Saturday, December 22, 2012

Gay stops all 25 to lead Toledo to shutout of Jets Saturday night

WATERFORD, MI - Nate Gay stopped all 25 shots he saw to lead the Toledo Cherokee to a 3-0 win over the Metro Jets Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Nick Brazeal, Blake Podgorski and Brandon Layman scored for Toledo.

For the Jets, Austin Julvezan finished with 30 saves in goal.

Metro (11-14-1-0) is now off for the holidays, next returning to the ice Jan. 5-6 in Pittsburgh against the Three Rivers Vengeance.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Jets get point with overtime loss Sunday in Cleveland

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Doug Andrews' extra-attacker goal brought the Metro Jets into a 5-5 tie with the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, but Ryan Wandzel's goal 1:28 into overtime gave Cleveland the 6-5 win Sunday afternoon at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

Mike Gambino scored twice for Metro, while Andrews, Michael Lawrence and Andrew Palushaj each had a goal and an assist.

Devon D'Angelo tacked on two assists and Alex Nedeljkovic made 38 saves in goal.

Six different players scored for Cleveland, while Joe Moza turned aside 29 shots between the pipes.

The Jets (11-13-1-0) play just once this weekend, Saturday night at 6 p.m. at home against the Toledo Cherokee, before breaking for the holidays.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Cleveland edges Jets Saturday night; Palushaj scores lone goal

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Andrew Palushaj scored with less than a minute to play in the third period, but the Metro Jets couldn't find the equalizer and fell to the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks 2-1 Saturday night at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

Alex Nedeljkovic made 44 stops in the Metro net.

 The Jets (11-13-0-0) finish up the two-game set Sunday afternoon at 1:15 p.m.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Veteran Frost leading by example for young Jets' squad

WATERFORD, MI – Chad Frost was one of the younger players with the Metro Jets last season, but jump ahead to the 2012-13 season and the Clarkston native is now one of the Jets’ veteran skaters.

Frost, who turns 19 on Dec. 21, has realized how fast a player’s role can change from year to year.

“Last season, we had a lot of talent and a lot of guys to look up to that helped me grow as a hockey player,” said Frost, a defenseman. “I’m a vet this year and now I have the responsibility as a role model this year. I make sure that I show up to practice ready to go and keep in top shape so the guys look up to me.”

Coming into the 2011-12 season from high school hockey, Frost noted that Junior A hockey in the North American 3 Hockey League was nothing like high school puck.

”I learned very quickly that junior hockey is a big commitment and you’ve got to use your time wisely and effectively so you don’t drain yourself; it’s a long season," said Frost. "This season, since I’ve been in the league a year, I try and help teaching the younger guys the ropes and rules of the team. I try and lead by example.

“I’ve also learned that playing for (head coach) Jason (Cirone) is tough at times, but I think playing for any coach can be that way. He can really get the best out of his players when he needs to and that’s what a good coach does.”

One of Frost’s teammates last season and this season, forward Travis Hargett, is also a Clarkston native and fellow 2012 graduate of Clarkston High School.

“Hargett and I go way back,” Frost said. “I played high school hockey with him our sophomore year and I’ve known him since I was in elementary school. We look out for each other and it’s nice to have someone like that on the team that you’ve known for so long.”

As for his future, Frost has one year of junior eligibility after this season and intends on using it.

“Obviously, along with everyone else playing hockey at my age, the dream is to play in the NHL, but I really want to make it to the NAHL or play college hockey in Minnesota,” said Frost. “I’m going to keep training hard on the off-season and during the season as well. It’s important to eat healthy and keep working out as hard is at it may be sometimes during the season.” 

JET STREAKS

Defensemen Aaron Bessey and Evan Bennett, who made their Jets’ debut at the NA3HL Showcase in Blaine, Minn., two weekends ago, have been reassigned back to their Midget teams – Bessey to Omaha AAA Hockey of the High Performance Hockey League and Bennett to the West Michigan Hounds of the North American Prospects Hockey League.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Goaltender Colin Greeley, who played for the Jets as a 16-year-old in the 2008-09 season, played the past two seasons in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League before deciding to focus on school and work this season.

Currently at Lansing Community College, Greeley, a Howell native, is looking at transferring to Michigan State or Grand Valley State next year and may give the ACHA teams there a shot.

Greeley came to the Jets after being selected by the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit in the fourth round of the 2008 OHL draft.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Captain's Corner - Michigan split, Lawrence, Cleveland road trip

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On last weekend's split with the Michigan Mountain Cats.

We didn’t play our best last weekend against Michigan. We were all over the place and should have played better to get the four points. Two points is good, but the four is what we need to keep pace in our division.

-- On winning Sunday after the team's 1-3 performance at the NA3HL Showcase the previous weekend.

It is always good to get a win, especially after the way we played in the showcase. The win was nice, but we need to start playing better as a whole and need to get back on the right path here.

-- On adding forward Michael Lawrence from Granite City, but losing defenseman Derek Britton.

Lawrence has been a good addition for us as a forward. He brings over a physical side that we need along with the ability to put up points as well. As for Britton, I feel bad for him. He may not be back this year and I thought he was a good addition to the squad coming into this year. He is one of many guys injured right now as the shoulder area seems to be a common theme in our locker room right now.

-- On playing Cleveland on the road this weekend.

This weekend will be tough - there is no doubt about that. We need to play good, smart hockey to get the much-needed four points out of this weekend. We need the points to keep pace in our division and hopefully get on a winning streak here.  

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Palushaj, Nedeljkovic lead Jets past Mountain Cats Sunday

WATERFORD, MI - Andrew Palushaj scored two power-play goals in the third period as the Metro Jets defeated the Michigan Mountain Cats 3-1 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

Jeff Monfils added a power-play goal and an assist and Metro captain Matt Stirling recorded two assists in the win.

The Jets went 3-for-6 with the man-advantage and Alex Nedeljkovic (pictured) made 34 saves between the posts, allowing just a Kade Morrison goal early in the third period.

Metro (11-12-0-0) travels to Cleveland next weekend for a two-game set with the East Division's first-place Jr. Lumberjacks.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Mountain Cats edge Jets Saturday night in Fraser

FRASER, MI - The Michigan Mountain Cats scored three goals in the third period and held on to beat the Metro Jets 4-3 Saturday night at the Great Lakes Sports City.

Jets' captain Matt Stirling had a goal and an assist, Zack MacKay and Alex Holm (pictured) also scored and Andrew Palushaj recorded two assists.

Alex Nedeljkovic suffered his first loss with the Jets, but did make 29 saves in goal.

John Arms, Kade Morrison, Guy Soulliere and Marshall Helton scored for the Mountain Cats, while Craig Spencer finished with 27 stops.

The Jets (10-12-0-0) and Mountain Cats rematch Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena for a 2:50 p.m. opening faceoff.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Rookie defenseman Burrough making simple plays for Jets

WATERFORD, MI – Myles Burrough was one of many players the Metro Jets scouted heavily last season and while he knew this was certainly the case, it helped Burrough’s decision as to where to play this season that much easier.

When he was offered a tender for the 2012-13 season, Burrough wasted little time putting his signature on it.

“I knew they had a little interest in me and I had talked to them a few times,” said Burrough. “I decide to sign the tender after I went and watched them play and learned more about the league. I knew they had a good team and coach (Jason Cirone).”

A 19-year-old defenseman from Metamora, Burrough has just one assist in 19 games thus far, but offense is not the name of the game for this defensive defenseman, who is also plus-5 on the year.

“My role with the team is to keep the puck out of the net,” stated Burrough. “I am happy with the way the season has gone so far. We have a young team and we are improving greatly. Everyone gets along and is very positive. I think my biggest adjustment has been to the speed of the game and time management.”

Making the jump from Midget AA hockey with the Mt. Clemens Wolves was a major leap, admitted Burrough. If not for his coach last season, he may not have been able to prepare for junior hockey.

“My long-term goals are to keep having fun and playing hockey as long as I can,” Burrough said. “My coach from last year, Andy Oleksy, got me into the right frame of mind to never give up and I think without him, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

JET STREAKS

At the NA3HL Showcase last weekend, the Jets acquired forward Michael Lawrence from the Granite City Lumberjacks, added 17-year-old defenseman Evan Bennett and 16-year-old defender Aaron Bessey and placed defenseman Derek Britton on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

The 19-year-old Lawrence was drafted by Granite City in the 10th round of the 2012 NA3HL draft and is a 19-year-old Mattawan native. Bennett (Kalamazoo) and Bessey (Lansing) are both Michigan natives and made their Jets’ debuts at the showcase.

The NA3HL named Jets’ goalie Alex Nedeljkovic the Goaltender of the Month for November.

Nedeljkovic was in goal for all four of the Jets wins in November as he posted a perfect 4-0 record along with a .942 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average. After his four games with Metro, he was sent back to the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers, where he started the season.

In the games that the 16-year-old Nedeljkovic didn’t play during the month, Metro was 0-3. In the games he did play, the Jets went 4-0.

“He was in our league to get some experience and he faced quite a few shots in the four games he played,” said Cirone. “I think our team fed off his confidence while he was here and everyone played a little more inspired. I think he brought a certain level of exposure to the team.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Forward Kevin Wittenberg, who played briefly with the Jets during the 2008-09 season, is now playing for the Vernon Hills Capitals of the Great Lakes Hockey League, a semi-pro league that has been in existence since 1937.

In the ’08-09 season, Wittenberg had a goal and an assist in 16 games with the Jets.

Monday, December 3, 2012

St. Louis upends Jets on final day of NA3HL Showcase

BLAINE, Minn. - The St. Louis Jr. Blues defeated the Metro Jets 6-2 Monday morning in the final game for both clubs at the NA3HL Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink.

Metro captain Matt Stirling and Thomas Evans scored the Jets' goals, while goaltender Austin Julvezan finished with 48 saves.

Doug Andrews assisted on both goals as well.

For St. Louis, Victor Gortz had two goals and an assist in the win.

The Jets (10-11-0-0) now get set to play a home-and-home series with the Michigan Mountain Cats this weekend. Saturday night's game is at the Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser at 6:45 p.m. with the second game scheduled for 2:50 p.m. at Lakeland Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Jets get back to .500 mark with shootout win over Peoria

BLAINE, Minn. - Metro Jets' captain Matt Stirling scored twice in regulation and had the deciding goal in the shootout as the Jets picked up their first win at the NA3HL Showcase, a 4-3 decision over the Peoria Mustangs at the Schwan Super Rink.

Jeff Monfils also scored for the Jets and Trevor Kalinowski made 41 saves in goal in addition to stopping all four Peoria shooters in the shootout.

Brennan Anderson had a goal and an assist for the Mustangs, while Matt Pinel stopped 34 shots between the pipes.

Metro (10-10-0-0) wraps up the showcase Monday morning against the St. Louis Jr. Blues at 10:30 a.m. EST.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Metro blanked on second day of NA3HL Showcase by North Iowa

BLAINE, Minn. - The Metro Jets suffered their second straight shutout at the NA3HL Showcase, losing 9-0 Saturday night to the North Iowa Bulls at the Schwan Super Rink.

John Forseth scored four goals for the Bulls and Matt Kroska tallied twice with two assists as Aaron Davis made 37 saves for the shutout.

Metro goalie Austin Julvezan made 54 saves in the loss.

The Jets (9-10-0-0) play the Peoria Mustangs Sunday at 5:30 p.m. EST.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Jets fall to Alexandria at NA3HL Showcase Friday night

BLAINE, Minn. - Alexandria Blizzard goalie Kyle Miller stopped all 10 shots he faced to lead the Blizzard to a 2-0 win over the Metro Jets Friday night at the NA3HL Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink.

Zach Hill and Bryce Mitzel scored for Alexandria.

For the Jets (9-9-0-0), Trevor Kalinowski finished with 46 saves in goal.

Metro next plays the North Iowa Bulls Saturday at 5:45 p.m. EST.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Hosking playing solid 'D' for Jets, hoping for NAHL opportunity

WATERFORD, MI – Josh Hosking started this season with the North American Hockey League’s Jamestown Ironmen, but when he was cut from the team, his next option was only a phone call away.

Literally.

“When I was released from Jamestown, the coach told me to talk to (Metro Jets’ coach) Jason Cirone and I got a call from Jason actually during my drive home the next day,” explained Hosking, a 19-year-old defenseman from Oxford. “Jason has been great. He can be very intimidating at times, but he knows how and when to push the buttons with guys and he knows what he is talking about.

“One thing I learned almost immediately is that he always has us players’ best interests in mind and wants to better every single guy in the room as much as possible.”

Now a fixture on the Jets’ blue line in the North American 3 Hockey League, Hosking logs a regular shift and usually plays a shutdown role against opposing team’s top lines. Hosking said he’s happy with his role in Waterford, but ultimately, wants to move back up to the NAHL.

“I am working to play in all situations, better my skills on the ice and working out everyday to become stronger,” explained Hosking. “I would say my shot and my vision with the puck fit well in the NAHL, but I know I need to work on my foot work.”

On a four-game winning streak, the Jets have seemingly bonded and gelled in recent weeks and when that happens, wins can pile up.

”Everyone is really coming together,” Hosking said. “There has been a lot of bonding and a feeling of really becoming a family around the room. We are playing well as a team since we are playing all the top teams in the league.

“I feel we are proving to people we are better than what our record shows.”

JET STREAKS

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic was named the NA3HL’s 1st Star of the Week after his two wins last week against Flint and Michigan.

“The NA3HL is a great league to get him some shots and experience,” said Cirone. “He is very talented and very calm and composed for being just 16 years old. He plays with a lot of confidence and our team has fed off that.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Former Metro forward Brad Townsend, who played for the Jets during the 2005-06 season, is playing with the Dayton Demonz of the Federal Hockey League this season.

After his season with the Jets, Townsend, a 25-year-old Davisburg native, played for the Pembroke (Ont.) Lumber Kings in the Central Junior Hockey League and then in 2008-09, played in the International Hockey League with the Flint Generals.

Townsend also had previous pro stops in the FHL and also in the ECHL, All-American Hockey League and Central Hockey League.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Captain's Corner - Winning streak, showcase in Blaine

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On what he did for Thanksgiving.

Just went home and took the time off to recover. The break is always a good time to rest the legs and the mind while doing other things besides hockey. I think it came at the right time so we can now prepare ourselves for Blaine, Minn.

-- On the mood around the team during the current four-game winning streak.

Yeah, I think we are clicking really well right now as we have won four straight against some teams that were also playing well at the time. This is encouraging as we can see our play start to change and know that we are playing well for 60 minutes.

-- On this weekend's NA3HL Showcase in Blaine, Minn.

This trip has been much anticipated by many guys for a while now. The important part is that we take it one game at a time and progress from there. The showcase is a long weekend for us and we need to prepare ourselves for it.

-- On what he's most looking forward to this weekend.

I’m looking forward to the games, obviously, as we need to continue winning games to keep going in the right direction. I also am looking forward to the time spent with the boys on the bus trips and over the weekend.  

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Chapie nets a pair to guide Jets past Mountain Cats Sunday

WATERFORD, MI - Ryan Chapie scored two goals and Alex Nedeljkovic made 33 saves as the Metro Jets defeated the Michigan Mountain Cats 6-2 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena for their fourth consecutive victory.

Captain Matt Stirling, Alex Holm and Mike Gambino each had a goal and an assist and Devon D'Angelo also scored to go along with two assists from Jeff Monfils.

Metro (9-8-0-0) now heads to Blaine, Minn., for the four-day NA3HL Showcase next weekend. The Jets will play the Alexandria Blizzard, North Iowa Bulls, Peoria Mustangs and St. Louis Jr. Blues.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Jets play a complete 60 minutes, top Flint Wednesday night

FLINT, MI - The Metro Jets played so well Wednesday night that head coach Jason Cirone had just one complaint after the game, a 3-1 win for the Jets over the Flint Jr. Generals at Iceland Arena.

"Why haven't we played that well for 60 minutes all season?" asked Cirone. "We've played that way the past few games, but the first 13 games, we didn't. That's my only complaint in that we haven't played this way for the first quarter of the season."

Mike Gambino and Andrew Palushaj scored power-play goals as the Jets earned their third straight win over Flint.

Travis Hargett also tallied for Metro (8-8-0-0) and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (pictured) made 33 saves for his third straight win since joining the Jets on Nov. 10 from the OHL's Plymouth Whalers.

Luke McDiarmid scored Flint's lone goal and Ted Barile finished with 33 saves in goal.

"Everybody was going tonight and everybody played well," said Cirone. "Everyone contributed one way or another and that's what you have to do to win games in this league."

After a brief break for Thanksgiving, the Jets head home to host the Michigan Mountain Cats at Lakeland Arena Sunday afternoon.

Back on Nov. 3. the Mountain Cats took a 5-2 win at Lakeland and that's not something Cirone wants to see happen again.

"They didn't beat us (last game); they dominated us," Cirone said. "They beat us in every aspect of the game. We didn't perform at all. They kicked our butts and hopefully, that's motivation enough."

Game time Sunday afternoon is set for 2:50 p.m.

Photo/Matt Mackinder

Monday, November 19, 2012

Jets' rookie Krajewski enjoying rookie season in NA3HL

WATERFORD, MI – T.J. Krajewski is just 17 years old, but is finding his way through his rookie season with the Metro Jets and learning what Junior A hockey in the North American 3 Hockey League is all about.

Back on Nov. 11 at Battle Creek, the Macomb native and Jets’ defenseman tallied a goal and two assists – all of his points to date – along with a plus-4 rating in a 9-3 win over the Jr. Revolution in just his eighth game of the season.

Playing in just half the Jets’ games entering this week of play, Krajewski has been happy with his current situation.

“My season is going pretty well at this point,” Krajewski said. “It is quite the big jump coming from Midget A hockey (Krajewski played for the Rochester Rattlers last season - pictured), but I knew the NA3HL was a good league to start playing juniors in. It’s really big for me now that I got my first goal out of the way.”

Most players would say they want to keep scoring at a rapid pace as once they get that elusive first goal, they want more.

Not so, said the realistic Krajewski.

“I’m looking to score at least five goals this season,” said Krajewski. “The Jets are a good team and I know (Metro head coach Jason) Cirone will help me out a lot. He is a great coach and knows a lot about the game. As for my teammates, guys like Jeff Monfils, (Jets’ captain) Matt Stirling and Doug Andrews have all helped me through the season the most. I owe a lot to those guys.”

Just getting started in his junior career, Krajewski has some broad goals in mind for the future and wants to keep working to get to where he wants to be.

“Short-term, I just want to improve all of my skills,” Krajewski said. “Long term, I want to move up in the leagues and get a shot at playing college hockey.”

And with his confidence booming after his outbreak against Battle Creek, anything is possible for Krajewski.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets (7-8-0-0) sat idle last weekend, but play Wednesday night in Flint and then Sunday afternoon at home against the Michigan Mountain Cats and former Jets’ forward Cam Bruff (2011-12).

JET STREAKS

Of Stirling’s 27 points this season, just six have come on special teams (one shorthanded goal, one power-play goal and four power-play assists), showing how effective the Jets’ captain is playing five-on-five.

Andrews is just as potent five-on-five, with just a power-play goal and three power-play assists among his 25 points this year.

Both have also combined for just 10 penalty minutes (all minors) this season and each are among the top 10 NA3HL scoring leaders.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Two former Jets’ captains currently skate for the Oakland University ACHA Division I team in Adam Novack and Tommy Kilgore.

Novack, a senior, played for the Jets from 2007-09, while Kilgore, a freshman at OU, suited up for the Jets from 2010-12 and also played three games with the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons in early 2011.

Oakland junior forward Art Dore is also an ex-Jet and played for NCAA Division III Becker College prior to coming to OU.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Captain's Corner - Wins over Flint, Battle Creek, Alex Nedeljkovic

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On beating Flint and Battle Creek last weekend and scoring 17 goals in the process.

We played well and when we score, they seem to come in bunches. Our power play worked well the first game and led us to the win. The energy from the first game just carried over in to the second game. It was good to see us play well and get the four points we needed.

-- On different players contributing over the weekend.

It showed that guys can be put in the lineup and can produce. The thought that every guy in the lineup can be a threat to the other team is one that many teams in our league will have a problem with.

-- On new goalie Alex Nedeljkovic.

Alex played well for us in the two games he played. He came in from Plymouth of the OHL and fits in nicely with the guys that we have. He needed some starts to keep him in game shape and will be here with us for the time being. I don’t know how long he’ll be here, but he’s fit in nicely so far.

-- On getting the two wins and then sitting idle this weekend.

Whenever we string some wins together, it is always nice, but yes, we seem to get hot right before idle weekends. I think we are progressing as a team and will be fine with the weekend off here.  

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Metro rookie finding comfortable 'Holm' with Jets

WATERFORD, MI – It appears Alex Holm’s adjustment period going from AAA hockey to the North American 3 Hockey League is over.

After recording just one goal over his first 11 games this season with the Metro Jets, Holm quadrupled his goal total with three last weekend as the Jets beat the Flint Jr. Generals and Battle Creek Jr. Revolution.

Holm, a 17-year-old West Bloomfield native, also finished with a plus-5 rating for the weekend.

According to Holm, it was only a matter of time before his offense started to click and the team started to gel.

 “I feel that the season started off a little rough and we were playing our own style of hockey, but now we’re coming together as a team and listening to (head coach Jason) Cirone and getting the job done because our own ways of playing games doesn't work,” said Holm, who played in the North American Prospects Hockey League last season with the Detroit Falcons U-18 team (pictured). “The jump to the NA3 was pretty big, though. I had to adjust to the speed of the game and the physical play.”

Jets’ veteran Travis Hargett has been a big help in getting acclimated to junior hockey, said Holm.

“Hargett has showed me the ropes about all the rules and details the NA3 has,” Holm said. “Before this season, I knew that the Jets moved a lot of players on to play higher levels of hockey, so that was very appealing to me. I have also learned that Cirone is a very good coach. He knows his hockey and also has a very good hockey background and can teach me a lot on the ice and off the ice.”

Still, when asked what he most wants to accomplish this season, Holm strayed from personal numbers.

”I just want to make the playoffs,” said Holm. “Our long-term goal would be to take the Silver Cup. If we keep playing the way we did last weekend, we have the team that can match up against anyone in this league.” 

JET STREAKS

Late last week, the Jets released goaltender Luke DuBois and forward Ian Springfield.

DuBois went 1-1-0 this season with a 4.29 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage, while Springfield tallied two goals in 12 games.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Defenseman Vinnie Pietrangelo, who played for the Jets back in 2009-10 after being their top draft pick in the 2009 CSHL draft, is now in his junior season at Division III Finlandia University in Hancock, Mich.

Unfortunately, Pietrangelo fractured his collarbone in early September and not expected to return until January.

Another ex-Jet, forward Todd Knaus, is also playing for Finlandia, but is out with a knee injury. Pietrangelo and Knaus were teammates at Traverse City West High School as well.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Hargett, Holm each tally four points in Jets' win at Battle Creek

BATTLE CREEK, MI - Travis Hargett recorded a hat trick and Alex Holm had two goals and two assists to lead the Metro Jets to a 9-3 road win over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution Sunday afternoon.

Mike Gambino scored twice with an assist, while T.J. Krajewski tallied a goal and two helpers to help back Alex Nedeljkovic's 25 saves between the pipes.

Andrew Palushaj also scored for the Jets to go along with two assists each from Jeff Monfils and Thomas Evans.

The Jets (7-8-0-0) are now off until playing Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 21) in Flint.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Stirling and Palushaj lead Jets to huge win over Flint

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets ended their two-game losing skid with an 8-2 win over the Flint Jr. Generals Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

 Metro captain Matt Stirling and Andrew Palushaj each had a goal and four asissts to lead new goalie Alex Nedeljkovic's 38 saves in net.

Nedeljkovic started the season with the OHL's Plymouth Whalers.

Josh Hosking recorded a goal and two assists, Jeff Monfils two goals plus a helper and Mike Gambino and Doug Andrews each had a goal and an assist for the Jets (6-8-0-0).

Alex Holm also scored in the win.

Jacob Howie and Eddie Osowski scored for Flint and Patrick Drazkowski finished with 25 saves.

The Jets travel to Battle Creek Sunday afternoon for a 1:30 p.m. puck drop.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Metro's goalie trio working well on, off the ice

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets are familiar with the philosophy that defense wins games and to a greater extent, wins championships.

With the last line of defense starting in goal, the Jets have three very capable goaltenders this season that have all shown the ability to play at the North American 3 Hockey League level.

Luke DuBois, Austin Julvezan and Trevor Kalinowski are all rookies in the NA3HL, but all have earned wins for the Jets this season. What’s more is that the trio gets along off the ice and pushes each other on the ice.

Essentially, it’s a win-win situation for all three goalies.

“The friendly competition is good,” said Julvezan. “I've always gotten along with my goalie partners, but playing with these guys is easy. We all support each other when it's not our game. We get along outside of the rink pretty well. These guys are just easy to be around and we always have a good time.”

“The competition between us three goalies is what I've enjoyed most this season,” added DuBois. “We push each other to be at our best and always stay positive no matter who is between the pipes on a given day.”

Kalinowski (pictured), who played at Lakeland High School last season and has seen the bulk of action thus far for Metro, currently leads the Jets with three wins, while DuBois and Julvezan have one apiece.

“I feel the season has gone fairly well,” said Kalinowski. “I’ve certainly learned a lot and still have more to learn from my coaches and my teammates. We all seem to be bonding very close to each other. I consider this year a big leap in the right direction for my hockey career, since I split last season with a senior on Lakeland’s varsity team.”

Julvezan played the 2011-12 season for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, going all the way to the Division I state semifinals before losing to Brighton High School and current Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks’ rookie goalie Christian Michalik.

“My season has gone well so far,” Julvezan said. “Going from a starter to rotating was hard to get used to at first, but I'm really starting to feel myself excel. The jump from where I played last season compared to the NA3 was minor. The speed of the game hasn't changed by much, but the shots are harder and more accurate. Before this season, I knew the NA3 had become a better level of play and had improved from what people used to perceive it as.”

During the 2011 NA3HL Entry Draft, DuBois was actually drafted by the Flint Jr. Generals, but chose to stay and play his senior season at Gabriel Richard High School. When the chance came up this season for him to join the Jets, there was no hesitation.

“I have had a decent season thus far and I have some things that I can work on, but I feel as if I've performed when given the opportunity,” DuBois said. “The jump to the NA3 was large compared to the level of my team last season, though I was used to the fast paced style of play from participating in the MDHL and other showcases. I don't really have any set goals for the season. I enjoy seeing our team win and would rather have my team win than have personal goals fulfilled. Before this season I was pretty familiar with the NA3 and have known (Jets assistant and goalie) coach (Randy) Wilson for quite awhile.”

Each goalie also said they hope to jump to the North American Hockey League next season with an eye on playing in college one day.

“I just want to take it as it comes,” Julvezan said.

 “I would just like to keep hockey a part of my life in any way possible,” added DuBois.

So who gets the start Saturday night against Flint? That is the $64,000 question.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Captain's Corner - Frustration with last weekend, looking ahead

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On losing on the road to Michigan and at home to Cleveland last weekend.

This weekend, we really only played two good periods of hockey and that was against Cleveland. The Michigan game, we came out flat and didn't compete very well in that game. The Cleveland game, we fought well and still came up short.

-- On frustration maybe starting to set in.

Either way with any team, there is still some frustration. When you play well and you don't get the results, it is easy to become frustrated. The only thing is that it is a long year and we are just getting started.

-- On any messages the team received from head coach Jason Cirone last weekend.

Both games, the message was clear that we needed to pick up our play and we finally did so towards the end of the Cleveland game. The way we played was not very good and it can't happen again.

-- On playing at home against Flint Saturday and at Battle Creek Sunday afternoon.

For both games, I'm looking for us to play a quality 60 minutes and get the wins. The points are at a premium now and we can't afford to give up many more games.  

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Jets blow third-period lead as Cleveland rallies Sunday afternoon

WATERFORD, MI - Jeff Monfils and Doug Andrews staked the Metro Jets to a 2-1 lead after two periods, but the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks came back with two goals in the third period to escape Lakeland Arena with a 3-2 win Sunday afternoon.

Cameron Dimmitt and Cleveland captain Fred West scored for the Jr. Lumberjacks in the final period to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Austin Julvezan made 29 saves for the Jets, while Christian Michalik stopped 13 at the other end. The goaltending battle was especially interesting as it featured a rematch of last spring's Division I high school state semifinals - Michalik for eventual champion Brighton and Julvezan for Orchard Lake St. Mary's.

The Jets (5-8-0) host the Flint Jr. Generals next Saturday night before traveling to Battle Creek Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Stirling's two points not enough as Jets fall to Mountain Cats

FRASER, MI - Austin Sartorius scored two goals and added an assist to lead the Michigan Mountain Cats past the Metro Jets 5-2 Saturday night at the Great Lakes Sports City.

Jets' captain Matt Stirling had a goal an a helper, while Andrew Palushaj also scored.

Trevor Kalinowski made 39 saves for the Jets. Dominic Orlando finished with 34 stops at the other end.

The Jets (5-7-0-0) return home to Lakeland Arena for a 2:50 p.m. game Sunday afternoon against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Paluahaj out to make name for himself with Jets

WATERFORD, MI – Andrew Palushaj has some pretty good hockey bloodlines and has brought them to the Metro Jets this year after starting the season in the North American Hockey League.

The cousin of Aaron Palushaj, a former University of Michigan star with 41 games of NHL experience under his belt with the Montreal Canadiens, Andrew played 19 games last year with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes (pictured) after an All-State season in 2010-11 at Livonia Stevenson High School.

Making the jump to Junior A was an adjustment at first for Palushaj, but one he feels is now under control.

“I feel that the season has been going pretty good so far,” said the 19-year-old Livonia native. “We are starting to figure things out as a team and are becoming better everyday. It's a pretty big jump because the league has a faster pace and is a lot more physical. I would love to get the chance to play at the NAHL level again, but right now, I'm just working on my skills and trying to become a better hockey player each day I come to the rink.”

Palushaj even admitted that he sometimes gets mistaken for his cousin or asked if Aaron is his brother, but he doesn’t mind the attention at all.

“I think that what he accomplished is amazing and he made his dream a reality,” Andrew said of Aaron. “I would love to be able to get to where he is today. I give him a lot of credit for what he does. He shows that if you work hard enough that you can accomplish anything you want to and I am very proud of him and want nothing but the best for him as he continues his hockey career.”

Before coming to the Jets and the North American 3 Hockey League, Palushaj said he didn’t know a great deal about the team or the league. He said he has since realized that both provide great opportunities for advancing up the hockey ladder.

“I would love to win a championship with this team and I think we have a great set of guys and have the ability to do it if we work hard enough this season,” Palushaj said. “I didn't know that much about the league as a whole, but I knew the Jets had been known to move a lot of players on to higher levels and that made me want to be a part of this organization.”

Palushaj also gave props to Jets’ head coach Jason Cirone.

“I think coach Jason is a great guy and has a lot to offer to our team,” noted Palushaj. “He has a lot of hockey sense and a great hockey background. I think I can learn a lot from him that will help benefit me on and off the ice.”

Thinking towards the future, Palushaj has a game plan and one he hopes can fulfill to the highest degree.

“My short-term hockey goal would be to help benefit this team any way I can and keep scoring as much as I can,” said Palushaj. “My long-term goal would be to hopefully get a scholarship so I can keep playing.”

And with nine points in eight games this season, the Jets are banking on him providing offense and leadership that will trickle down to the rest of the players.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Flint Jr. Generals scored late in the third period to knot the game at 3-all, but the Jets eked out a 4-3 win in a shootout last Friday night at Lakeland Arena to extend their winning streak to three games.

Palushaj scored two goals for the Jets, while captain Matt Stirling had a goal and two assists and Mike Gambino a goal and an helper.

“The Flint game was an all-around great game,” Stirling said. “We played well in every area of the ice and stayed out of the penalty box to get the win. That is the way we should play every night and what it will take to win key games in this league.”

Flint led 2-1 after two periods before Palushaj and Stirling scored in the third to put the Jets ahead.

Nick Gnagni recorded the equalizer at 19:08 of the third with goalie Patrick Drazkowski on the bench for the extra attacker.

In the shootout, Metro goalie Austin Julvezan stopped three of the four Flint shooters and picked up his first win of the season. Julvezan made 24 saves in the game.

Drazkowski finished with 32 saves in the Flint net, while Eddie Osowski had a goal and an assist.

The Jets (5-6-0-0) face the Michigan Mountain Cats on the road in Fraser this Saturday night before returning home Sunday afternoon to host the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks at 2:50 p.m.

“I expect for us to come out with four points as we need them to keep pace in our division,” said Stirling. “These teams are both talented and can be tough to play against if you don’t prepare all week for them. I expect Michigan to be aggressive all over the ice and to be able to keep pace with us for 60 minutes. Cleveland we have played before and know what kind of effort it will take to play them.

“Both games will be a challenge, but if we play how we know we can, we should come out with four points.”

JET STREAKS

Stirling’s 19 points are good for a sixth-place tie among NA3HL scoring leaders, while Doug Andrews’ 18 points puts him in an 11th-place tie.

Goaltender Trevor Kalinowski is in the top 10 for save percentage (.905) and goals-against average (2.81).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Jon Cooper coached the Jets to the 2002 Silver Cup Junior B national title and has seemingly won everywhere he has been since.

Cooper guided the St. Louis Bandits to consecutive NAHL titles, the Green Bay Gamblers to a United States Hockey League crown and last year, won an American Hockey League Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals, the top affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This season, Cooper is back with the Tampa Bay organization as head coach of the Syracuse Crunch after being rumored to make the jump to the NHL over the summer.

Photo by David Byerly/Odessa Jackalopes

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Captain's Corner - beating Flint, team chemistry, this weekend

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On beating Flint in a shootout last Friday night.

The Flint game was an all-around great game. We played well in every area of the ice and stayed out of the penalty box to get the win. That is the way we should play every night and what it will take to win key games in this league.

-- On how his individual game progressing.

My game has progressed in multiple areas so far this season. Mostly mentally, the game seems to be slowing down and it is becoming second nature to make routine plays on the ice.

-- On team chemistry almost two months into the season.

The chemistry of the team is starting to get better as the guys get to know each other and get familiar with the system we want to play. With so many rookies, it takes time for players to learn the system and the way junior hockey works. The team is starting to come together on and off the ice. I think our on-ice play is starting to reflect that as well.

-- On playing at Michigan Saturday night and Cleveland at home Sunday afternoon.

I expect for us to come out with four points as we need them to keep pace in our division. These teams are both talented and can be tough to play against if you don’t prepare all week for them. I expect Michigan to be aggressive all over the ice and to be able to keep pace with us for 60 minutes. Cleveland we have played before and know what kind of effort it will take to play them. Both games will be a challenge, but if we play how we know we can, we should come out with four points.  

Friday, October 26, 2012

Jets run win streak to three games with shootout win over Flint

WATERFORD, MI - The Flint Jr. Generals scored late in the third period to knot the game at 3-all, but the Metro Jets eked out a 4-3 win in a shootout Friday night at Lakeland Arena to extend their winning streak to three games.

Andrew Palushaj scored two goals for the Jets, while captain Matt Stirling had a goal and two assists and Mike Gambino a goal and an helper.

The win was the first for the Jets against Flint since last January when Metro squeezed out a 4-3 win at Lakeland.

Flint led 2-1 after two period before Palushaj and Stirling scored in the third to put the Jets ahead.

Nick Gnagni recorded the equalizer at 19:08 of the third with goalie Patrick Drazkowski on the bench for the extra attacker.

In the shootout, Metro goalie Austin Julvezan stopped three of the four Flint shooters and picked up his first win of the season. Julvezan made 24 saves in the game.

Drazkowski finished with 32 saves in the Flint net, while Eddie Osowski had a goal and an assist.

The Jets (5-6-0-0) face the Michigan Mountain Cats on the road in Fraser next Saturday night (Nov. 3) before returning home the following afternoon to host the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks at 2:50 p.m.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Big defenseman Britton leaving mark on Jets' blue line

WATERFORD, MI – Derek Britton came to the Metro Jets by way of a trade from the Toledo Cherokee in late August and he has helped to solidify a blue line that was perhaps average at best coming into the season.

Britton has done more than just add depth to the Jets’ defense. He has brought a much-needed size factor (6-foot-4, 190 pounds) and usually is matched up with the opponent’s top line most nights.

For Britton, though, the trade back to his home state wasn’t something he requested, but was something he gladly accepted.

”The trade occurred because there were many obligations I had close to home,” said Britton, a 19-year-old Sterling Heights native. “I was enrolled in college courses, working full time and had an old car that couldn’t make the commute to Toledo. Although (Toledo) coach (Scott) Syring had wanted me on his team, he was willing to make the trade and encouraged me to keep playing hockey.

“I did not set out to be traded, but I knew it needed to be done if I wanted to keep playing. I feel lucky to have had two great coaches last year and this year who push to get the most out of me. It was nice that they put my best interests ahead of everything.”

In the deal, the Jets sent defenseman Zach Schlacht to the Cherokee.

Through 10 games, Britton feels he has found his role with the Jets and is fitting on with his new teammates.

“This Jets team has a mix of experienced and talented young players,” explained Britton. “It has been very easy to adjust because I have played with and against some of my teammates. I was also familiar with (Metro) coach (Jason) Cirone and his expectations from past tryouts and speaking with friends who have played for him. I feel I fit in well with this team by supporting our defensive line and providing leadership for the younger players. I try to teach them what I have learned from my past and teach them to work hard every shift.”

And if the old adage that states hard work pays off holds true, Britton will see it happen in Waterford first-hand.

”My personal target is to keep working hard to improve my skills to make it to college or the next level,” said Britton. “I will do this by defending our side of the ice in any situation. My main focus is to stop scoring chances against us by getting the puck to our forwards as fast as possible. I need to make sure I am in the right position at all times for positive results.

”From a team standpoint, we need to keep working hard in practice so the wins keep coming to make it to the finals. I know this is tough, but we can do it if we work hard and do our jobs on the ice. This can and will happen if we work together as a team.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets sat idle last weekend after sweeping the Quad City Jr. Flames Oct. 13-14 at Lakeland Arena.

Metro (4-6-0-0) hosts the Flint Jr. Generals Friday night at 7:50 p.m. at home in its lone game of the weekend.

“Flint is always a good team,” said Metro captain Matt Stirling. “We always seem to have close games with them and they always bring a good effort every time we play them. With one game this week, we need to leave it all out on the ice to get the two points.”

JET STREAKS

Through 10 games this season, forward Travis Hargett has scored six goals – equaling his total goal output his first two seasons when he played 76 games.

Forward Doug Andrews has recorded a point in all but one game this season. His 17 points are good for a sixth-place tie among league scoring leaders.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Dwight Parrish, a forward from the early days of the Jets’ franchise, retired from a long pro career in 2009 that saw stops in the American Hockey League, International Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and in England.

Parrish, a 40-year-old Southfield native, also skated four years at Ferris State University from 1992-96.

His No. 17 jersey was retired by the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Manchester (England) Phoenix in 2009.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Colorado native Campbell finding role on Jets' back end

WATERFORD, MI – Aksel Campbell has gone from Colorado to Pittsburgh to Waterford in just over two months’ time.

One of the newest Metro Jets’ defensemen, Campbell is hoping his latest stop is his last this season.

Acquired by the Jets from the Three Rivers Vengeance two weeks ago, Campbell has taken to Metro’s systems in a heartbeat and is excited at the potential the Jets have shown in his four games so far.

“I was very surprised by the trade from Pittsburgh, but I know that (Three Rivers) coach Brian (Cersosimo) is doing what he thinks is best for me and I have a lot of respect for him as a coach,” said Campbell, an 18-year-old native of Lone Tree, Colo. ”I didn’t realize I was going to be moving out until about the middle of last year. I hadn’t even looked into juniors until my last year of high school. It was a tough decision to move so far from home, but it has been worth it.”

Campbell played six games with the Vengeance after joining the team as a rookie this season. According to Jets’ coach Jason Cirone, Campbell has looked anything but like a rookie in his four games since the trade.

“Aksel has been fitting in really good for us,” said Cirone. “I thought our ‘D’ was a concern at the beginning of the year and now it’s starting to round itself out with the additions of (Brian) Ziola, (Josh) Hosking and Aksel. All these guys bring a dimension to our team that we really missed and lacked in the beginning.”

Campbell is the first Colorado native to suit up for the Jets since Jimmy Sanders in the early 2000s and Chance Thede, who went on to play in goal for Division I American International College, in the mid-1990s.

Campbell feels he can be an offensive defenseman for the Jets and said he likes moving the puck in the offensive zone from the point to try and create scoring chances for the forwards.

Getting acclimated with the Waterford area has been on Campbell’s agenda as well.

”Waterford is different than home, but there are still some similarities,” Campbell said. “I really like all the people out here and the cold winter is a lot like winter in Colorado.”

Now entrenched on Metro’s back end, Campbell wants to get down to business and help tack on a few more wins for the Jets.

”I’m going to strive for team success this season and try to grow as much as I can as a player,” explained Campbell. “I just have to keep working hard so I can try to move to the next level. “So far, everything with the Jets has been great and I have been getting along really well with all the guys. Coach Cirone has been great, too, I’m excited to see where we can take it as a team this year.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro snapped its six-game losing streak last weekend with a two-game sweep of the Quad City Jr. Flames at Lakeland Arena.

Saturday night, the Jets took a 4-2 win over the Jr. Flames. Alex Holm and Jeff Monfils each scored and added two assists to back Trevor Kalinowski's 20 saves in goal.

"The kids have been working hard and I thought they deserved better last week (against Toledo), but I felt they got what they deserved in this game," Cirone said. "They worked hard from start to finish."

Mike Gambino scored and chipped in an assist, while Ziola registered the empty-netter after Quad City's Easton Halbert cut the Jets' lead to one with two goals in the third period.

 Travis Hargett's goal at 15:16 of the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and the Jets held on for a 3-2 win over Sunday afternoon.

With the win, the Jets move their season record to 4-6-0.

Gambino and Metro captain Matt Stirling also scored and Luke DuBois finished with 37 saves between the pipes.

Peter Coppola and Harley Manus scored for Quad City.

The Jets are idle this weekend before hosting the Flint Jr. Generals on Friday, Oct. 26.

JET STREAKS 

Ziola, an 18-year-old from Commerce Township, made his Jets’ debut in the Quad City series after originally signing a tender with the team over the summer.

“He adds more depth and I’ve always liked him; that’s why we tendered him,” said Cirone. “We were patient with him and let him do what he wanted to do. His first choice was to go to school and see how that worked out, but he obviously had a change of heart.”

Monfils was named the NA3HL’s 2nd Star of the Week after tallying a goal and three assists against the Jr. Flames. On Saturday, he scored the game-winner and on Sunday, he assisted on the game-winner.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Forward Jon Elliott will start his freshman season at Division III St. Mary’s University next weekend after spending the last two years in Canada and the 2009-10 season with the Jets.

Elliott, a 21-year-old Birmingham native, played in all 48 games for the Jets and was second in team scoring with 15 goals and 26 points. He played from 2010-12 with the Cumberland Grads of the Central Canada Hockey League.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Captain's Corner - losing streak over, idle weekend, newbies

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On sweeping Quad City last weekend to end the team's six-game losing streak.

It feels great. The way we won was the most important - we played well for 60 minutes in both games and came out with the four points we needed. The weekend is the way we need to play every weekend to be competitive in this league and get the points.

-- On keys to last weekend.

Playing our game and making sure that we played well for the whole game. We brought the effort that is needed and ended up with the four points.

-- On the upcoming weekend off.

I think the off weekend has come at a good time for us. The momentum is good to ride, but we have been going hard for about four weeks here and the weekend off is a good way to refocus.

-- On veteran newcomers Jeff Monfils and Derek Britton, both acquired in August.

They both have fit in well. The two are both older guys who know what it takes to play in this league. Britton brings a size factor that we need along with the ability to play in multiple situations on defense. Monfils brings his leadership over from Cleveland last year and fits well with the guys up front as he puts up solid numbers for us every weekend. They both assist me in helping lead the team this year.  

-- On new defenseman Aksel Campbell's second weekend with the team.

Campbell, since coming over from Three Rivers, has been a nice addition to the defense and not only adds another body back there, but also is catching on to our system and starting to fit in with the other guys on the back end. He brings multiple talents that can be used on the power play and on the penalty kill.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Hargett scores late as Metro edges Quad City Sunday afternoon

WATERFORD, MI - Travis Hargett's goal at 15:16 of the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and the Metro Jets held on for a 3-2 win over the Quad City Jr. Flames Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

With the win, the Jets sweep the weekend series and move their season record to 4-6-0.

Metro captain Matt Stirling and Mike Gambino also scored and Luke DuBois finished with 37 saves between the pipes.

Peter Coppola and Harley Manus scored for Quad City.

The Jets are idle next weekend before hosting the Flint Jr. Generals on Friday, Oct. 26.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Metro ends losing skid with 4-2 win over Jr. Flames Saturday

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets ended their six-game losing streak Saturday night with a 4-2 win over the Quad City Jr. Flames Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Alex Holm and Jeff Monfils each scored and added two assists to back Trevor Kalinowski's 20 saves in goal.

"The kids have been working hard and I thought they deserved better last week, but I felt they got what they deserved in this game," Metro coach Jason Cirone said. "They worked hard from start to finish."

Mike Gambino scored and chipped in an assist, while newcomer Brian Ziola registered the empty-netter after Quad City's Easton Halbert cut the Jets' lead to one with two goals in the third period.

The two teams finish up their series Sunday afternoon at 2:50 p.m.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Veteran Hargett showing increased production in third season

WATERFORD, MI – Travis Hargett is hoping the third season with the Metro Jets is the charm.

So far, it has been for the 18-year-old Clarkston native as he has been scoring more than he did his first two years and has seen his ice time increase.

“Personally, I think that this year I have made huge strides in my game in my hockey sense and my ability to score,” noted Hargett, who has five goals and an assist through eight games. “I've been playing a lot more and having the confidence knowing that (Metro coach) Jason (Cirone) trusts me enough to put me on the ice in certain situations, like when we pull our goalie. I would say that so far this year in eight games, I am happy with the way I have played, but I still know that I can do better.”

Off the ice, Hargett has become much more acclimated to the lifestyle of playing junior hockey in the North American 3 Hockey League.

 “I know what to expect when I come to practice during the week and the difference between an early-week skate and a practice right before an important weekend,” said Hargett.

In his rookie season of 2010-11, Hargett posted just seven points and last year, he had 15 points. He is on pace to record greater numbers this season and part of that notion is how offensively-gifted the Jets seem to be this season.

”At camp this year, I knew right away that our team wouldn't have a problem putting the puck in the net,” said Hargett. “Scoring goals has not been an issue for us this year, just as it wasn’t last year. With our team, it’s being consistently defensively sound for the whole game.”

Playing mostly on a forward line this season with Alex Holm and Jeff Monfils, Hargett said the trio “plays together really well.”

“I love those guys and we usually know where the other two are on the ice and we make some really good plays,” explained Hargett. “We have a lot of fun together in the locker room and off the ice, too.”

On the ice lately, the Jets have not had too much fun as the team is embroiled in a six-game losing streak that began after a season-opening sweep at home of Battle Creek. Hargett isn’t ready to push the panic button, nor does he plan on it.

”The main thing to keep the guys focused is definitely knowing that it’s not an eight-game season,” said Hargett. “We have 40 more games and I know we will be OK and things will come around. We just need to keep working hard and keep our heads up.”

Taking his own advice is also something Hargett plans on doing to help further his career and get the Jets some more notches in the win column.

”This year I want to play my best, plain and simple,” Hargett said. “I will go where the road takes me and would consider both staying in junior hockey or playing in college.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played a home-and-home series with the Toledo Cherokee last weekend and came out on the losing end each night.

Metro held a 3-1 lead over the Cherokee midway through the second period, but couldn't hang on as the Cherokee rallied for a 4-3 win Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Doug Andrews scored a pair of goals for the Jets, while Mike Gambino added the other. Newcomer Luke Rendino and Andrew Palushaj each had two assists on the night and in goal, Austin Julvezan made 30 stops.

Gambino and Rendino scored for the Jets Sunday afternoon, but it wasn't enough as Toledo took a 4-2 win over the Jets at the Team Toledo Ice House.

For the Jets, Trevor Kalinowski finished with 25 saves between the pipes.

Metro hosts the Quad City Jr. Flames Saturday and Sunday back at Lakeland Arena. Game time Saturday night is 7:50 p.m. followed by a 2:50 p.m. start on Sunday.

“As a team, we are growing through this skid we are in right now,” Metro captain Matt Stirling said. “We know we are a good team and can win games. The most encouraging things, however, are to see us play a sound game for 60 minutes and continue to see some of the younger guys settle in to the NA3HL level of hockey.”

JET STREAKS

Rendino and defenseman Aksel Campbell made their Jets’ debuts last weekend and played well.

On loan from the NAHL’s Michigan Warriors, Rendino is now back with the Warriors.

“I was asked by my coach (Moe Mantha) if I would like to come down and play two games for the Jets because I was going to be scratched,” said Rendino. “So I said, why not come down and play some hockey? My impression of the team and the NA3 was that all around there was some good hockey being played.”

Campbell, a Colorado native, was acquired from the Three Rivers Vengeance prior to last weekend and is excited to be with the Jets.

“Loving Detroit. Trades can be a good thing,” Campbell posted on Facebook this week.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Dillon Kelley played the 2011-12 season in Waterford and posted an 18-8-1 record in goal with three shutouts, a 3,62 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage.

He was called up to the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons at one point during the season and also played one game for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League once the Jets’ season was over.

This season with the NAHL’s Corpus Christi IceRays, the 18-year-old Petoskey native is 0-1-2 with a 2.22 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage in three games.

Photo courtesy Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Monday, October 8, 2012

Captain's Corner - Toledo, finding positives, weekend ahead

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On dropping both ends of the home-and-home last weekend with Toledo.

We played well this weekend and deserved to win both games. The effort and smarts were there, just not the results. We fought hard for 60 minutes in both games and that is all you can ask for. Even though the results weren’t there this weekend, it is a positive to see us playing well for the full 60 minutes.

-- On any positives during the current six-game losing streak.

As a team, we are growing through this skid we are in right now. We know we are a good team and can win games. The most encouraging things however, are to see us play a sound game for 60 minutes and continue to see some of the younger guys settle in to the NA3HL level of hockey.

-- On new players Luke Rendino and Aksel Campbell.

Both of the new guys looked good. Campbell helps us on defense where we have limited bodies and Rendino brings in a ton of offensive talent that we can use up front. For jumping right in on game day, both guys played well while adjusting to our systems.

-- On this weekend's home series against Quad City, also a team with a 2-6-0 record.

You can look and say that Quad City is a 2-6 team, but so are we. We know that we are playing well and know that the results haven’t come yet. This could be the same for Quad City, but the only thing we can control is how we play and how we prepare. Just like every week, this starts Monday at practice.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Cherokee complete the sweep Sunday in Toledo

TOLEDO, Ohio - Mike Gambino and newcomer Luke Rendino scored for the Metro Jets, but it wasn't enough as the Toledo Cherokee took a 4-2 win over the Jets Sunday afternoon at the Team Toledo Ice House.

 Tyler Zalecki scored twice for Toledo.

For the Jets, Trevor Kalinowski finished with 25 saves between the pipes.

Metro hosts the Quad City Jr. Flames this coming Saturday and Sunday back at Lakeland Arena. Game time Saturday night is 7:50 p.m. followed by a 2:50 p.m. start on Sunday.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Jets blow two-goal lead, fall to Toledo Saturday night

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets held a 3-1 lead over the Toledo Cherokee midway through the second period, but couldn't hang on as the Cherokee rallied for a 4-3 win Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Doug Andrews scored a pair of goals for the Jets, while Mike Gambino added the other.

Newcomer Luke Rendino and Andrew Palushaj each had two assists on the night and in goal, Austin Julvezan made 30 stops.

Alec Gerred scored twice for Toledo.

The two teams finish up their home-and-home series Sunday afternoon in Toledo with a 2:30 p.m. faceoff at the Team Toledo Ice House.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Jets' rookie Gambino playing like a first-round pick should

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets liked forward Mike Gambino so much last season that on draft day this past June, the Jets made a major deal with Quad City to move up to No. 5 in the first round to nab the slick-skating 18-year-old from Livonia Churchill High School.

Now a few weeks into the North American 3 Hockey League season, Gambino has seven points in his first six games and seems to be fitting in well and adjusting to junior hockey.

In fact, when Metro coach Jason Cirone was asked if Gambino has played as he hoped he would, Cirone answered, “Well, yes and no.”

“On the offensive side, Gambino has done an outstanding job for us,” said Cirone. “There is no doubt about that. The reason I said ‘no’ is that I never knew the kid could play as physical as he’s been this year. He’s definitely brought a new element to our team this season.”

At 6-foot and 185 pounds, Gambino has the size to make an impact in the NA3HL, but more than that, he’s a player that wants to keep learning and wants to get better.

“He has great speed and you always need that up front at any level of hockey,” said Cirone. “Mike is also learning to play well in his own end and that’s something good players do – they excel on both sides of the puck and in all three zones.

“I think Gambino is the type of player North American Hockey League teams want and I think if he keeps improving as much as he has so far, he will have his pick of NAHL teams for next season.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Three Rivers Vengeance earned a pair of victories over the Jets last weekend, winning 4-3 Saturday night and 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

The Jets are now 2-4-0-0 after starting the season with a two-game sweep of Battle Creek.

Saturday night, Gambino, Travis Hargett and Doug Andrews scored for the Jets, while Trevor Kalinowski made 34 saves in the loss.

Metro captain Matt Stirling added two assists.

Stirling then had two goals and an assist on Sunday to go along with single goals from Hargett and Andrew Palushaj.

Luke DuBois made his season debut in goal and stopped 54 shots.

Metro and the Toledo Cherokee play a home-and-home set this weekend, starting Saturday night at Lakeland Arena for a 7:50 p.m. start. Game time Sunday in Toledo is 2:30 p.m.

 JET STREAKS

Gritty defenseman Josh Hosking, a 19-year-old from Oxford, signed with the Jets last week and suited up for the two games with the Vengeance. He began the season in the NAHL with the Jamestown Ironmen and played two games at the start of the season.

Hosking played with Palushaj in Jamestown and when Palushaj signed with the Jets, he referred the team to Hosking.

“Josh has the potential to run our power play,” Cirone said.

Hosking played last season for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies’ 18U team and tallied four goals and 14 points in 39 games.

Then this week, the Jets announced that rookie defenseman Steven Shariak has left the team for personal reasons and also acquired 6-foot-3 defenseman Aksel Campbell, an 18-year-old Colorado native, from Three Rivers for a 2013 player tender.

Campbell is expected to be in the lineup this weekend.

“From what I saw of Aksel last weekend, he’s a big, mobile defenseman,” said Cirone.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Dustin Cloutier, a forward who played for the Jets during the 2004-05 season, signed with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings last week.

Cloutier, a 26-year-old Berkley native, joined the K-Wings last year after starting the season in the Southern Professional Hockey League with the Augusta RiverHawks, where he posted 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 20 games. He then notched 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in 45 games with Kalamazoo.

“His work ethic earned him every minute of ice time he received last season,” said Kalamazoo head coach Nick Bootland. “If he can pick up where he left off from a season ago, we expect him to push for an even larger role this season.”

Before turning pro, Cloutier was a four-year standout at Division I Bentley (Atlantic Hockey) and also played in the United States Hockey League for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and in the North American Hockey League for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Captain's Corner - Three Rivers sweep, frustration, Toledo

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On what prevented the Jets from getting a win last weekend against Three Rivers.

Penalties. Both games we seemed to spend most of the game in the box. The Saturday game really I put most of the emphasis on the officials, as it seemed to be fairly one-sided and although that happens, it was to the point where some of the rules seemed to be amended and player safety was on the line. The Sunday game we got carried away in their style of play and ended up taking more penalties than the night before. We spent most of the game killing penalties and never got anything started otherwise. When you take upwards of 12 penalties in a game, you can’t expect to win.

-- On if frustration is setting in within the team ranks.

Yeah, to an extent. We know what we are capable of and how good we can be, but we have come up short the past two weekends one way or another.

-- On keeping the team focused during a losing skid.

The veteran guys assist me and try to keep everyone level-headed. The highs can’t be too high and the lows can’t be too low. The only way to really get out of this skid we are in is to keep working hard in practice and continue to improve as a team.

-- On expectations for this weekend's home-and-home with Toledo.

Toledo is another tough team to play, especially in Toledo. These types of games are the ones that you need to help establish yourself in your division. Giving up eight points in the last two weekends is not good and we need to win this weekend.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Three Rivers takes pair of one-goal victories from Jets

WATERFORD, MI - The Three Rivers Vengeance earned a pair of victories over the Metro Jets this weekend, winning 4-3 Saturday night and 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

The Jets are now 2-4-0-0 after starting the season with a two-game sweep of Battle Creek.

Saturday night, Travis Hargett, Mike Gambino and Doug Andrews scored for the Jets, while Trevor Kalinowski made 34 saves in the loss. Metro captain Matt Stirling added two assists.

Stirling had two goals and an assist on Sunday to go along with single goals from Hargett and Andrew Palushaj. Luke DuBois made his season debut in goal and stopped 54 shots.

Metro and the Toledo Cherokee play a home-and-home set this weekend, starting Saturday night at Lakeland Arena for a 7:50 p.m. start. Game time Sunday in Toledo is 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Newcomer Chapie getting points out of the chute for Jets

WATERFORD, MI – Ryan Chapie has been skating since the age of four and said he has “loved it ever since.”

He’s hoping this year of junior hockey is just as enjoyable with the Metro Jets.

A 19-year-old Midland native, Chapie played last season for Delta College (pictured) and heard about the Jets while attending school and playing for the Pioneers.

“A buddy on my team, Jordan Reames, had played for the Jets previous to that season and was telling me about the team,” said Chapie. “I thought I would give it a shot and here we are.”

If the last name Chapie sounds familiar, it should. Adam Chapie, a cousin of Ryan, played for the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks a couple years back and then moved on to the North American Hockey League’s New Mexico Mustangs and is a freshman at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell this year.

“I knew my cousin played in the league, but I never talked to him about it,” said Ryan Chapie.

So far this season, Chapie is averaging a goal per game and is third in team scoring with six points. He had two goals and two assists in Metro’s season-opening 10-4 win against Battle Creek on Sept. 15.

While the goals are certainly a plus, Chapie said that’s not the strongest part of his game.

”I would describe my style of play as a playmaker,” Chapie said. “I love dishing off a nice pass to a teammate for them to bury a goal.”

Chapie added that his early impressions of Jets’ coach Jason Cirone have been very positive and he thinks the Jets have a solid team from top to bottom.

”Jason knows what he is doing as a coach and if our team plays the game he wants us to play, we will be a good team,” said Chapie. “He knows his hockey. My expectations for the season are just to be a solid teammate that’s in the lineup every weekend and can help my team win. The only numbers that matter to me are if the team can come up with two points each game we play.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets traveled to Cleveland last weekend and suffered a two-game sweep at the hands of the Jr. Lumberjacks.

Saturday night, Dallas Szustak scored with 4:29 to play in the third period to snap a 1-1 tie and Cleveland held on to beat the Jets 3-1.

Chapie scored Metro’s lone goal and goalie Austin Julvezan made his season debut and stopped 31 shots.

Cleveland finished the sweep with a 7-1 win Sunday afternoon.

Andrew Palushaj scored the Jets' only goal to briefly tie the game at 1-1 late in the first period. Julvezan made 34 saves.

“Last weekend was kind of the tale of two teams,” said Metro captain Matt Stirling. “We played extremely well in the first game and fought all the way to the end, but we just came up short. The second game as a team we did not play well at all in any phase of the game and for as good as Saturday’s game was, Sunday’s game kind of overshadowed Saturday’s good performance.”

The Jets (2-2-0-0) return home to Lakeland Arena this weekend for two games with the Three Rivers Vengeance. Game time is 7:50 p.m. Saturday night and 2:50 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

 JET STREAKS

Last week, forward Kyle Shreve was released and Palushaj was added to the roster.

Palushaj, a 19-year-old Livonia native, is the younger brother of NHL prospect Aaron Palushaj, a one-time Michigan Wolverine (2007-09) who has seen action in 41 games with Montreal the past two seasons.

Andrew Palushaj played 19 games with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes last year and was named Division I First Team All-State in 2011 while playing for Livonia Stevenson High School.

This past Tuesday, defenseman Tim Foley was released. Foley played in all four games for the Jets, recording three assists (all on the power play).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Goaltender Devin Williams played 19 games with the Jets last year before signing with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters and staying in the OHL the rest of the season.

Williams was drafted by the Otters in the fifth round of the 2011 OHL draft.

With the Jets, the Saginaw native went 9-9-0 with a 3.88 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage.

This year in Erie, Williams, who doesn’t turn 17 until Oct. 30, will battle for playing time with Swedish goalie Oscar Dansk.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Captain's Corner - Getting swept by Cleveland, weekend ahead

Each week during the 2012-13 season, Metro Jets’ captain Matt Stirling will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League grind.

-- On getting swept last weekend in Cleveland. 

Last weekend was kind of the tale of two teams. We played extremely well in the first game and fought all the way to the end, we just came up short in our 3-1 loss. The second game as a team we did not play well at all in any phase of the game and for as good as Saturday game was, Sunday’s game kind of overshadowed Saturday’s good performance. 

-- On what went wrong in Cleveland. 

Overall, it was just one weekend of games against a very competitive and highly skilled Cleveland team. We go back to work today and prepare for a Three Rivers team that plays a very aggressive style and competes to the end of every game. In practice, we will continue to improve and prepare for our next set of games. 

-- On any positives to be taken from the Cleveland series. 

Even with the two losses last weekend, we still played well in the first game and competed all the way through that game. I think that was the best we had played so far and we came up just a little short. 

-- On what to expect this weekend against Three Rivers. 

Three Rivers brings back a couple of players from last year’s team that can put up points very quickly. They play a very aggressive style that makes other teams match it or fold under the pressure. We will stress this in practice this week and we will hope to take advantage of some of their miscues because of this style of play. As always, I expect to come out and have a competitive series in which I expect to take four points.