.
Draper, 33, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2003-04,
recording career highs of 24 goals and 40 points and winning the
Selke Trophy. He has won three Stanley Cup championships with
the Red Wings after spending parts of three seasons with the
Winnipeg Jets, who drafted him in the third round in 1989.