Fraser, MI - The Motor City Gamblers Elite program took one game out of three against the Chicago Cougars this week in a quick three game series.
The Gamblers were outscored 16-12.
The first two games were won by the Cougars 8-5 on Tuesday and 6-2 on Wednesday.
Motor City was chasing goals from the start but was able to take a lead in the second period before surrendering four straight goals, including three goals in the third period. Two on the power play, and an empty net goal. Josh Koza (Peoria, IL) cut into the lead with this ninth of the season at the 12:55 mark of the first period. It was his third goal in four games. Newly acquired Cameron Kitts (Canton, MI) who was acquired a few days ago, earned his first goal as a Gambler to help buoy the offense with a minute remained in the opening frame. Motor City was able to take the lead thanks to three goals in the second period.
Easton Plater (Fort Gratiot, MI) earned his seventh of the year on the power play 1:15 into the period for this third goal on the power play all season long. Carter Schluckbier (Macomb, MI) tied the score with his eighth of the season before Kitts added his second of the game that gave MC a 5-4 lead.
In Game 2, the Gamblers received only two goals in a 6-2 loss. Both goals were scored in the second period. Nick Allen (Utica, MI) recorded his 11th of the season stopping a four game scoreless streak, and Dylan Statham (Livonia, MI) also stopped a four game scoreless streak and was his 18th of the season. Like Plater, it was his third goal on the power play as well.
The Gamblers stopped the two skid in Game 3 on Thursday with a 5-2 win.
Plater continued his scoring barrage and extending his point streak to four games, which is the longest of his career that gave the Gamblers a 1-0 lead with the lone goal in the first period. Cody Adams (Allen Park, MI) notched his second of the season that was his first goal since his debut on Jan 10th against the Metro Jets to help regain the lead, 2-1, before Isaac Bunk (Leonard, MI) recorded his first goal of 2024, and sixth overall for a 3-1 lead that led an avalanche of goals for the Rockers.
Sam Shaul (Trenton, MI) started the third period with his ninth goal of the year at the 3:13 mark, and Kitts earned his third overall goal on the weekend in four games as a Gambler for a 5-1 lead.
Game stat can be found below: