Monday, December 23, 2013

Dynamic Jets' forward Linville earns shot in NAHL with Port Huron

WATERFORD, Mich. – Kevin Shand. Trevor Kalinowski. Now, Lucas Linville.

Over the first half of the North American 3 Hockey League season, the Metro Jets have moved three players to the North American Hockey League with Linville being the third as he’s been called up to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

Earlier this year, Shand earned a recall to the Springfield Jr. Blues and Kalinowski dressed one game as a backup goaltender for Port Huron.

Linville signed with the Jets at the beginning of December after starting the season in the Central Canada Hockey League with the Brockville Braves.

In his debut game with Metro on Dec. 7, Linville tallied a hat trick, with his third goal the overtime winner at home against the Pittsburgh Vengeance. He wound up with seven goals in five games in a Jets’ uniform.

“I talked to Coach Q (Justin Quenneville) and he told me to play my game and the NA teams will watch,” said Linville, a 19-year-old native of Whitmore Lake, Mich. “Port Huron was the team to contact Coach. My time with the Jets was very fun. The guys are all real nice, as well as the coaches, and they really try to get the players moved on to the next level.

“Coach Q helped prepare me (for the NAHL) with little tips and putting me out in key situations. He showed me ways to use my body better to get to the net.”

“I think after we lost Kevin (Shand), we lost a little bit of finish,” added Quenneville. “We’ve got a hard-working team that can open up the ice for guys like Lucas.”

Quenneville also said after the Pittsburgh OT win that of Linville kept up the effort, he wouldn’t be with the Jets much longer.

Coming to the Jets happened on a whim for Linville and it never hurts when that whim includes a Jets’ connection.

“I knew (Metro assistant coach) Randy Wilson because my friend is a goalie and Randy had me come shoot on him,” explained Linville, who played for the Belle Tire Midget Major AAA team in 2012-13. “So the first thing I did when I got home was talk to Randy about what I should do to try to further my playing. I wanted to play in the CCHL, but after I went there and didn’t like it, I made getting to the NA my next focus.”

Port Huron doesn’t play again until Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, ironically enough on the road in Springfield, but Linville plans on making his mark once he gets his start with the Fighting Falcons.

”I plan on just playing my game and not being afraid to make a mistake,” said Linville. “If you play inside your comfort zone you don't get better, you only stay the same.”

JET STREAKS 

For a complete list of all Jets’ alumni over their 25 years in junior hockey, click this link: http://metrojetshockey.pointstreaksites.com/view/metrojets/alumni-58 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Vinnie Pietrangelo, a defenseman who was the Jets’ first-round pick in 2009 out of Traverse City West High School, played two seasons at NCAA Division III Finlandia University from 2010-12 and is now an assistant coach at Big Rapids High School.

During the 2009-10 season for Metro, Pietrangelo, who turns 23 on Thursday, scored a power-play goal in the first game of the season and added eight assists for nine points in 47 games.

At Finlandia, Pietrangelo skated in 36 games, contributing two assists.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Toledo scores in final minute, beats Jets Friday night

TOLEDO, Ohio - Austin Turner's goal at 19:12 of the third period was all the Toledo Cherokee needed in a 1-0 win Friday night over the Metro Jets at the Team Toledo Ice House.

Kam Limburg stopped 33 shots in the Metro net.

The Jets (12-16-2) are now off for the holidays before returning to action on Saturday, Jan. 4, in Toledo.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Jets double up Mountain Cats Wednesday night in Fraser

FRASER, Mich. - The Metro Jets used four different goal-scorers to down the Michigan Mountain Cats 4-2 Wednesday night at Fraser Hockeyland.

Cody Jones, Kenny Forton, Lucas Linville and Matt Dempsey tallied the goals, while Brad Hepler and Zach MacKay each had two assists.

Linville now has seven goals in his four games with the Jets this season.

Trevor Kalinowski finished with 27 saves for his second straight win in goal.

The Jets (12-15-2) finish out the 2013 calendar with a trip to Toledo to play the Cherokee Friday night at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Even in the face of adversity, Jets' McLean showing drive, focus

WATERFORD, Mich. – Cooper McLean was an offensive juggernaut last season as a senior forward with Farmington High School.

McLean led the Falcons with 40 points and was a Division III Second Team All-State selection before signing a tender agreement to play in the North American 3 Hockey League with the Metro Jets.

Currently, the 18-year-old McLean has five goals and five assists for 10 points with the Jets, but his offense has been coming along recently, albeit in the face of adversity.

McLean’s father, Don, passed away at the age of 64 after a long illness back on Nov. 22.

“My dad made it his goal that me and him would be best friends, there was no gray area to that, so me and him were very close,” said McLean. “Growing up, he would be that dad that came to everything, games, practice, and even off-ice training just because he loved watching me get better. He definitely was a big part of my hockey life and helped me become the player I am today.”

Knowing his father’s last days were close, McLean did what only he could do and that was play hockey. The day Don passed, McLean was in suburban Chicago with the Jets at the NA3HL Showcase event.

McLean just got off the team bus when his mother called to tell him the news. Earlier that day, McLean scored Metro’s lone goal in an 8-1 loss to the Granite City Lumberjacks. He followed that up with two more goals in the team’s next two games at the Showcase.

“Those goals were definitely for my dad,” said McLean. “He, for sure, gave me the motivation.”

Jets’ coach Justin Quenneville said he’s been impressed by the way McLean has carried himself over the past month.

“These young men are incredible and I learn something new from them everyday,” Quenneville said. “Coop’s taught me so much and I can’t imagine what he went through over Thanksgiving, but the kids have been so resilient and so supportive of him, being what went on at the start of the season as well. It’s not unfamiliar territory, but it speaks volumes of his character to be positive and to bring that work ethic and drive on the ice.

“He’s been playing great hockey lately and I know his father is looking down on him and supporting him as well.”

Earlier this season, Metro forward Zach MacKay lost his father, Ron, under similar circumstances. McLean knew this and leaned on MacKay, quite literally, once Don died.

“When I found out, MacKay was the first one there to give me a hug, so yeah, he was definitely helping me out through it all,” said McLean. “In a way, I feel like ever since then, at least for me, our team has never been closer. We all have realized that we’re brothers and we’re getting through this together.”

McLean added that his game is starting to kick into high gear and hopes that momentum continues over the second half after the holidays.

"I want to be playing more physical and playing better defensively – that's probably my No. 1 goal by the end of the year,” McLean said. “From a personal standpoint, I think I started out slow and now, I'm starting to get the feel for the NA3 and hopefully, I start to turn things around. As a team, I think we started out as just a bunch of players on a team just playing hockey, but now we’re a team and we're definitely starting to play better.”

After the two games this week, the Jets break for the holidays, but McLean won’t be far from hockey.

“I don’t plan on doing anything really special, just spending time with friends and family,” said McLean. “And a lot of pond hockey.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD 

Lucas Linville continued his torrid scoring pace and notched two more goals as the Jets downed the Michigan Mountain Cats 4-2 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

Linville now has six goals in three games with the Jets.

Alex Holm and Jets' captain Josh Beleski also scored to go along with a 19-save effort from goaltender Trevor Kalinowski.

“I felt like we definitely took it to them early,” said Quenneville. “We knew they were going to be tired playing three-in-three, but we didn’t want to let that affect our game plan. Overall, a win’s a win, but I would have liked to see us put the game away earlier.”

Brad Hepler chipped in three assists and Carter Reid added a pair of helpers for the Jets (11-15-2).

The two teams have a short turnaround, facing each other tonight at Fraser Hockeyland. Puck drop is slated for 6:45 p.m.

“It's always good to get a win,” added Beleski. “Now all we have to do is keep winning because if we want to make the playoffs, we can't keep winning a game and then losing two or three. If we continue to play our game, then we will be fine.”

The Jets wrap up the 2013 calendar year with a game in Toledo at 7 p.m. against the Cherokee at the Team Toledo Ice House.

JET STREAKS 

After practice Tuesday, the Jets gathered for an impromptu photo to wish everyone the best this holiday season. The photo can be seen on www.metrojetshockey.com, as well as on the Jets’ Twitter account (@MetroJetsHockey) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/metro.jets.hockey).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

The Canadian Hockey League, in association with the three regional leagues, the host Calgary Hitmen of the WHL and BMO Financial Group, announced last week the 40 CHL players that will compete in the 2014 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Calgary, Alberta, on Jan. 15, 2014.

One of the 40 players chosen was Plymouth Whalers' goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who played for the Jets last season, and is looked at as a possible first-round pick next June in Philadelphia. He is currently ranked No. 30 (last pick of the first round) by Red Line Report, an independent scouting newsletter.

Nedeljkovic, a 17-year-old native of Parma, Ohio, went 5-3-0 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage in nine games with the Jets.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Captain's Corner - Mountain Cats home-and-home, three goalies

Each week during the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Josh Beleski will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League season, the 25th for the Jets as a junior franchise. 

-- On beating the Mountain Cats Sunday afternoon at home.

Yeah, I think it's always good to get a win. Now all we have to do is keep winning because if we want to make the playoffs, we can't keep winning a game and then losing two or three. But if we continue to play our game, then we will be fine.

-- On the Jets' current three-goalie rotation with Trevor Kalinowski, Kam Limburg and Davide Mantovani.

I think we truly have three of the top 10 goalies in the league. That is my opinion, though, and I only say this because I see them everyday and I know what they are capable of. I don't think we have a No. 1 goalie because they all have had some bad games, but then again, they have had some outstanding games as well.

-- On Wednesday night's game on the road against the Mountain Cats.

We have a very quick turnaround, but I think we are ready to play again. I don't think much will change with our one practice. We will probably work on some fundamentals and fine-tune some simple mistakes. Then it's time to get a big win the next day.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Linville nets two more, lifts Jets over Mountain Cats Sunday

WATERFORD, Mich. - Lucas Linville continued his torrid scoring pace and notched two more goals as the Metro Jets downed the Michigan Mountain Cats 4-2 Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

Linville now has six goals in three games with the Jets.

Alex Holm and Jets' captain Josh Beleski also scored to go along with a 19-save effort from goaltender Trevor Kalinowski.

Brad Hepler chipped in three assists and Carter Reid added a pair of helpers for the Jets (11-15-2).

For the Mountain Cats, Guy Soulliere and Abram Prince each recorded a goal and an assist and Max Vance assisted on both goals.

Walker Bass made 35 saves between the pipes in the loss.

The two teams have a short turnaround, facing each other Wednesday night at Fraser Hockeyland. Puck drop slated for 6:45 p.m.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Ex-Jets' goalie Nedeljkovic named to CHL Top Prospects Game

CHL Press Release 

The Canadian Hockey League, in association with the three regional leagues, the host Calgary Hitmen of the WHL and BMO Financial Group, today announced the 40 CHL players that will compete in the 2014 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Calgary, Alberta, on Jan. 15, 2014.

The 40 CHL players competing in the game were chosen by the 30 NHL clubs and divided into teams by NHL Central Scouting and include 20 players from the Ontario Hockey League, 13 players from the Western Hockey League, and seven players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

One of the 40 players chosen was Plymouth Whalers' goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who played for the Metro Jets last season, and is looked at as a possible first-round pick next June in Philadelphia.

Nedeljkovic, a 17-year-old native of Parma, Ohio, went 5-3-0 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage in nine games with the Jets.

“The BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is one of the highlights of the hockey calendar and we are excited to showcase 40 of the league’s top prospects eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft to the passionate hockey fans in Calgary and to CHL fans across Canada watching live on Sportsnet and TVA Sports,” said CHL president David Branch. “Since 1996 the CHL’s top prospects have had the opportunity to showcase their skills in this event before hundreds of NHL scouts and general managers in attendance. Congratulations to all 40 players selected this season representing the next wave of talent to the NHL.”

