Metro Jets Junior A Hockey

NA3HL names MacKinnon top player for February

2012-03-05T14:39:00.002-05:00

The North American 3 Hockey League today announced the Combat Hockey Player of the Month and the Brian’s Custom Sports Goaltender of the Month for February.

The honors were awarded to Metro Jets forward Mike MacKinnon as the Combat Hockey Player of the Month and Granite City Lumberjacks goaltender Matt Grove as the Brian’s Custom Sports Goaltender of the Month.

MacKinnon, 19, was dominant during the month of February, recording 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 11 games played. Nine of those points came at the 3HL East Showcase in Troy, which is ironically MacKinnon’s hometown.

MacKinnon’s best game of the month came back on February 19 when he had a six-point game in a 6-3 win against the Michigan Mountain Cats. He also recorded six points during a weekend sweep of Pittsburgh during the final weekend in February. He also recorded two game-winning goals during the month. MacKinnon is tied for the team lead in points with 67 and he ranks 2nd in the 3HL in both points and assists this season.

“Mike and his entire line have been great all month long,” said Jets coach Jason Cirone. “He produces, puts up big numbers and scores the big goals. I think he definitely has the ability to play at the next level. Mike is smart and understands the game. He has goals and is focused on accomplishing them.”

Diminutive Shureb thriving in Jets' system

2012-02-29T12:17:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Justin Shureb only joined the Metro Jets in mid-November, but hasn’t missed a beat in recording 19 points in 28 games.

Shureb was one of the Jets’ two first-round picks in last June’s NA3HL draft (defenseman Trevor Hillman was the other), going fourth overall out of Livonia Stevenson High School where he earned Division 1 All-State honorable mention honors.

Admittedly, Shureb didn’t know much about the NA3HL or the Jets, but was pleasantly surprised when he received a call on draft day from the Jets’ brass stating he would be drafted early.

”I was very honored, considering there were 320 players that were drafted into the NA3HL,” said Shureb, who turns 19 next Monday. “Even though I came into the season late, my role has been to add more offensive power to an already potent offense, shut down opponent’s top lines, kill penalties and when chances come, score goals and grind it out.”

The Jets have five other players who have played for the team this year who earned All-State honors last season in forwards Steve Klisz (Division 1 Second Team at Livonia Churchill High School), Trevor Bardallis (Division 1 Second Team at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School), Zach Mohr (Division 1 honorable mention at Novi High School, now in the NAHL with Wichita Falls) and Josh Beleski (Division 2 Second Team at Southgate Anderson High School) and defenseman Max Biggings (Division 2 honorable mention at Hartland High School).

Playing for a respected coach in Jason Cirone is also something Shureb wanted in order to keep climbing the ranks.

”Jason is a very no-nonsense coach who knows the game and how to get the most out of his players,” Shureb said. “My ultimate goal is to play college hockey, so I would like to continue playing juniors so I can achieve my goal.”

Listed at 5-foot-6 and 165 pounds, one would hardly think Shureb plays as his size would indicate.

And that’s a good thing.

”My size has never been an issue as far as I was concerned,” said Shureb. “I have been able to out-skate many of my opponents. My drive, determination and hard work have been what I have used since I started playing hockey 11 years ago. I have never let my size slow me down or interfere with my dreams and goals. I have been told by many coaches that I play like I am 6-foot-5, not 5-foot-6. I have never been one to be intimidated by bigger players.”

That said, expect Shureb to elevate his game in the coming weeks as the Jets make a push to play into April.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets hosted the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins last weekend at Lakeland Arena and came away with a convincing two-game sweep.

Saturday night, Cameron Bazin and Mike MacKinnon each had a goal and an assist in a 5-1 win, while Dillon Kelley finished with 18 saves.

Metro captain Tommy Kilgore, Cameron Mackey and Doug Andrews also scored.

Sunday afternoon, the Jets jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first period and settled for a 7-3 victory to clinch third place in the East Division. The Jets will play Flint or Cleveland on the road in the best-of-three first round of the Hurster Cup playoffs starting March 16.

MacKinnon, who was subsequently named the NA3HL's 2nd Star of the Week, continued his torrid pace with two goals and two assists and Klisz also had a four-point game with a goal and three helpers. Matt Stirling and Bardallis tallied a goal and two assists apiece, while Bazin and Chris Hellebuyck also scored.

Kilgore chipped in a pair of assists and Kelley made 17 saves.

“I think it was a very good weekend, considering all the games we’ve been playing lately,” said Cirone. “I told the players that in the NHL it takes 16 wins to win the Stanley Cup and we’ve been starting our own run to 16 wins since right before the (NA3HL East Showcase Feb. 19-22 in Troy).”

The Jets (28-15-1-1) travel to Flint tonight to play the Jr. Generals at 7:20 p.m. and are then off this weekend before concluding the regular season March 10-11 at home with two games against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

“We’ve exceeded all of our goals we set at the beginning of the season,” said Cirone. “I think you get greedy when you have a good team, but I think 30 wins is a reasonable goal and I see no reason why we can’t get to that number. The guys know we still have a lot to play for before the playoffs.”

JET STREAKS

Current Jets defenseman Will Shier has some good bloodlines as his cousin, Andrew Shier, skated at the University of Wisconsin from 1990-94 and was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 12th round of the 1990 NHL draft.

Andrew Shier played the majority of his seven-year pro career with the Richmond Renegades of the ECHL.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Anthony Cacciatore, who manned the blue line for the Jets during the 2000-01 season, is now ling and working in Chicago and owns and operates his own business – Chef of Chicago – where he works as a private and personal chef.

After his time in Waterford, Cacciatore, 30, played two years at Robert Morris College and left early to play two years in the United Hockey League with the Muskegon Fury and Port Huron Beacons.

Photo/Matt Mackinder

Jets sweep Pittsburgh, clinch third in East Division

2012-02-26T23:17:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets hosted the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins this past weekend at Lakeland Arena and came away with a convincing two-game sweep.

Saturday night, Cameron Bazin and Mike MacKinnon each had a goal and an assist in a 5-1 win, while Dillon Kelley finished with 18 saves.

Metro captain Tommy Kilgore, Cameron Mackey and Doug Andrews also scored.

Sunday afternoon, the Jets jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first period and settled for a 7-3 victory.

MacKinnon continued his torrid pace with two goals and two assists and Steve Klisz also had a four-point game with a goal and three helpers. Matt Stirling and Trevor Bardallis tallied a goal and two assists apiece, while Bazin and Chris Hellebuyck also scored.

Kilgore chipped in a pair of assists and Kelley made 17 saves as the Jets clinched third place in the NA3HL's East Division and will play second-place Cleveland in a first-round best-of-three playoff series that gets underway the weekend of March 16.

“I think it was a very good weekend, considering all the games we’ve been playing lately,” said Metro coach Jason Cirone. “I told the players that in the NHL it takes 16 wins to win the Stanley Cup and we’ve been starting our own run to 16 wins since right before the (NA3HL East Showcase Feb. 19-22 in Troy).”

MacKinnon and Klisz each have 67 points on the year and sit tied for second in NA3HL scoring, just four points behind Cleveland’s Cameron Dimmitt.

The Jets (28-15-1-1) travel to Flint Wednesday night. Metro is then idle next weekend before concluding the regular season March 10-11 at home with two games against Cleveland.

“We’ve exceeded all of our goals we set at the beginning of the season,” said Cirone. “I think you get greedy when you have a good team, but I think 30 wins is a reasonable goal and I see no reason why we can’t get to that number. The guys know we still have a lot to play for before the playoffs.”

MacKinnon named NA3HL's 1st Star of the Week

2012-02-24T09:57:00.003-05:00

The North American 3 Hockey League today announced the Three Stars of the Week, presented by Combat Hockey.

The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Mike MacKinnon, forward, Metro Jets

Troy native Mike MacKinnon, 19, had a good couple of games last weekend for the Metro Jets.

On Friday, MacKinnon recorded an assist as Metro defeated Battle Creek, 3-2.

Then on Sunday at the first day of the 3HL East Showcase, MacKinnon had himself a career game as he recorded six points (three goals, three assists) in an 8-3 win over Michigan. The six points tied a 3HL season-high and the memorable game took place in MacKinnon’s hometown.

MacKinnon is tied for the Metro scoring lead with Steve Klisz, both with 61 points, while his 40 assists rank third in the 3HL.

The 2nd Star was Chicago Hitmen goalie Joe Olen and 3rd Star was Minnesota Flying Aces forward Liam Johnston.

Second-year vet Shalawylo a quiet, steady defender for Jets

2012-02-23T09:44:00.004-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Andrew Shalawylo knows his role is as a defensive defenseman with the Metro Jets and by doing that, he doesn’t get noticed a whole lot during games.

And that’s just fine with the 19-year-old from Clinton Township.

“I've never been a very flashy player,” admitted Shalawylo, a second-year skater with the Jets. “My goal isn't to put up a lot of points because I know that's not my skill set. I'm not a guy that's going to produce a lot of offense directly, but I try to be as solid defensively as I can and initiate that first play that develops into something someone else turns into a scoring opportunity.”

In 30 games this year, Shalawylo has posted three assists. Last year, he went pointless in 32 contests. Personal stats aside, Shalawylo would rather turn his attention to the turnaround season the Jets have had this year.

”I just want to win,” Shalawylo said. “We have a team that can do it and I want to do everything I possibly can to make sure it keeps happening. The atmosphere in the locker room is great. We have so much confidence that we can go far. I know it's a cliché, but we really are a family.”

Coming to the Jets out of Midget AA hockey was a big jump for Shalawylo, but it’s one he has embraced and dealt with the ups and downs that come with accepting such a challenge.

”I've obviously learned a ton playing for (head coach) Jason (Cirone) and the Jets,” said Shalawylo. “The coaches have done a great job of teaching a lot of the intricacies of the game and I've learned a lot about how to practice and play from teammates. The biggest thing I've gotten out of the Jets, though, is just being able to enjoy playing junior hockey.”

Shalawylo added that confidence and enjoying the game can go a long ways, especially this time of year.

“I think having a year of improvement last year set us up for success this year,” explained Shalawylo. “We showed that with the right attitude and leadership in place, this is a team people should want to be a part of. I think that helped attract a lot of really talented players to the team. The amount of talent we have this year is incredible, and everyone has the right attitude.

“We're all working towards the same goal and know we can get there.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played five games over the past six days and earned seven of ten points. Metro has just five games left on the schedule, including four at Lakeland Arena.

Metro used three different goal-scorers and 40 saves from Eric Trunick to take a 3-2 win over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution last Friday night at The Rink.

Jake Schlacht, in his first game since a lower body injury shelved him in November, Justin Shureb and Matt Stirling tallied for the Jets.

The next four games were part of the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

Troy native Mike MacKinnon had a hand in each goal as he scored two shorthanded goals and added four assists as the Jets opened the showcase with a 6-3 win over the Michigan Mountain Cats Sunday night.

The Mountain Cats had a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes, but then the Jets exploded for four goals in the second period - MacKinnon's two and singles from Matt Stemkoski and Schlacht.

Steve Klisz scored the Jets' first goal in the first period and Shureb added a goal in the third period.

Dillon Kelley finished with 36 saves in goal for the Jets and Will Shier chipped in two assists from the blue line.

On Monday, the Jets erased a two-goal deficit in the third period to send the game to overtime, but Joe Skrzynski scored 45 seconds into the extra session to give the Toledo Cherokee a 4-3 win.

Doug Andrews scored in the second period for the Jets, while Stirling (at 14:44) and Stemkoski (on a power play at 17:02) tied the game late in the third.

Kelley finished with 38 saves.

Andrews and Trevor Bardallis each had three-point games to lead the Jets over Battle Creek 8-3 Tuesday morning.

Bardallis scored twice with an assist, while Andrews had a goal and two helpers.

Metro captain Tommy Kilgore tallied a goal and an assist and Adam Reid, Klisz, Josh Beleski and Stemkoski scored one apiece.

MacKinnon, Stirling and John Baker each added two assists, while Kelley made 30 saves for the win.

Former Metro forward Tim Wlodkowski registered a goal and an assist for Battle Creek.

The Queen City Steam scored three goals in a 3:07 span early in the second period and held on the rest of the way to beat the Jets 4-2 Wednesday afternoon in the final game of the showcase.

Cameron Mackey and Stirling scored in the loss and Baker assisted on both.

Kelley made 24 saves between the pipes.

The Jets (26-15-1-1) now get set to host the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins this weekend at Lakeland Arena. Game time is 7:50 p.m. Saturday night and then 11:50 a.m. on Sunday. Metro then heads to Flint next Wednesday before closing out the season March 3-4 at home against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

JET STREAKS

Prior to being held without a point against Queen City, MacKinnon had 10 points in his previous four games … Klisz is tied with Minnesota’s Parker Tomczyk for second in the NA3HL with 29 goals. Michigan’s James Koonce leads with 30 … Klisz and MacKinnon are tied for second in NA3HL scoring with 61 points apiece … Defenseman Jordan Jones was released this week. Jones had two goals in 15 games this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Austin Brown, a defenseman who played in Waterford during the 2005-06 season, was recently named to the All-NCHA Team as a senior at St. Scholastica College in Duluth, Minn.

The 24-year-old from Lathrup Village leads all NCHA defensemen with 19 points and has the Saints in the NCHA tournament semi-finals. St. Scholastica will host Wisconsin-Stevens Point (and another Jets’ alum Nick Kenney) on Saturday night.

Photo/Matt Mackinder

Jets drop final game of showcase to Queen City

2012-02-22T15:13:00.001-05:00

TROY, MI - The Queen City Steam scored three goals in a 3:07 span early in the second period and held on the rest of the way to beat the Metro Jets 4-2 Wednesday afternoon in the final game of the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

Cameron Mackey and Matt Stirling scored in the loss and John Baker (pictured) assisted on both.

Dillon Kelley finished with 24 saves between the pipes.

The Jets (26-15-1-1) now get set to host the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins this weekend at Lakeland Arena. Game time is 7:50 p.m. Saturday night and then 11:50 a.m. on Sunday.

Bardallis, Andrews pace Jets' attack over Jr. Revolution

2012-02-21T11:46:00.002-05:00

TROY, MI - Trevor Bardallis and Doug Andrews each had three-point games to lead the Metro Jets over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution 8-3 Tuesday morning at the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

Bardallis scored twice with an assist, while Andrews (pictured) had a goal and two helpers.

Metro captain Tommy Kilgore tallied a goal and an assist and Adam Reid, Steve Klisz, Josh Beleski and Matt Stemkoski scored one apiece.

Mike MacKinnon, Matt Stirling and John Baker each added two assists.

In goal, Dillon Kelley made 30 saves for the win.

Former Metro forward Tim Wlodkowski registered a goal and an assist for Battle Creek.

The Jets (26-14-1-1) conclude the showcase tomorrow with a noon puck drop against the Queen City Steam.

Jets rally, but fall in OT against Toledo

2012-02-20T20:36:00.007-05:00

TROY, MI - The Metro Jets erased a two-goal deficit in the third period to send the game to overtime, but Joe Skrzynski scored 45 seconds into the extra session to give the Toledo Cherokee a 4-3 win Monday afternoon at the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

Doug Andrews scored in the second period for the Jets, while Matt Stirling (at 14:44) and Matt Stemkoski (on a power play at 17:02) tied the game late in the third.

In goal, Dillon Kelley (pictured) finished with 38 saves.

The Jets (25-14-1-1) continue the showcase tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. against the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution.

MacKinnon's six-point game leads Jets past Mountain Cats

2012-02-19T22:14:00.002-05:00

TROY, MI - Troy native Mike MacKinnon had a hand in each goal as he scored two shorthanded goals and added four assists as the Metro Jets opened the NA3HL East Showcase with a 6-3 win over the Michigan Mountain Cats Sunday night at the Troy Sports Center.

The Mountain Cats had a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes, but then the Jets exploded for four goals in the second period - MacKinnon's two, Matt Stemkoski and Jake Schlacht.

Steve Klisz scored the Jets' first goal in the first period and Justin Shureb added a goal in the third period.

Dillon Kelley finished with 36 saves in goal for the Jets (25-14-0-1). Will Shier chipped in two assists from the blue line.

Metro, winners of five straight games, takes on the Toledo Cherokee tomorrow at 2:45 p.m.

Trunick stops 40 as Jets edge Battle Creek Friday night

2012-02-18T08:38:00.002-05:00

BATTLE CREEK, MI - The Metro Jets used three different goal-scorers and 40 saves from Eric Trunick to take a 3-2 win over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution Friday night at The Rink.

Jake Schlacht (pictured), in his first game since a lower body injury shelved him in November, Justin Shureb and Matt Stirling tallied for the Jets (24-14-0-1), who are third in the NA3HL's East Division.

Battle Creek scored both its goals on the power play and had a 44-save performance from goaltender Matt Hughes.

Metro now heads to Troy for the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center. The Jets play the Michigan Mountain Cats Sunday night at 7:30 p.m., the Toledo Cherokee on Monday at 2:45 p.m., Battle Creek Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. and then the Queen City Steam Wednesday at noon.

Jets name Colin Ronayne new assistant coach

2012-02-17T16:39:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets announced today that Colin Ronayne has been hired as the team’s new assistant coach for the rest of the season.

Ronayne skated with Oakland University’s ACHA Division I team from 2007-2011 and played 35 games this season with the Knoxville (Tenn.) IceBears of the Southern Professional Hockey League and Brooklyn Aviators of the Federal Hockey League. He also served as OU’s captain last year.

The 25-year-old Commerce native also played for the Jets from 2005-07, so he knows the ins and outs of the Jets’ program. In essence, this is a homecoming for Ronayne and one he’s happy to be a part of.

“I work with (Metro head coach) Jason (Cirone) at Puckmasters and he talked to me about coming here to coach when I was going to try out and play pro last fall,” said Ronayne. “It worked out that I came back a little early and the job was still available, so I came out and I’m enjoying it so far.

“When I played here, I remember it was a short bench, but we worked hard and made the playoffs that year (2007). I learned a lot and I’m still pretty good friends with a lot of the guys from that team. There was good team chemistry that year.”

Playing pro hockey was something Ronayne never thought he’d be able to do, considering he never played AAA hockey during his youth days. He played high school hockey at Detroit Catholic Central before coming to the Jets and also played a few games with the Syracuse Stars in the Eastern Junior Hockey League.

“I didn’t really expect much,” said the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Ronayne. “I pretty much went down to Knoxville on a whim and everything worked out and it was definitely a big learning experience for me.”

In fact, in a pre-season game between Knoxville and the Columbus Cottonmouths last October, Ronayne squared off with Morgan James, the Jets’ captain last year and ironically enough, a very good friend of Ronayne’s.

“We both agreed it was nothing personal,” laughed Ronayne. “It kept me in Knoxville a little longer and it helped Morgan secure a spot in Columbus for a little while. Something had to be done – no big deal.”

