Machine goalie Rogers off to Notre Dame in '09

Motor City Machine goaltender Joe Rogers has committed to the University of Notre Dame for next season.

In eight appearances for the Machine this year, the 18-year-old from Marysville holds a 1-5-0 record to compliment a 3.81 goals-against average and an .838 save percentage.

“We couldn’t be happier for Joe,” said Machine head coach and general manager Matt Romaniski. “He comes from a great developmental background and has worked very hard for this deserving opportunity at Notre Dame.”

Prior to the NAHL, Rogers played Midget AAA in Michigan for Belle Tire and Little Caesars. He backstopped Belle Tire to a national championship in 2006, posting a 34-1-2 record.

“The biggest thing I’ve noticed since moving up to junior hockey has been the pace and intensity,” said Rogers. “I've never prepared harder in my life.”

Rogers, who started playing goal at age seven, has also had to overcome the disability of being born with one hand.

“I’ve never used my disability as an excuse,” he said. “I could’ve chosen another sport, but hockey was passion and the crease was where I was going to play.”

Rogers is the first player in Machine history to commit to a Division I program.

Photo by RJ Meyer/NAHL