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Kalinowski using brief NAHL stint as confidence-booster

WATERFORD, Mich. – Trevor Kalinowski admits he isn’t having the greatest year with the Metro Jets in terms of personal statistics, but even so, the higher levels have come calling.

Last week, the Port Huron Fighting Falcons of the North American Hockey League saw one of their goalies, Alex Blankenburg, get injured and the team was looking for a backup to Max Milosek in Friday night’s game against the Michigan Warriors, a game Port Huron lost 5-4 in a shootout.

 The Fighting Falcons called on Kalinowski, who practiced with Port Huron last Thursday.

“(Port Huron) Coach (Michael) Gershon got into contact with (Jets’ coach Justin Quenneville) and before I knew it, I was on my way up to practice with the Fighting Falcons,” explained Kalinowski, an 18-year-old from Commerce Township. “It was definitely a first-class organization and everyone in the front office and rink staff were very helpful. The practice was a high-performance preparation for Friday’s game. The game Friday night was amazing, although we couldn't pull off the win. My teammates were very serious come game time and in the locker room, we all were on the same page. We had a job to do Friday and that was winning whatever the cost.”

Ironically enough, the Warriors’ backup was former Jets’ goaltender Dillon Kelley (2011-12).

Quenneville said he’s hoping Kalinowski can use his time with the Fighting Falcons to help his game progress even more at the NA3HL level.

“It was a good opportunity for him to not only see what it takes to play at the next level, but to see pucks in a different environment,” said Quenneville. “We have a great relationship with Port Huron, as well as with a lot of other teams in the North American Hockey League and it was a great stepping stone for (Kalinowski) to get a little exposure and build on his learning curve. Hopefully, he takes this experience as a positive and builds additional confidence to take his game to the next level.”

So far this year with the Jets, Kalinowski is 4-5-0-1 with a 4.24 goals-against average and a .874 save percentage playing in a goalie trio with Kam Limburg and Davide Mantovani.

“From a personal standpoint, I've had a rough start, but I'm not letting it affect my goals,” Kalinowski said. “The team has been in a bit of a slump in October and November, but with a nice win over Minnesota (at the NA3HL Showcase) and Pittsburgh this past weekend, I have much confidence in my teammates that we will get the job done Sunday against Michigan.”

Kalinowski played through a goalie rotation last year with any combination of Alex Nedeljkovic, Riley Corbin, Austin Julvezan and Luke DuBois and went 6-7-0 with a 3.50 GAA and a .898 save percentage.

“This year, it’s a little similar to last season, but we have more rotation giving each of us a breather after a big win or a day to review where we can improve,” Kalinowski said. “We all support each other. The more wins the three of us get, the closer we are to our goal this season – the playoffs.”

From an individual outlook, Kalinowski credits Metro assistant coach and goalie coach Randy Wilson with his improved game over the past 15 months.

“Randy has made me into the goaltender I am today,” boasted Kalinowski. “He’s fine-tuned my skill set and refined my style so that I can reach my full potential. This year, I've improved a lot in all areas of my game. I got faster through training, stronger to stand my ground and fight through screens for the puck and my angle square and patience for the puck, not to mention awareness on the ice. Recently, I've been working on my rebound control to make my defensemen's job easier not having to worry about second chances.”

Through all that, getting a small sniff of the NAHL drives Kalinowski now more than ever.

“The small taste I got from the two days has only made me that much hungrier to get to the next level, whether it’s Port Huron or any other team in the NA,” said Kalinowski. “Personally, my goal is to get another call to the NA, but my expectations for the team from here on out are to make the playoffs. We have the talent and hard work to win games and make a run for the playoffs.”

JET STREAKS 

On Monday, the Jets traded 18-year-old defenseman Luke Thom to the Topeka Capitals for fellow defenseman Niko Greco, a 19-year-old native of St. Clair Shores.

In 19 games with Topeka, Greco registered a goal and two assists for three points along with 123 penalty minutes.

Thom, acquired on Sept. 12 from the North Iowa Bulls, picked up a goal and an assist with a plus-2 rating in 20 games with the Jets.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Sean Hogan, who played for the Metro Jets during the 1994-95 season, has been named an assistant coach for the United States at the World University Games that start this week in Trentino, Italy.

Hogan, was the head coach of the Oakland University ACHA team from 2005-2009, winning an ACHA Division I national championship in 2007 and an ACHA Division II national championship in 2006. Hogan was also an assistant coach for OU when the Grizzlies won the 2004 ACHA Division II national title.

Team USA started the tournament with a 2-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Captain's Corner - Overtime, Linville, helping Kevin Kenny

Each week during the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Josh Beleski will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League season, the 25th for the Jets as a junior franchise. 

-- On going 1-1 in overtime games last weekend at home against Pittsburgh.

I think we had a really good weekend. We had our moments when we could have played a little stronger, but we bounced back and made up for our mistakes instead of getting down on ourselves. It sucked that we lost in overtime (on Sunday), but it happens. We came away with three out of four points, so I think everyone is happy with our results this past weekend.

-- On positives from the weekend.

There were a ton of positives in the past two games, but the most important thing is that we played hard all game and when we were down a goal, we just kept fighting and that's something we haven't done in a long time. From here on out, if we continue to play like we did, then we will be just fine.

-- On the signing of new forward Lucas Linville.

Linville is a great guy. He fits right in with the team, so that helps a lot. I think he brings a great vibe into the locker room – he is always smiling and joking around. What impressed me the most were his on-ice skills. I won't lie – he is pretty unreal. He does all the right things when he is on the ice and I think he will be a big help in making the playoffs this season.
 
-- On the Jets donating all gate proceeds last weekend to injured Pittsburgh forward Kevin Kenny.

I think it's great that we gave all our gate proceeds to the Kenny family. Even though we are all out there beating each other up and talking crap to each other, in the end, we are all one big family. That's the thing I love about hockey. Even though we may not know the person or play on their team, we all have one thing in common and that is we love to play the game of hockey and when someone is taken away from the sport, in a way, it affects us all because hockey is more than just a game – it's a way of life. My prayers go out to the Kenny family and I wish Kevin the best of luck.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Jets downed by Pittsburgh in overtime Sunday

WATERFORD, Mich. - The Metro Jets and Pittsburgh Vengeance went to overtime for the second consecutive game Sunday afternoon and for the Jets, their third OT game in a row.

After Lucas Linville was the hero Saturday night for the Jets, Cody Black was the spoiler Sunday at Lakeland Arena, scoring at the 3:10 mark of extra time to lift the Vengeance to a 3-2 win.

Alex Holm had a goal and an assist for the Jets, while Brad Hepler scored the game-tying tally early in the third period for Metro.

Jets' goaltender Davide Mantovani finished with 20 saves in suffering the loss.

The Jets (10-15-2) next play the Michigan Mountain Cats next Sunday afternoon (Dec. 15) at Lakeland with an 11:50 a.m. opening faceoff.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Newcomer Linville tallies tying goal, OT winner Saturday night

WATERFORD, Mich. - Metro Jets' newcomer Lucas Linville scored the game-tying goal in the final minute of the third period and then completed his hat trick with the game-winner 30 seconds into overtime to lift the Jets past the Pittsburgh Vengeance 4-3 Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

 Linville, a 19-year-old from Whitmore Lake, practiced with the Jets earlier in the week and made his debut Saturday night.

"Obviously, you saw the dynamic he brought to our team tonight," said Metro coach Justin Quenneville. "It's funny, but tonight and the way he played for his first game in a while, he definitely brought the intensity and the level of offense that we needed."

Linville started this season with the Brockville Braves of the Central Canada Hockey League, where he had five points in 26 games.

James Roznowski also scored for the Jets, while Kameron Limburg made 21 saves for the win in net.

