Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Second-year Jets' defenseman Krajewski improving overall game

WATERFORD, Mich. – T.J. Krajewski is literally immersed in hockey 24/7.

A second-year defenseman with the Metro Jets, Krajewski works each day to progress his game and make strides, all while taking instruction from the Jets’ coaching staff.

One of the Jets’ assistant coaches is Krajewski’s father, Tom, a longtime youth hockey coach in Michigan.

According to the younger Krajewski, playing for his dad has never been a problem and in fact, is quite a privilege.

“It has been fairly easy,” said the 19-year-old from Macomb, Mich. “He doesn't really say much to me on the bench, but when he does, it's usually helpful and he explains what I could have done. He is just ‘Coach’ to me all the time – I rarely call him dad. When the boys come over, he is still just Coach. He is friends with everyone on the team and everybody loves him.”

Last year as a rookie with the Jets, Krajewski tallied two goals and 11 points in 35 games and this year, has recorded four goals and 12 points over 39 games.

Last offseason, Krajewski attempted to crack a North American Hockey League lineup, but when that fell through, it was a win-win situation to come back and skate in Waterford.

“I feel like I have gotten a lot faster in the last two seasons and have been able to make decisions faster on the ice,” Krajewski said. “Coach Q (Jets’ head coach Justin Quenneville) has his own gym (Michigan Athletic Training in Fraser) that me and fellow teammates Davide Mantovani and Carter Reid work out at three times a week. (Quenneville) has helped me out with my first three steps, which are now more explosive. Q is also a great coach that wants to see everyone move up to the NAHL. He really has helped me with my defensive and offensive abilities.”

Krajewski also talked of the numerous opportunities to get noticed by playing in the NA3HL.

“There are always some scouts at our games every time we play,” explained Krajewski. “When we went to the showcase in Chicago (last November), there were scouts everywhere and even though we struggled in the showcase a bit, there were still scouts at our games and Q always tries to sell us to the scouts that come.”

Those scouts will also have a say where Krajewski plays for the 2014-15 season, but for now, the priorities lie in getting Metro into the post-season.

”My short-term goals as of right now are to make playoffs and play for the Silver Cup,” said Krajewski. “Long-term is to play college hockey and move on from there.”

JET STREAKS 

The Jets have won 10 games at Lakeland Arena and 10 games on the road this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Jack McCoy played with the Jets during the team’s early years and has worked his way up to be an on-ice official at the American Hockey League level.

McCoy, a Livonia, Mich., native who played NCAA Division III college hockey at Oswego State in the SUNYAC, has also worked as an on-ice official in the Ontario Hockey League, ECHL, International Hockey League and United Hockey League.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Captain's Corner - Pittsburgh shootout, time off, watching Toledo

Each week for the rest of the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Zack MacKay 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 losing Saturday in Pittsburgh, then winning in a shootout Sunday.

The win was big and we needed it – the points, the confidence. Just a step closer to a playoff spot.

-- On having the upcoming weekend off.

Having a weekend off will be a much-needed break for the guys, especially those who played in the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament – seven games in nine days took a lot out of us. Watching the scores of the Toledo games this weekend will be tough, but we'll all be hoping for the best to help our situation. We're all hoping the cards fall into place for all situations out of our hands.

-- On practice this week.

Practice will be good and it should have us more than ready for our last games against Toledo. The rest is up to us – nobody's going to hand it to us.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Metro keeps playoff hopes alive, beats Pittsburgh in shootout

PITTSBURGH - Sunday's game between the Metro Jets and Pittsburgh Vengeance couldn't be solved in 60 minutes of regulation or a five-minute overtime.

Dramatically, the Jets came away with a 2-1 shootout win as goaltender Kam Limburg stopped all four Vengeance shooters in the shootout.

Cooper McLean scored the regulation goal for the Jets and Limburg stopped 27 shots in his 65 minutes of work.

Pittsburgh goalie Jason Kumpfmiller made 34 saves at the other end.

The Jets (20-24-2) are still battling the Toledo Cherokee for the fourth and final East Division playoff spot. Metro is idle next weekend, but Toledo plays three games - one against Cleveland and two against Flint.

After next weekend, the Jets and Cherokee will each have played 46 games before playing one another March 7-8 in a home-and-home series that could decide the final playoff berth.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Shreve scores first goal, but Jets lose 3-1 in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH - Kyle Shreve scored the game's first goal for the Metro Jets, but the Pittsburgh Vengeance notched the next three en route to a 3-1 win over the Jets Saturday night at Blade Runners USA.

Metro goaltender Trevor Kalinowski stopped 18 shots through 58:06 before Davide Mantovani played 25 seconds and turned aside the only shot he faced.

Jason Kumpfmiller made 32 saves to get the win for the Vengeance.

The two teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday at noon.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Metro rookie Baranoski playing season with heavy heart


WATERFORD, Mich. – You might say Travis Baranoski went on a roller coaster ride last summer without ever traveling to Cedar Point.

First, he graduated from East Grand Rapids High School after playing on the school’s varsity hockey team all four years.

Then he was drafted by the Metro Jets in the ninth round (152nd overall) of the North American 3 Hockey League draft.

Baranoski looked to have everything going for him – until the fateful morning of Aug. 18, the day he was supposed to be moving away from home to play for the Jets.

Keeland Johns, Baranoski’s best friend, was tragically killed by a drunk driver that morning, leaving a void in Baranoski’s life, but giving him motivation to get to Waterford and make an impact with the Jets.

“This season is dedicated to Keeland,” said a still-emotional Baranoski. “He was No. 25 in high school and I wear that number in honor of him.

”He came to East Grand Rapids when he was a freshman and we were always friends, but then our senior year, we became really close and we probably didn't go more than 2-3 days at a time without seeing each other last summer.”

Earlier this season, Keeland’s mother, Kriste Johns-Weber, took in a Jets’ game and put a smile on Baranoski’s face in the process (pictured above).

”My friends and I go over to their house a lot and talk to her as often as possible,” explained Baranoski. “And I know she goes to a lot of East hockey games. We just try and keep her social and make sure she knows she's not alone.”

With the Jets, Baranoski has tallied four goals and four assists in 43 games this season and the 18-year-old Walker, Mich., native attributes his development and adjustment to the NA3HL level to a number of different aspects.

“I think the area my game has improved the most is my speed,” Baranoski said. “I'm way faster than I was last year and I credit that to our gym memberships at Fitness 19. We've put in a lot of work there and it's showing in my game. The coaches have helped me a lot in my development. They've pointed out a lot of small habits that hurt me as a player that prior coaches had not and it has helped me become a smarter hockey player and has really simplified the game for me.”

During the spring of 2013, Baranoski was introduced to Metro assistant coach Randy Wilson by Todd Bell, a Grand Rapids-area youth hockey coach and Baranoski went down to Waterford for a handful of spring conditioning skates with the club and was subsequently drafted in June.

“I think playing at East Grand Rapids helped me out a lot in preparing for this season,” said Baranoski, who lives with extended family in Rochester, Mich. “I played all four years and that's where I really learned to focus on playing the defensive zone and focusing on the details. It really made me the player I am today.

“As for the NA3, I think it provides a lot more exposure than most people give it credit for. I've personally been talked to by a few schools and I know my teammates have been talked to by more. I've also watched a lot of my teammates get opportunities at higher level such as Kevin Shand (NAHL’s Springfield Jr. Blues, USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders) and Lucas Linville (NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons), which is really cool to see.”

And on that note, Baranoski has his eye on moving up next season, but those opportunities will come.

Right now, his priorities are right where they should be.

”My short-term goals are to finish the season strong and do anything I can to help my teammates and the team overall to succeed,” said Baranoski. “Personally in the long term, my goal is to move up, but at this time I'm trying to focus on this team and this season.”

All while knowing that the name on the front of the jersey matters most, the number on the back is just as special.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD 

Last weekend, the Jets were looking for four points to gain ground in their hunt for a playoff spot, but came up with only two points.

T.J. Krajewski's goal at 13:36 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie and the Jets held on to defeat the Toledo Cherokee 2-1 Friday night at the Team Toledo Ice House.

Kyle Shreve also scored for Metro and captain Zack MacKay assisted on both goals.

Jets' goaltender Kam Limburg made 38 saves between the pipes.

Metro jumped out to a 3-0 advantage, but lost the lead and the game in a 4-3 loss Saturday night to the Cherokee at Lakeland Arena.

Dominic Antonelli's goal at 1:12 of the third period broke the 3-3 tie and put the Cherokee ahead to stay.

Alex Holm, James Roznowski and MacKay scored for the Jets, while Limburg stopped 23 shots between the pipes.

With the loss, the Jets are six points behind Toledo for the fourth and final playoff berth in the East Division. Metro has four games remaining, while Toledo has six.

“The mood is still loose and fun like it has been all year, but it sort of goes unsaid that there is a big, heightened sense of urgency,” said Baranoski. “We don't necessarily talk about it. We just understand what the task is and what it calls for us to do. We want to make the playoffs and we know we need to play urgently, but we also know we can't play nervous and up-tight, so we keep it loose as much as we can.”

The Jets (19-23-2) next travel to Pittsburgh for two with the Vengeance this weekend at Blade Runners USA. Game time is 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and then a noon start on Sunday.

“With the final road trip coming up, I'm hoping it helps bring everyone closer and really get everyone on the same page,” MacKay said. “A sweep on the road would be huge for us and I'm sure we can do it if we can play two games for the full 60 minutes.”

JET STREAKS 

Five Jets took part in the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament this week at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Mich.

The Jets were represented on Team East by MacKay and defensemen Brad Hepler and Carter Reid, while Holm and Shreve played for Team South.

Monday, MacKay had two assists in Team East's 6-3 win over Team South and Shreve scored for Team South, on a secondary assist from Holm.

Then on Tuesday, Reid had an assist on the East’s lone goal in a 9-1 loss to Team West, while Shreve scored again in Team South’s 6-4 loss to Team Central.

Finishing up on Wednesday, Reid scored and MacKay picked up an assist as Team Central downed Team East 6-4. Shreve then scored for the third game in a row, but Team South was routed 8-1 by Team West.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Cam Bazin, who was a forward with the Jets during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, hung up the skates in 2012 to play college lacrosse at Olivet College, located some 30 miles south of Lansing and 125 miles west of Detroit in Olivet, Mich.

Last season, the 21-year-old Troy, Mich., native had a record-setting season for the Comets.

In 2012-13, Bazin earned second-team All-MIAA honors and helped Olivet post a 10-7 record in its inaugural season of men’s lacrosse. He led team in virtually every statistical category – goals (69), points (99), shots (208), shots on-goal (127), man-up goals (10) and groundballs (144).

Bazin also now holds single-game school records for points (11), goals (9), shots (19) and groundballs (15), while his 69 goals tied for the lead among all NCAA Division III men’s lacrosse players and was second in goals per game (4.06) and fourth in points per game (5.82).

In 2010-11, Bazin tallied three goals and 10 points in 36 games with the Jets and the following year, rang up seven goals and 20 points in 32 games.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Captain's Corner - Toledo, NA3HL Top Prospects, Pittsburgh

Each week for the rest of the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Zack MacKay 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 splitting with Toledo, the team they are chasing for the final East Division playoff berth, this past weekend.

Friday’s win was much needed, while the loss Saturday won't make or break us getting a playoff spot – it was still a huge disappointment.

-- On the chances of still making the NA3HL playoffs.

The team knows what's needed from here on out and at this point, it's do or die. We could possibly get away with one loss, but that would put a lot of weight on our shoulders from there on out.

-- On his role as captain at this stage of the season.

As captain, I really need to keep the team focused and motivated on and off the ice. I try to lead by example – a big hit, a solid penalty kill, a shorthanded goal, anything I can do.

-- On playing in the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament this week with teammates Kyle Shreve, Alex Holm, Carter Reid and Brad Hepler.

This week at Top Prospects, we all hope to play well and play our game, keeping it simple and sticking to our strengths. Each one of us would like to get noticed at the showcase, but I'm sure so would everyone else. Keeping it simple would likely help us stick out.

-- On next weekend's road trip to Pittsburgh.

With the final road trip coming up, I'm hoping it helps bring everyone closer and really get everyone on the same page. A sweep on the road would be huge for us and I'm sure we can do it if we can play two games for the full 60 minutes.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Jets' playoff hopes take step back, lose Saturday to Cherokee

WATERFORD, Mich. - The Metro Jets jumped out to a 3-0 advantage, but lost the lead and the game in a 4-3 loss Saturday night to the Toledo Cherokee at Lakeland Arena.

Dominic Antonelli's goal at 1:12 of the third period snapped the 3-3 tie and put the Cherokee ahead to stay.

Alex Holm, James Roznowski and captain Zack MacKay scored for the Jets, while Kam Limburg stopped 23 shots between the pipes.

With the loss, the Jets are six points behind Toledo for the fourth and final playoff berth in the East Division. Metro has four games remaining, while Toledo has six.

The Jets (19-23-2) next travel to Pittsburgh for two with the Vengeance Feb. 22-23 at Blade Runners USA. Game time is 7:30 p.m. next Saturday and then noon Sunday.

Prior to that, five Jets will participate in the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament from Feb. 17-19 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Mich.

The Jets will be represented on Team East by MacKay and defensemen Brad Hepler and Carter Reid, while Holm and fellow forward Kyle Shreve will play for Team South.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Krajewski, Limburg lift Jets past Cherokee Friday night

TOLEDO, Ohio - T.J. Krajewski's goal at 13:36 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie and the Metro Jets held on to defeat the Toledo Cherokee 2-1 Friday night at the Team Toledo Ice House.

With the win, the Jets move to within four points of fourth-place Toledo for the final East Division playoff berth.

Kyle Shreve also scored for Metro and captain Zack MacKay assisted on both goals.

Jets' goaltender Kam Limburg made 38 saves between the pipes.

The two teams play again Saturday night back at Lakeland Arena. Game time is set for 7:50 p.m.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Jets' rookie forward Downey continuing to make progress

WATERFORD, Mich. – Kyle Downey found out about life-changing events the way most people do nowadays – through social media.

Last summer, the 2013 Plymouth Salem High School graduate was drafted by the Metro Jets in the fifth round (75th overall) of the North American 3 Hockey League draft that is conducted online.

According to Downey, he suspected that may happen.

“The Jets’ Twitter account (@MetroJetsHockey) tweeted that I got drafted here,” remembered Downey, a 19-year-old native of Canton, Mich. “I was in contact with (Jets’ assistant coach) Randy Wilson and knew there was a good chance I was going to end up here with Metro. I knew very little about the Jets coming into the year. As for the league, my high school coach, Ryan Ossenmacher, educated me about the NA3 a decent amount.”

Downey has proven to be a very durable player for the Jets as he’s just a handful of players to have seen the ice in all 42 games. He has tallied six goals and six assists for 12 points so far.

“I believe my overall game has improved, especially from a mental aspect,” said Downey. “Recently, I've been focusing more on the little things and keeping the game simple. The coaching staff we have here is pretty great and they all know a lot about the game. They've taught me some little things about the game that may not seem like much, but it really makes a big difference.”

Having a solid coaching staff is nothing new for Downey, who praised his coaches at Salem.

“Playing for Salem gave me a good foundation of the player I am today,” beamed Downey, who captained Salem in 2012-13. “The coaching staff at Salem is one of the best in the state in my opinion and I believe I wouldn't be the player I am today without them.”

Downey is hoping for a career in hockey long after his days in Waterford have ended.

“My short-term and long-term goals are pretty similar,” explained Downey. “I want to continue to get better and play the game I love. I'm very lucky to have an opportunity to do what I love everyday and I want to continue to for as long as possible.”

He also wants to extend the current season. The Jets are in a dogfight for the final playoff spot in the East Division with the Toledo Cherokee.

”We want to win and if we win, we go to the playoffs,” said Downey. “Like Coach Q (Justin Quenneville) always says, ‘It's not how you start, it's how you finish.’ I don't think anyone is willing to pack it in and throw in the towel on this season.”

JET STREAKS 

The Jets signed defenseman Anthony Catalina prior to last weekend and released defenseman Nate Phillips to clear a roster spot.

Catalina is a 19-year-old native of Chelsea, Mich. He hadn’t played competitive hockey since graduating from Chelsea High School in 2012, where he was teammates with current Jets’ leading scorer and fellow defenseman Brad Hepler.

Last weekend, Catalina skated a few shifts on defense with Hepler and also saw time at forward.

After his senior season of 2011-12, Catalina garnered First Team All-State honors from the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches' Association.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Former Jets’ forward Kevin Shand, who played eight games with the team earlier this season, is now playing for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League.

Shand, an 18-year-old native of Saline, Mich., tallied eight goals and 17 points for the Jets in between stints with the North American Hockey League’s Springfield Jr. Blues.

In four games with the RoughRiders, Shand has recorded one assist. With Springfield, Shand registered eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 21 games.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Captain's Corner - Cleveland split, Q's message, Toledo

Each week for the rest of the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Zack MacKay 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 splitting at Cleveland this past weekend.

Sunday was a disappointment. In my opinion, I feel we had more than enough chances to win, but we just couldn't seem to find the back of the net. It's nothing to be upset about and we just need to prepare for the upcoming games. We just need to play like we did, except work harder.

-- On what coach Justin Quenneville's daily message has been lately.

’Q’ has been telling us that we need to understand how important the games are. If we don't figure it out soon, it'll be too late.

-- On the importance of this coming weekend's games with Toledo, the team the Jets are chasing for the final playoff berth in the East Division.

Four points are a must and on top of that, we have to win in regulation. Any win is good, but to have a playoff push, we can't allow them any points.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Cleveland doubles up Metro Sunday afternoon to gain split

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - The Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks earned a weekend split with the Metro Jets after a 4-2 win Sunday afternoon at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

Kyle Downey and Kyle Shreve scored for the Jets and Trevor Kalinowski finished with 24 saves between the pipes.

The Jets (18-22-2) next play a home-and-home series with the Toledo Cherokee, starting Friday night in Toledo and concluding Saturday night at Lakeland Arena for a 7:50 p.m. puck drop.

Metro is just six points behind the Cherokee for the final playoff spot in the East Division, but Toledo has three games in-hand.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Jets down Jr. Lumberjacks in Saturday night shootout

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as the Metro Jets defeated the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks in a shootout 4-3 Saturday night at the Cleveland Heights Community Center.

T.J. Krajewski's shootout winner was the difference.

Zach Kopinski scored twice in regulation for the Jets, while Kyle Shreve added a goal and an assist.

Trevor Kalinowski finished with 32 saves for the win between the pipes.

For Cleveland, Matt Whipper had two goals and an assist.

The two teams wrap up their weekend series Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Lockner making strides with Jets after taking '12-13 off

WATERFORD, Mich. – And to think that Adam Lockner didn’t play competitive hockey at all last season.

After playing for Farmington High School and graduating in 2012, Lockner suffered an injury in the offseason and sat out the 2012-13 season and focused on school.

Then came the summer of 2013.

“I wasn't playing anywhere and really just wanted to skate,” said the 19-year-old defenseman from Farmington Hills, Mich. “Cooper (McLean) was telling me that the (Metro Jets) were short guys and needed defensemen, so I came to a practice a couple weeks before the season started and was offered a spot.”

McLean, a close friend of Lockner’s, had signed a tender agreement with the Jets during the 2012-13 season at Farmington High and is also a rookie this year with Metro.

”I didn't know much about the Jets, but as the North American 3 Hockey League, I had a few friends that played for other teams and told me it's competitive and they had a lot of fun in the NA3,” said Lockner. “Not playing last year made it tough to just start back up, but I think I have come a long way. I would say my confidence has really improved, helping me play more aggressive.

“All of the coaches (with the Jets) have really helped me a lot. As I said, it was tough not playing last year, but they've done a great job helping me get my legs back and gaining confidence.”

Lockner has proven to be a durable skater this season, playing in all 40 games and scoring one goal with six assists for seven points.

With one more year of junior hockey eligibility remaining after this year, Lockner is hoping for a chance to move up next season and his play as of late when paired with James Roznowski insists he would be ready.

“Quite a few guys from our team alone have had a chance to go to North American Hockey League practices and a couple have moved on and played in games,” Lockner said. “The NA3 is a lot better than people think. More and more players from the NA3 are getting opportunities at higher levels.”

From a team standpoint, it’s crunch time with the Jets clinging to slim hopes of making the league playoffs. Lockner wants to do all he can to extend the season and in the long run, extend his career.

”With eight games left and just barely out of playoffs, we know we have to get these wins,” said Lockner. “We are all excited for these next eight games. We just need to keep working hard and hope it pays off here in the end. I just want to keep playing hard and do my part to help the team get to playoffs and also to continue to go to school. My long-term goals are to continue to develop my game to move on to the next level and ultimately, play college hockey.

“No matter what happens, hockey will always be a part of my life.”

JET STREAKS 

Metro defenseman and leading scorer Brad Hepler started the 2012-13 season in Cleveland before being acquired in January 2013 for forward Jeff Monfils.

Last week, the NA3HL announced the rosters for the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament that will be held from Feb. 17-19 at the Troy Sports Center in Troy, Mich. The Jets will be represented on Team East by forward and captain Zack MacKay and defensemen Carter Reid and Hepler, while forwards Kyle Shreve and Alex Holm will play for Team South.

Just two more Jets’ regular-season games at home remain this season – Saturday, Feb. 15 against the Toledo Cherokee and Saturday, March 8, also against Toledo.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Monfils, who came to the Jets from Cleveland in a summer 2012 trade, is now in his freshman season at ACHA Division I Niagara University.

A 21-year-old native of Washington, Mich., Monfils has tallied three goals in 22 games this season for the Purple Eagles.

Last season between the Jets and Cleveland, Monfils recorded 13 goals and 20 assists (nine goals and 24 points with the Jets) for 33 points in 43 games.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Collins' four-goal game lifts Mountain Cats past Jets Sunday

FRASER, Mich. - Zach Collins scored four goals and added a pair of assists as the Michigan Mountain Cats defeated the Metro Jets 9-5 Sunday afternoon at Fraser Hockeyland to gain a split in the two teams' home-and-home weekend series.

Kade Morrison added a goal and three assists and netminder Joe Lopez stopped 44 shots for the Mountain Cats.

For the Jets, Kyle Shreve scored two goals, while Kyle Downey had a goal and an assist and Cooper McLean and T.J. Krajewski scored one apiece.

Metro goaltenders Kam Limburg and Trevor Kalinowski combined to make 22 saves.

Next action for the Jets (17-21-2) is next weekend on the road against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks. Game time Saturday is 5:30 p.m. and then Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Jets hang on to nip Mountain Cats Saturday night

WATERFORD, Mich. - The Metro Jets jumped out to a 2-0 lead and held on for a 2-1 win over the Michigan Mountain Cats Saturday night at Lakeland Arena in the first end of a home-and-home series.

Alex Holm and Cody Jones scored for the Jets.

Metro goalie Kam Limburg stopped 20 shots to earn the win in goal.

The two teams wrap up their weekend set Sunday afternoon at 1:45 p.m. at Fraser Hockeyland.