Sunday, February 27, 2011

Cleveland chops down Jets Saturday night, 7-5

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets closed out their home schedule with a 7-5 loss Saturday night at Lakeland Arena to the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

Veteran forward Brett Grech (pictured), in his final home game, scored twice for the Jets, while Mike Moroso and Justin Bennett each had a goal and an assist and Matt Stemkoski scored the other goal.

Tommy Kilgore and Matt Stirling chipped in two assists apiece for Metro and Matt Braun finished with 45 saves in goal.

Matt Zaremba and Joe Sposit paced the Cleveland attack with two goals and an assist each.

The Jets travel to Cleveland for two games this weekend at Ice Land U.S.A. Game time is 9 p.m. Saturday night and 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Metro finishes out the regular season next weekend with a pair at Quad City.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Friday, February 25, 2011

Jets' assistant coach Clark has strong pedigree

WATERFORD, MI – Sean Clark feels politics is a lot like hockey.

“It’s competitive and you get your share of body contact,” laughed the Metro Jets’ assistant coach recently.

Away from hockey, where Clark is also a scout for the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League, he ran for Michigan state representative of the 25th district last fall, but didn’t win, losing by a little more than four percent.

“I’m a people person and it was nice to get out into the community and meet my neighbors and leaders from my community and talk about things that are affecting them,” said Clark, a Royal Oak native now living in Warren with his wife of almost four years, Melissa, a school teacher in Detroit. “I went through three pairs of shoes and five pairs of pants. It was a lot of fun, that’s for sure. I knocked on 16,000 doors from June 15 until the election. I had a blast with it, but is it in my future? We’ll see.”

Coming aboard midway through this season, Clark knew what he was getting into when his phone rang and it was Metro head coach Jason Cirone.

“Jason asked me to come help and knew me from our past together at Motor City (of the North American Hockey League) when he was my assistant,” explained Clark. “He asked if I had some free time and if I’d want to come out and help and here we are.”

Clark has come full-circle with the Jets as he previously served as an assistant coach when he was 21 years old during the 2002-2003 season.

“It was a lot of fun,” quipped Clark, who worked under John Romine and Fred Costello during that season.

Clark also practiced with the Jets during the 2000-2001 season, never played a game, and was traded to the NAHL’s Capital Centre Pride, where he played in 10 games. Prior to that, he skated with the Walpole Express of the Eastern Junior Hockey League.

After getting cleared to play, Clark played three full seasons with Division III Wisconsin-Eau Claire (he was hurt when he coached with Metro in ’02-03) and then had a “cup of coffee” by playing four games in the ECHL with the Bakersfield Condors after his college career ended in 2006.

His playing days done, Clark’s coaching career got off to a rousing success when he was an assistant coach with Michigan Jaguars Midget AA national championship team (pictured) and then landing with the Motor City Machine (now Metal Jackets) in 2008-2009 where he started as an assistant and then was named head coach when Matt Romaniski was relieved of his duties.

Last year, Clark was the director of player personnel for the Metal Jackets.

While politics may not be in Clark’s future, he’s positive coaching will be.

“I just like going out with the guys in practice and teaching and doing things like that,” said Clark. “Any time I can get on the ice and work with young hockey players, it’s a lot of fun for me. I get a lot of enjoyment out of it.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

After losing Friday night in Toledo, 5-2, the Jets returned home and could fare no better against Queen City, getting swept by the Steam Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

The scores of 5-2 and 11-3 notwithstanding, Cirone was clearly unhappy after Sunday’s game.

“It is what it is, but the way we played all weekend had the signs of a team that’s not going to the playoffs,” Cirone said. “Some of our guys don’t understand the implications of what they’re still playing for and that’s jobs for next year. Some feel comfortable enough to think that they’ll have a job here next year, but with 12 wins this year, changes will need to be made for next year if we want to succeed.”

In the first game against Queen City, Matt Stirling and Justin Bennett scored the Jets’ goals and Eric Trunick stopped 26 shots in goal.

Sunday afternoon, Bennett, captain Morgan James and Mike Moroso tallied for Metro, while Trunick and Matt Braun combined for 25 saves.

“I was extremely disappointed with our effort this weekend,” added Cirone. “This applies to the whole team. I think our captain showed up, but you can only lead so long before the other guys stop following. A lot of our guys are playing for all the wrong reasons right now.”

The Jets (12-27-1-0) close out the home portion of the season this Saturday night against Cleveland at 7:40 p.m. after what Cirone said will be a normal practice week.

“We have looked so well and done so many good things at practice, but it never transfers over into games,” said Cirone. “Repetition is the only way to get things done, so we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing and see what happens Saturday night.”

JET STREAKS

Stirling was Metro’s lone player selected to the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament and played in two games at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon.

He scored the game-winner for Team Black in Monday’s 4-3 win over Team Red.

“Matt has been our most consistent player this season and shows up every game and every practice,” said Cirone. “He definitely earned his way onto that team.”

Team Black topped Team Red, 4-2, Sunday afternoon.

Ex-Jets defenseman Tyler Schofield, now playing for the Michigan Mountain Cats, recorded an assist for Team Red Monday afternoon.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Eric Ehn is a 1st Lt. in the Air Force working in the space and missiles career field at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

Ehn played for the Jets during the 2000-2001 season before eventually playing Division I hockey for Air Force, where he was a Hobey Baker finalist in 2007.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Captain's Corner - Queen City sweep, last home game, Cleveland

Each week, Metro Jets captain Morgan James will chime in on the current situation of the team and discuss what’s on his mind.

-- On the weekend sweep to Queen City at home and head coach Jason Cirone saying he was disappointed in the effort.
Yeah, the weekend was rough. Giving up is never right. It's a gutless gesture and for those who are, shame on them. I'm going to bust my balls until the end.

-- On this Saturday's home finale being an emotional game for the Jets' 20-year-olds.
I never thought of it that way, to be honest. We're just going to skate hard, show some pride for coach, and get a win.

-- On using Cirone's comments as motivation for Saturday's game against Cleveland and the four road games after that.
Nobody likes to upset coach, so hopefully we can use that as motivation to go hard the last few games.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Jets swept by Queen City, Cirone 'extremely disappointed'

WATERFORD, MI – After losing Friday night in Toledo, the Metro Jets returned home and could fare no better against Queen City, getting swept by the Steam Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

The scores of 5-2 and 11-3 notwithstanding, Metro head coach Jason Cirone was clearly unhappy after Sunday’s game.

“It is what it is, but the way we played all weekend had the signs of a team that’s not going to the playoffs,” Cirone said. “Some of our guys don’t understand the implications of what they’re still playing for and that’s jobs for next year. Some feel comfortable enough to think that they’ll have a job here next year, but with 12 wins this year, changes will need to be made for next year if we want to succeed.”

In the first game against Queen City, Matt Stirling and Justin Bennett scored the Jets’ goals and Eric Trunick stopped 26 shots in goal.

Sunday afternoon, Bennett, captain Morgan James and Mike Moroso tallied for Metro, while Trunick and Matt Braun combined for 25 saves.

“I was extremely disappointed with our effort this weekend,” added Cirone. “This applies to the whole team. I think our captain showed up, but you can only lead so long before the other guys stop following. A lot of our guys are playing for all the wrong reasons right now.”

The Jets (12-27-1-0) close out the home portion of the season this Saturday night against Cleveland at 7:40 p.m. after what Cirone said will be a normal practice week.

“We have looked so well and done so many good things at practice, but it never transfers over into games,” said Cirone. “Repetition is the only way to get things done, so we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing and see what happens Saturday night.”


STIRLING REPRESENTS WELL AT TOP PROSPECTS

Stirling was Metro’s lone player selected to the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament and played in two games at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon.

He scored the game-winner for Team Black in Monday’s 4-3 win over Team Red.

“Matt has been our most consistent player this season and shows up every game and every practice,” said Cirone. “He definitely earned his way onto that team.”

Team Black topped Team Red, 4-2, Sunday afternoon.

Ex-Jets defenseman Tyler Schofield, now playing for the Michigan Mountain Cats, recorded an assist for Team Red Monday afternoon.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Hargett scores in 5-1 loss on the road in Toledo

TOLEDO - Travis Hargett's power-play goal at 16:03 of the third period broke up Ryan Wysocki's shutout bid, but the Toledo Cherokee held on for a 5-1 win over the Metro Jets Friday night at the Team Toledo Ice House.

Mike Marconi scored twice and added an assist for Toledo, while Stephen Howard, Joe Breslin and Justin Locante added singles.

Toledo captain Chad Tickner recorded two assists and Wysocki finished with 19 saves.

Matt Braun made 35 saves for the Jets (12-25-1-0), who return home Saturday night and Sunday afternoon to host the Queen City Steam.

Game time Saturday night is 7:40 p.m. with a 1:20 p.m. matinee scheduled for Sunday.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Flint takes both from Jets in home-and-home set

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets lost both ends of their home-and-home series with the Flint Jr. Generals last weekend.

Starting Saturday night in Flint, the Jets were blanked, 6-0, as Flint goalie Peter Emery stopped all 18 shots he faced.

Shane Totten and Andrew Lay each had two goals for Flint.

Eric Trunick stopped 44 shots for Metro.

Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena, Jets’ captain Morgan James scored his first goal of the season in a 5-3 loss.

Matt Stirling added a goal and an assist and Matt Stemkoski also scored for the Jets.

Matt Braun finished with 39 saves, while Emery won his second straight against Metro, making 24 stops in the process.

This weekend, the Jets (12-24-1-0) play three games in 2 ½ days – on the road in Toledo Friday night and then host Queen City Saturday night at 7:40 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 1:20 p.m.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Versatile Hudson feels NAHL can be attained in '11-12

WATERFORD, MI – Dan Hudson led Chelsea High School in scoring last year and after being drafted by the Metro Jets last year, signed with the team with the hopes of being a big-time scorer in the North American 3 Hockey League.

Hudson has been among the top ten scorers much of the year for the Jets and entering this weekend his 12 goals and 21 points rank sixth among all Metro skaters.

While stats may not be all there is to looking at Hudson, he feels his game has developed this season under the Jets’ coaching staff to the point where he can crack a North American Hockey League roster next fall.

“(Metro head coach) Jason (Cirone) is a great coach, as are all of our assistants,” said Hudson. “Jason’s goal all year long has to be able to move us to the next level. He makes that clear everyday. I think we’ve all learned so much from him. I mean, he played pro hockey for almost 20 years and the knowledge he has of the game is just tremendous.”

Hudson, a 19-year-old Gregory, Mich., native, admittedly didn’t know much about the NA3HL or even junior hockey for that matter when the Jets drafted him last May, but once his coach at Chelsea explained the process of how junior hockey works, Hudson took a look at what the Jets could offer and quickly signed on the dotted line.

“Metro is one of the closer teams to where I’m from and when I looked at my options, I realized I could come here and develop,” said Hudson. “It’s been everything I hoped for and then some. I went to a few junior camps last summer and kind of had it in my head that I was ready for the NAHL and I wasn’t. I think by playing for Metro this year that I’ll be ready for the NAHL next season.”

Hudson started this season on a line with Brett Grech and Tommy Burns, but is now playing with Cameron Bazin and Travis Hargett.

“When I was with Grech and Burns, we put up a lot of points,” explained Hudson. “Now that I’m with Bazin and Hargett, we’re starting to click, too. We’re still working out some kinks, but all three of us are really connecting.”

At the start of the year, Hudson said he set some modest personal goals he felt were within reach, but even though he’s not at his goal yet, the development his game has undergone doesn’t show up in numbers.

“I think I’ve improved in the defensive zone and as a defensive centerman,” Hudson said. “I’ve always been good on the cycle and at breaking down the slot and that’s been an area where I’ve improved this season. I think if I’m going to make an NAHL team next year, I’ll need to work on my skating and get a little faster.

“I feel I’ve gotten better this year and can continue to get better. If I want to move up, that’s the only way.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played two tough games on the road in St. Louis last weekend, but dropped both to the Jr. Blues, including a heartbreaker Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, the two teams were tied, 2-2, going into the third period, but Cooper Mitchell broke the tie at 18:19and then Bo Eastman iced it at 19:54 to give St. Louis, the defending Tier III Junior A national champions, a 4-2 win.

Matt Stirling, with his team-best 20th goal, and Hudson scored for the Jets, while Matt Braun finished with 36 saves in net.

Saturday afternoon, Mike Moroso scored Metro’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss.

Braun made 34 saves suffering the defeat.

This weekend, the Jets (12-22-1-0) travel to Flint on Saturday night and then host Flint Sunday afternoon for a 1:20 p.m.puck drop at Lakeland Arena.

JET STREAKS

Metro didn’t make any trades at the NA3HL trade deadline last Sunday, but added two forwards in Shane Halaas (Chesterfield, Mich.) and the returning Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney, Mich.) and released forward Matt Elswick (Gaylord, Mich.).

Kilgore started the season with the Jets, but was signed by the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons on Jan. 28 and played three games in Port Huron. Halaas also began the season in Port Huron, registering two goals and three assists in 26 games before being released on Jan. 7.

Elswick posted three goals and seven points in 22 games for the Jets.

Stirling was named Thursday to play in the NA3HL Top Prospects Game, which will be played on Monday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor, Mich. Former Jets’ defenseman Tyler Schofield (2008-2010), now with the Michigan Mountain Cats, was also named to play in the game.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Former Metro defenseman Colin Ronayne, who played for the Jets during the 2005-2006 season, is finishing up his senior season with Oakland University’s ACHA Division I team.

Ronayne, a Commerce, Mich., native, was named captain of the Grizzlies this year and has recorded three goals and six assists for nine points in 33 games with OU this season.

After playing for the Jets, Ronayne spent one season with the Syracuse Stars of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Captain's Corner - St. Louis, Flint home-and-home, Kilgore

Each week, Metro Jets captain Morgan James will chime in on the current situation of the team and discuss what’s on his mind.

-- On Sunday's heartbreaking loss in St. Louis.
Losing isn't fun.

-- On any positives coming out of last weekend.
We played hard.

-- On what to expect this weekend with the Flint home-and-home series.
We're going to sweep Flint.

-- On getting Tommy Kilgore back into the Jets' lineup.
Everyone loves Kilgore.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Metro plays well, but swept by Jr. Blues

ST. LOUIS – The Metro Jets played two tough games on the road in St. Louis this past weekend, but dropped both to the Jr. Blues, including a heartbreaker Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, the two teams were tied, 2-2, going into the third period, but Cooper Mitchell broke the tie at 18:19 and then Bo Eastman iced it at 19:54 to give St. Louis a 4-2 win.

Matt Stirling, with his team-best 20th goal, and Dan Hudson scored for the Jets, while Matt Braun finished with 36 saves in net.

Saturday afternoon, Mike Moroso scored Metro’s lone goal in a 4-1 loss.

Braun made 34 saves suffering the defeat.

This weekend, the Jets (12-22-1-0) travel to Flint on Saturday night and then host Flint Sunday afternoon for a 1:20 p.m. puck drop at Lakeland Arena.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Hargett a mature, patient 16-year-old for Jets

WATERFORD, MI – Travis Hargett is the youngest player for the Metro Jets, but has shown a mature side that has impressed his coaching staff and teammates to the point where they wonder if he really is just 16 years of age.

Coming into this season, Hargett was a forward by trade, but early on in the season was moved back to defense and had moderate success. While it was a big adjustment at first, Hargett found no need to complain.

“Travis has been trying to find a role for us and I think by being moved to defense, he’s learned how to take care of his own zone more effectively,” Metro head coach Jason Cirone said. “Back when we played St. Louis at home (last November), he was probably our best defenseman. Once we got some more ‘D’ through trades and free agency, we put Travis back at forward and while he occasionally makes mistakes young guys make, that’s something that will improve with experience.”

“Before this season, I hadn't played defense other than in practice for any team,” explained Hargett, who scored his first goal of the season last Sunday against Battle Creek. “It definitely made me a more well-rounded player and knowing defense makes my game as a forward easier to understand. After playing defense, the way I move on the ice without the puck has improved a lot.”

A native of Clarkston, Mich., Hargett played last season for Clarkston High School’s varsity team, but grew up playing at Lakeland Arena. He had long followed the Jets and hoped that one day he’d be able to lace up the skates for the squad.

“Knowing about the Jets, I wondered if I would ever be in that position,” Hargett said. “Then over this summer, my dad was at the rink for my brother’s practice and he saw (Metro head) scout Tim Ross. He invited me out to a skate that was later that day. I came out and kept skating with them and then (Jets GM) Butch (Wolfe) offered me a spot. I have always looked for a way to move up and play for the next level. I decided that is what I wanted after playing one year of varsity hockey.”

Making the jump from high school hockey to Junior A was an adjustment at first, said Hargett, but as the season wore on, Hargett found his comfort level and has been improving each day.

”I feel like I'm into the swing of things pretty well now,” said Hargett. “Speed and strength are what separates this league from high school hockey. The change was very noticeable, especially in how fast all the players think.”

The Jets also have several junior veterans on the team and having those players as mentors has been nothing but a positive situation for Hargett.

“Stepping into this team, everyone tells me little things that make my game better,” said Hargett. “I can usually find someone who can help me out if I have a question about what needs to be done. (Brett) Grech and the older guys have told me a lot of little things in between drills and shifts during games so I can improve.”

Hargett also said that his long-term hockey goals are to go as far as he can. Cirone thinks Hargett has the potential to move up, but one step at a time.

“Travis is a kid that comes to the rink every day, pays his dues and accepts his role,” said Cirone. “He plays his own style of game and I think he can make the jump to the next level, but another year here with us definitely wouldn’t hurt his development. His role right now is limited, but that’s just because of his age and our depth. I’d think that would change next season.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets broke even last weekend, losing to Toledo at home Saturday night, 7-3, and then rebounding for a 4-0 shutout on the road at Battle Creek Sunday afternoon.

Matt Stirling, Tommy Burns and Matt Stemkoski scored in the Toledo game, while Grech assisted on all three and Eric Trunick made 31 saves in goal.

Toledo captain Chad Tickner had a goal and two assists and Justin Locante two goals to lead the Cherokee attack.

“The loss to Toledo was really disappointing,” Cirone said. “We showed in the second period the kind of team we can be, but then when we allowed that third goal, which I felt was a weak goal, we just fell apart.”

Sunday afternoon, Matt Braun stopped all 33 shots he faced for his first NA3HL shutout, first Jets’ shutout of the year and the team’s fourth straight win this season against Battle Creek.

“Matt was outstanding for us,” Cirone said. “Battle Creek works extremely hard and created a lot of chances just based on that.”

Justin Bennett tallied a goal and two assists and Mike Moroso, Hargett and Stirling added the other goals to go along with two assists from Cameron Bazin.

The Jets (12-20-1-0) play two games in St. Louis this weekend against the defending Tier III Junior A national champion Jr. Blues, currently in second place in the NA3HL standings. Game times (EST) are 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:45 p.m. Sunday.

“We need the points more than they do,” said Cirone. “St. Louis is a hard-working team and we’re going to have to work harder than them this weekend. It’ll be a good challenge for us and we’ll see what we’re made of.”

JET STREAKS

Grech is on a seven-game point streak where he has recorded 14 points on four goals and 10 assists … Stirling has scored six goals in his last five games … Braun has won his last two starts – last Sunday and back on Dec. 12 at Chicago … Defenseman Ian Costello has played in just 13 games this season, but Metro has won six of the games in which he’s played.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Forward Tommy Kilgore, who started this season with the Jets and scored 12 goals and 25 points in 31 games, made his NAHL debut last Friday and Saturday night with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons and stands a good chance of staying in Port Huron the rest of the season.

Kilgore, an 18-year-old from Pinckney, Mich., was held pointless in the two games at Traverse City last weekend.

LINK: Kilgore uses Jets as springboard to NAHL

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Captain's Corner - Last weekend, St. Louis, Kevin Lander

Each week, Metro Jets captain Morgan James will chime in on the current situation of the team and discuss what’s on his mind.

-- On the loss to Toledo last Saturday night at home.
Any loss is dissapointing. Right now, we need every game to be a win. We battled hard against Toledo and finished weak. (Head) coach (Jason Cirone) was not happy.

-- On rebounding with a win Sunday at Battle Creek.
Beating Battle Creek made everyone feel a bit better about the weekend, but then again, Battle Creek is in last place and we better beat them good every time.

-- On seeing Matt Braun get the shutout in Battle Creek.
Braun is great person and a great goalie. I love having him and (Eric) Trunick in net. I'd say they're both No. 1 goalies.

-- On practice this week preparing to play St. Louis on the road this weekend.
We need to practice hard and focus hard. That's all we can do.

--On new defenseman Kevin Lander.
Lander is a hard-nosed player with skill to go along with it. He fits in just great.