Robert Kinsey and Chris McCambridge each had a goal and an assist for the Vengeance.

The two teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday with an 11:50 a.m. puck drop.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Jets' coach Quenneville finding comfort zone in Waterford

WATERFORD, Mich. – Justin Quenneville has been behind the Metro Jets’ bench a little more than two months and while the players say they have adjusted to his coaching style, the same can be said for Quenneville in regards to the players.

A former pro player and coach in the North American Hockey League, Quenneville took over Sept. 30 when Jason Cirone stepped down to start up the new ACHA Division I program at Midland College in Fremont, Neb.

Quenneville inherited a group of players that he said show heart, character and a willingness to compete on a daily basis, but haven’t seen results consistently on the scoreboard.

“We have to find a way to compete night in and night out for 60 minutes,” said Quenneville. “We’re doing a better job at that, but it would be nice to get rewarded at the end of the night. We’re just going to keep finding ways to tweak and get those goals where we can find them.”

Getting acclimated to the North American 3 Hockey League level of play has been a smooth transition for Quenneville and he said it all boils down to one simple passion.

“I enjoy the game,” Quenneville said. “It’s so hard to not want to see kids succeed. You not only have to develop them and teach, but a lot of our job is to develop them as young men, too. That’s been the biggest adjustment for me, is that a lot of these kids aren’t that far off (from progressing to higher levels of hockey). There’s a reason these kids are here and everyone’s got their story, but you still have to be able to succeed at the level you’re in and show you don’t deserve to play here.

“The biggest thing for me is that night in and night out during games, not only do you have to compete, but play at the level you want to be at, not at the level you’re at, which will show for good habits. I think the learning curve takes a little longer here, but that’s the rewarding part. We’ve beaten some big teams and had some big games since I’ve been here.”

At the end of the day, Quenneville stresses the old adage of hard work paying off and that couldn’t be more true in Waterford.

 “I love the guys and I want to see them get rewarded for their hard work,” said Quenneville. “If we can continue to head in the right direction, we’ll up that learning curve.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets were idle last weekend after going 1-3 at the NA3HL Showcase in Romeoville, Ill., two weekends ago.

This weekend, Metro hosts the Pittsburgh Vengeance for two games at Lakeland Arena that will have an emotional feel to them.

Back on November 16, Vengeance forward Kevin Kenny sustained a severe spinal cord injury in a game against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks. After two surgeries, Kevin remains in the hospital where he’ll continue to be cared for and monitored until enough time passes to allow for a more thorough diagnosis.

With the Vengeance in town this weekend, all gate proceeds from the two games will be directly donated to the Kenny family to help offset the growing medical bills.

Donations will also be taken by the Jets’ staff.

Game times are Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:50 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 11:50 a.m.

JET STREAKS 

Forward Cooper McLean scored goals in three straight games at the Showcase.

In the finale of the Showcase, Jets’ defenseman Brad Hepler scored in the final minute to tie the game and then Alex Holm netted the overtime winner to lift Metro past the Minnesota Flying Aces 6-5 on Nov. 25.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Devin Williams was named the OHL Goaltender of the Month for November after posting a perfect 9-0-0-0 record, including two shutout victories while earning a goals-against average of 1.95 and save percentage of .925.

Williams made 196 saves last month and helped the Erie Otters climb to first place in the OHL standings where they currently hold a 23-4-1-0 record.

He began the month with a 28-save performance, earning first star honors with his second shutout of the season Nov. 2 in a 6-0 win over the Niagara IceDogs. He also claimed first star honors on Nov. 15 with 18 saves as part of a 3-0 win over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Williams, an 18-year-old from Saginaw, Mich., is playing in his third OHL season with the Otters.

Eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft, Williams is tied for the OHL lead with three shutouts and has an overall record of 11-1-0-0. He ranks fifth in the league with a goals-against average of 2.56 and carries a .905 save percentage in 12 games.

Williams played for the Jets during the 2011-12 season, going 9-9-0 with a 3.88 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage.