Friday, October 28, 2011

MacKinnon finding chemistry with linemates Klisz, Stemkoski

WATERFORD, MI - Mike MacKinnon had an easy decision on his hands when the Metro Jets drafted him in the second round of the North American 3 Hockey League draft this past June.

One of MacKinnon’s close friends, Cameron Bazin, played for the Jets last season and passed along encouraging words about the team and the league.

Metro head coach Jason Cirone was also familiar to MacKinnon as he had coached MacKinnon in a fall league session back when MacKinnon played at Troy Athens High School.

“I knew my fair share about the NA3HL before this year just from hearing about it from friends and hearing about it from playing juniors in a different league,” said the 19-year-old MacKinnon. “I knew a lot about the Jets since they are the most local junior team from my house and I have always heard good things. Jason's a good coach and and he demands a lot of his players, which will only pay dividends in the long run.

“I'm just going to keep working hard and hopefully some opportunities open up for me.”

Last year, MacKinnon played for the Yellowstone Quake in the Northern Pacific Hockey League and while he said he enjoyed the experience, it’s good to be home this year.

“Being away from home last year was nice, but so far, I like living at home better,” explained MacKinnon. “That’s one of the reasons I chose to play here because it’s pretty close to my house and I can still live my everyday personal life away from hockey.”

Entering this weekend, MacKinnon is third in team scoring with nine goals and 22 points in a dozen games playing mostly on a line with Steve Klisz and Matt Stemkoski.

“My line has been really good to this point,” said MacKinnon. “We focus on puck possession and we feel like we wear opposing defenses down. We know where each other is out there and it’s fun playing with those guys.”

More than piling up points, though, is MacKinnon’s team-first expectations.

”Personally, I want to continue working hard and helping my team win a lot of games,” MacKinnon said. “Ultimately, I think we can win our division and go to nationals.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

In their lone game last weekend, the Jets were blanked by the Flint Jr. Generals, 6-0, Saturday night at home.

“There were no positives in Saturday’s game,” said Metro captain Tommy Kilgore. “We were out-hustled and out-played in every aspect.”

This weekend, the Jets head to Cleveland for a two-game set with the Jr. Lumberjacks Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

”We are going to go into Cleveland ready to go full force,” added Kilgore. “We worked hard this week in practice and we will be well-prepared for them.”

JET STREAKS

Goalie Devin Williams, signed by the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters last week, dressed for his second game of the year in Erie Wednesday night in a backup role. Williams is expected back for the series this weekend in Cleveland.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The Oakland University ACHA Division I team has five former Jets on the roster.

Defensemen Mike Corder and Jacob DeSano and forwards Art Dore, David Merkle and Adam Novack play for the Golden Grizzlies this season.

Corder (2009-10) and Novack (2008-09) are both former Jets captains.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

OHL's Erie Otters sign Metro goalie Williams

WATERFORD, MI – Metro Jets goaltender Devin Williams has signed an Ontario Hockey League contract with the Erie Otters and was on the bench Friday night in Erie backing up starting goalie Tyson Teichmann.

Williams, who turns 16 next Sunday, will re-join the Jets Saturday night at Lakeland Arena against the Flint Jr. Generals, but will be eligible to be recalled by the Otters for up to 10 games this season.

Erie drafted Williams, a Saginaw native, in the fifth round (95th overall) of this past May’s OHL draft out of the Motor City Metal Jackets U-16 organization.

“He’s extremely athletic and very dedicated,” Otters general manager Sherry Bassin said. “We think this signing will solidify our goaltending for the future.”

According to Metro head coach Jason Cirone, also a scout for Erie, seeing Williams sign to play at a higher level “is what we’re here to do.”

“I’m happy for the kid,” said Cirone. “To play in the OHL is a lifelong dream, but he knows that this isn’t the end of the road. (Jets goalie coach) Randy (Wilson) has done a great job with Devin and really hasn’t had to adjust anything – just a few tweaks here and there. Devin has reached this point in his career all on his own and that’s a credit to him. He’s also one of the most mature kids on our team and I think that shows he was raised the right way and put on the right path.”

This year with the Jets, Williams is 6-2-0 with a 3.34 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Williams playing with confidence in goal for Metro

WATERFORD, MI – Devin Williams has taken the reins as the Metro Jets’ No. 1 goaltender and has been in net for six of the team’s eight wins this year.

He’s handled the responsibility of being the last line of defense with remarkable maturity and has his eyes on signing an Ontario Hockey League contract in the coming days with the Erie Otters.

All of this after a busy summer that saw the Saginaw native represent the gold medal-winning United States at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in Ann Arbor, emerge as a candidate for the U.S. National Team Development Program and stand out as the top goalie at the USA Hockey Select-16 Festival in Rochester, N.Y.

Not too bad for a player that won’t turn 16 until Oct. 30.

“Devin came here to play minutes and see traffic in front of the net,” said Metro head coach Jason Cirone. “He’s been a major component of our success so far and I think a lot of that falls on (Jets goalie coach) Randy Wilson. Devin has been as good or better than I expected most nights.”

The Otters drafted Williams in the fifth round of the OHL draft this past May on the recommendation of Cirone, also a scout with Erie. Once he signs with the Otters, he’ll still play for the Jets, but will be eligible to be called up to the OHL at any time. Williams figures to be in the OHL on a full-time basis next season.

Like most Americans, deciding between Major Junior hockey and the NCAA was an issue Williams dealt with, but he believes he’s made the right choice to play in the OHL.

“I grew up watching the Saginaw Spirit and my dream was to one day play in the OHL,” said the 5-foot-10, 160-pound Williams. “I’ve always felt the OHL atmosphere was what I wanted and I think it will be a good fit. I’m adjusting to the junior level here and I think playing against older guys is a challenge, but it’s a challenge I want. There is pressure, but to me, it’s fun pressure. The team has been great in front of me and it’s been a team effort all year long.”

Williams even garnered attention from Red Line Report, an independent scouting newsletter, back at the Select 16 Festival where he had a .945 save percentage and miniscule 1.33 goals against average.

“Very solid mentally and gives up nothing in 1-on-1 showdowns with shooters,” the report read. “Always makes puck carrier make the first move. Excellent rebound control. Follows the puck well through traffic and anticipates developing plays very well.”

Focused on helping the Jets get their name back on the map after a few dreary seasons the past couple years, Williams said he actually had other options over the season as to where to play this season.

“I skated with Jason all summer and he told me that I’d be a good fit with Metro and it would prepare me to go up to Erie,” explained Williams. “Jason always has the player’s interests before his own. I love him. He’s just a great coach.”


LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro split its series in Pittsburgh last weekend, losing Saturday night before winning Sunday afternoon.

Saturday night, Doug Andrews tallied the lone goal in a 4-1 loss, while Williams finished with 36 saves.

Sunday afternoon, a wild game had the Jets up 3-0 heading into the third period and holding on for a 7-4 win.

Mike MacKinnon and Steve Klisz scored twice and Josh Beleski, Matt Stemkoski and newcomer John Baker added singles.

“It’s good morale for the team to get a split on the road,” said Cirone.

Dillon Kelley made 32 saves in goal for the victory.

The Jets (8-3-0-0) play just one game this week, a home contest Saturday night at 7:50 p.m. at Lakeland Arena taking on Flint.

“It seems like we play Flint every week,” Cirone said. “Do we prepare for them any differently than we would any other team? No. Do I think we’re developing a rivalry with them? I do. I think we have similar teams and that always makes for some good hockey games.”


JET STREAKS

Defenseman Will Shier was sent back to the Jets from the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons and played both games last weekend in Pittsburgh.

Cirone thinks Shier will be back in the NAHL before too long.

“He’s had a taste and I believe he wants more,” said Cirone. “You know, it’s like a yummy steak. You have a great steak and want another one. Will knows he can play at the NAHL level.”

Baker, a 20-year-old from Waterford, was also added to the roster and saw time at forward and defense in Pittsburgh. He was a Jets’ draft pick back in June and started this season with the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“He’ll bring grit and versatility,” Cirone said. “He’s an older guy and he’ll also being experience and leadership.”


WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Last Friday night in Southern Professional Hockey League exhibition play, two former Jets players dropped the gloves as Colin Ronayne (Knoxville Ice Bears) and Morgan James (Columbus Cottonmouths) went toe-to-toe with one another.

Ronayne skated with the Jets in 2005-2006, while James captained the Jets last year.

What’s ironic is the two are Commerce Township neighbors and close friends.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Captain's Corner - Pittsburgh, additions of Will Shier, John Baker

Each week during the season, Metro Jets' captain Tommy Kilgore will chime in with his thoughts on what's going on with the team.

-- On the difference between Saturday's game and Sunday's game last weekend in Pittsburgh.
In Saturday's game, we came out flat and were not shooting enough. Sunday afternoon, we came out hard and took it to them and shouwed people how good we can be when we want to be.

-- On having defenseman Will Shier back with the Jets after a call-up to the NAHL's Port Huron Fighting Falcons.
It's great to have Will back. He is a great go-to defensman we can rely on in any situation. He brings it every night and has the drive to win games.

-- On newly-signed forward John Baker, who made his debut last weekend.
Bakes is a great player and he can be a forward when we need him and a defenseman when we're short. He had two good games and hopefully, he can stay consistent.

-- On practice this week to get ready for Flint on Saturday night.
Practice is going to be hard this week. We need this win bad and we have to continue to beat teams in our division. We have to come out of this weekend with two points and nothing less.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Jets split on the road in Pittsburgh

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets split their series in Pittsburgh last weekend, losing Saturday night before winning Sunday afternoon.

Saturday night, Doug Andrews tallied the lone goal in a 4-1 loss, while Devin Williams finished with 36 saves.

Sunday afternoon, a wild game had the Jets up 3-0 heading into the third period and holding on for a 7-4 win.

Mike MacKinnon and Steve Klisz scored twice and Josh Beleski, Matt Stemkoski and newcomer John Baker added singles.

Dillon Kelley made 32 saves in goal for the victory.

The Jets (8-3-0-0) play just one game this week, a home contest Saturday night at 7:50 p.m.at Lakeland Arena taking on Flint.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Defensemen Shier, Hall called up to NAHL's Fighting Falcons

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets of the North American 3 Hockey League have sent two more players up to the North American Hockey League as defensemen Will Shier and Scott Hall have been called up to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

Forward Mike Moroso, who played for the Jets last season, currently plays for Port Huron, while rookie Jets goalie Dillon Kelley dressed as a backup for Port Huron two weekends ago. Metro captain Tommy Kilgore played three games for Port Huron last season as well.

“Selfishly, I would like it if both Will and Scott came back to us,” said Metro head coach Jason Cirone. “I don’t see it happening, though. We’re in the business of winning hockey games and moving players to the next level. Our players are getting the exposure and taking advantage of their opportunities.”

Shier played for Port Huron this week in a win against the Traverse City North Stars on Wednesday and a loss against the Michigan Warriors Thursday.

One of the Jets’ returning players and an alternate captain this year, Shier, a 19-year-old Sterling Heights native, had three assists in nine games this year. He joined the Jets last season at the midway point and tallied four assists in 21 games. Shier went to Port Huron’s camp last summer and nearly made the team. Now, he may be in the NAHL for good.

“Will has been our best defenseman by far and has earned this,” Cirone said. “He’s turned his game around from where he was last year and has carried the load for us defensively. He’s played a lot of hockey this year.”

Hall, who was sent down to the Jets last weekend from Port Huron to see some playing time, also played this week on his NAHL recall. He was a Division 2 Second Team All-State selection in 2010 while playing for Muskegon Catholic Central High School.

Hall recorded two assists in Metro’s loss in Flint Sunday afternoon.

“Scott played really good last weekend and showed steady composure and solid play without the puck,” said Cirone. “He’s a big kid (6-foot-6, 235 pounds) and plays a simple game.”

The Jets (7-2-0-0) play two games in Pittsburgh this weekend before returning home next Saturday to host Flint at 7:50 p.m. at Lakeland Arena.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Captain's Corner - Road trip, practice this week, new defenseman

Each week during the season, Metro Jets' captain Tommy Kilgore will chime in with his thoughts on what's going on with the team.

-- On beating Toledo and then losing to Flint last weekend.
We hung in there for the win Saturday and knew we had to be better Sunday. (Assistant) coach Dave (Hague) and (head coach) Jason (Cirone) pushed us to be better and we were. They just came out on top. We knew that we weren't only going to lose one game this year and Flint is a good team, so it wasn't a bad loss.

-- On preparing to play Pittsburgh on the road this weekend.
We need to practice well this week, which was a struggle for us last week, but we need to beat teams that are lower than us in our division and keep them below us - that's our goal.

-- On newly-signed defenseman Scott Hall, not to be confused with the former WWE star.
Scott is a big-body defenseman and he has good vision on the ice. I don't think anyone has noticed that they have the same name, but he will now. Thanks for bringing that up.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Jets beat Toledo in OT, then fall to Flint

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets split their weekend road trip, beating Toledo in overtime Saturday night and then falling in Flint Sunday afternoon.

Saturday night against the Cherokee, Josh Beleski’s goal 75 seconds into overtime gave the Jets a 4-3 win after Metro blew a two-goal lead in the third period.

Chris Hellebuyck scored twice with an assist and Steve Klisz added the other goal to back Devin Williams’ 54-save performance. Williams also assisted on Beleski’s game-winner.

Doug Andrews chipped in with two assists, as did Beleski.

Then Sunday afternoon in Flint, Andrews scored both Jets' goals in a 3-2 loss as Metro again blew a third period lead.

New defenseman Scott Hall assisted on both goals for the Jets and Williams made 39 stops.

The Jets, now 7-2-0-0, play two more on the road this weekend in Pittsburgh.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Stemkoski making noise this season for Metro

WATERFORD, MI – Matt Stemkoski quietly came to the Metro Jets in a trade last season from the Toledo Cherokee, but is making noise this year as Metro’s leading scorer after a 10-point outburst last weekend against the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution.

The North American 3 Hockey League subsequently recognized the 18-year-old Novi, Mich., native with its Combat Hockey 1st Star honors for last week.

“Matt’s a kid that came in last year and struggled a bit,” said Jets’ head coach Jason Cirone. “He had moved from forward to defense and then back. This year, he’s comfortable at center and has really elevated his game. Instead of waiting for plays to happen, he’s going out and making things happen. He’s creating his own openings.”

Last season in 27 games after the trade, Stemkoski posted eight goals and 11 points. This season, he’s light years ahead of that pace with eight goals and 11 assists in just seven games playing on a line with Mike McKinnon and Steve Klisz. That line has accounted for 22 of Metro’s 44 goals so far.

Cirone knew Stemkoski was capable of that type of offensive production last year after having scouted Stemkoski during his later youth hockey years. The only problem was that Toledo coach Scott Syring also knew that Stemkoski had the potential to be a breakout player.

“Stemkoski was a kid I wanted to try and get from day one when I walked through the doors here,” Cirone said. “I called Scott a few times to inquire about Matt and each time, Scott said he wasn’t available. Then one day, Scott called me back and said he was available, so we jumped on it.”

And while the stats have been a big reason why the Jets are 6-1-0-0 early in the season, Cirone said Stemkoski’s makeup is more than numbers.

“He’s a very committed hockey player and his goal is to go play college hockey,” said Cirone. “He’s a good kid and he’s a leader in our locker room, which is why he’s one of our alternate captains this year. I think he realizes what it is going to take to get to the next levels of hockey.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets outscored Battle Creek, 19-5, last Friday and Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

In the first game of the series, Stemkoski scored once and added three assists in a 10-4 win.

McKinnon (two goals, assist), Klisz (goal, two assists), Matt Stirling (goal, two assists), Travis Hargett (three assists) and Jake Schlacht (three assists) all had three-point games.

“It was good seeing Stirling come out of his early-season funk,” said Cirone. “I also thought Hargett had a great weekend.”

Chris Hellebuyck added two goals and Tim Wlodkowski, Zach Schlacht and captain Tommy Kilgore scored one apiece.

Dillon Kelley made 15 saves for the win between the pipes.

Saturday night in a 9-1 victory, Stemkoski notched two goals and four assists and McKinnon chipped in with a pair of goals and three assists. Klisz added a goal and three assists.

Hargett and Doug Andrews each had a goal and an assist, while Jake Schlacht and Branden Morganroth scored once.

In net, Devin Williams earned the victory with a 22-save outing.

“We’ll take the two wins, but it was a difficult weekend to implement our systems by playing a lot on special teams,” said Cirone. “Battle Creek is struggling, but they’re rebuilding and (Jr. Revolution coach) Richard Keyes is doing it the right way. I rolled four lines and all four lines got significant ice. All in all, I think it was a positive weekend.”

The Jets play on the road in Toledo this Saturday night and then at Flint on Sunday afternoon.

“This won’t be an easy weekend,” Cirone added. “Toledo and Flint are two tough teams and they’ll both be ready.”

JET STREAKS

Second-year defenseman Ian Costello (Lansing, Mich.) was released late last week by the Jets and in doing so, Cirone didn’t mince words in explaining the reason for doing so.

“He quit,” said Cirone. “He came in and quit. I understand why, but do I condone it? No. Am I disappointed? Yes. We went out of our way last season to help this kid out and then this happens.”

Costello was held without a point in four games this season.

Kelley was also returned by the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons after serving as the team’s backup last Saturday night.

“Dillon wasn’t playing for us Saturday and (Port Huron coach) Bill Warren called and said they needed a backup because one of their guys was suspended, so Dillon went and sat the bench for them,” explained Cirone. “It was by no means a promotion, but it was good for him to see a game at the NAHL level.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Todd Knaus
, a forward who played 16 games for the Jets during the 2009-10 season, is starting his freshman year at Finlandia University, a Division III school in Hancock, Mich.

With the Lions, Knaus is reunited with Vinnie Pietrangelo, a former Jets’ teammate. Both are also Traverse City natives.

Knaus scored three goals with two assists during his stint in Waterford.

Photo - Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Monday, October 3, 2011

Captain's Corner - Flint OT, Stemkoski, Battle Creek sweep

Each week during the season, Metro Jets' captain Tommy Kilgore will chime in with his thoughts on what's going on with the team.

-- On the second overtime win against Flint two weeks ago.
The Flint game was very exciting and as always, it was great to pull out another win in overtime.

-- On the offensive contributions so far from Matt Stemkoski.
Stemmer is a great player on the ice and a great guy off the ice. He brings it every night, which is what we need from everyone in order to be successful.

-- On the keys to beating Battle Creek twice last weekend.
Battle Creek is not a great team, but it's when teams take them lightly that they find themselves to be down by a few goals. We played to our strengths. We have a very good power play, we moved our feet and we capitalized.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Jets dominate in home sweep of Battle Creek

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets continued their winning ways with a two-game sweep of the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution at Lakeland Arena, outscoring Battle Creek, 19-5, Friday night and Saturday night.

In the first game of the series, Matt Stemkoski scored once and added three assists in a 10-4 win. Mike McKinnon (two goals, assist), Steve Klisz (goal, two assists), Matt Stirling (goal, two assists), Travis Hargett (three assists) and Jake Schlacht (three assists) all had three-point games.

Chris Hellebuyck added two goals and Tim Wlodkowski, Zach Schlacht and captain Tommy Kilgore scored one apiece.

Dillon Kelley made 15 saves for the win between the pipes.

Saturday night in a 9-1 victory, Stemkoski notched two goals and four assists and McKinnon chipped in with a pair of goals and three assists. Klisz added a goal and three assists.

Hargett and Doug Andrews each had a goal and an assist, while Jake Schlacht and Branden Morganroth scored once.

In net, Devin Williams earned the victory with a 22-save outing.

The Jets (6-1-0-0) play on the road in Toledo next Saturday night and then at Flint next Sunday afternoon.