After this season wraps up, Ronayne said he’s be open to coming back as a coach next year or giving the pro game another shot.

“I’m kind of leaving the door open to maybe go back and play, but I’m not really focusing on that right now,” Ronayne said. “I’m just enjoying being here and being on the ice and helping out as much as I can and hopefully, I can learn something from Jason.”

Metro (23-14-0-1) will now get set to play five games in six days. The Jets skate at Battle Creek tonight and then after an off day Saturday, will head to Troy for the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

In Troy, the Jets will play the Mountain Cats on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Toledo on Monday at 2:45 p.m., Battle Creek on Tuesday at 9 a.m. and then finishes up against Queen City on Wednesday at noon.

Jets' offense starts with Klisz, linemates MacKinnon, Stemkoski

2012-02-16T09:49:00.003-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Steve Klisz has quietly been one of the North American 3 Hockey League’s top scorers all season long for the Metro Jets.

His 27 goals and 56 points going into this weekend are good for second overall in the NA3HL.

Klisz, though, isn’t necessarily shocked by his offensive output and attributes much of it to his linemates.

“Coming into this season, I felt at best I could be in the top ten, but never would have thought I would be top two or three, though,” said Klisz, a 19-year-old from Livonia. “My linemates are a big reason why I am up there. If I didn’t have Mike MacKinnon or Matt Stemkoski on my line then I wouldn't be anywhere near the top three in the league.

“I have always been an offensive player all throughout my life and at times my numbers do surprise me, but deep down, I knew I could do this good at this level.”

MacKinnon is tenth in NA3HL scoring, while Stemkoski is 24th.

Klisz is hoping his year in Waterford will lead to an opportunity with the North American Hockey League next season. Several teams have already inquired about his services and Klisz has aspirations of staying close to home.

“I really want to play for Port Huron next year,” said Klisz. “They have a great program and I would love to join it next year, but we’ll see."

Former Jets’ forward Mike Moroso (2010-11) currently leads the Fighting Falcons in scoring.

Looking ahead, Klisz has complete confidence in the Jets and feels a post-season run isn’t out of the question.

“Everyone feels great in the locker room and we feel like we can beat anyone anywhere,” said Klisz. “Everyone has confidence in one another, so if one person isn’t playing well, the rest of the team seems to play even better.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Dillon Kelley shut out the Michigan Mountain Cats in back-to-back games last Friday and Saturday night at Farmington Hills Ice Arena to propel the Jets to a sweep of the Mountain Cats and a 4-0 record against the Mountain Cats this season.

For Kelley, the weekend was a coming-out party of sorts for the 17-year-old Petoskey native who has emerged as the Jets’ No. 1 goaltender. He has three shutouts this year – all against the Mountain Cats. Kelley previously blanked Michigan with a 13-save outing on Jan. 14 at Lakeland Arena.

“I was well-rested and was seeing the puck well and felt very comfortable in both games,” said Kelley. “I would have to say that this past weekend is for sure in my top three greatest moments of my hockey career. I have never had back-to-back shutouts before, so this was pretty special to me.”

Friday night, Kelley stopped 27 shots in the Jets’ 3-0 win, while Stemkoski, Matt Stirling and John Baker scored to pace the Metro attack.

Saturday night, MacKinnon and Doug Andrews provided the offense in a 2-0 victory. Kelley finished with 40 saves.

“This weekend was huge for us,” Kelley said. “I think that the momentum we gained this weekend will carry us through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. Even though they were two close games, I feel that as a team, we all played well, Michigan played hard and aggressive, keeping everyone on their toes, but we worked hard both games.

“All in all, I feel it was a great weekend for us as a team.”

“Dillon is a great kid and also a great teammate,” added Klisz. “He is one of the better goalies in the league and also one of the youngest. I see him going far in hockey mainly because his work ethic on and off the ice is great.”

Metro (23-14-0-1) will now get set to play five games in six days in the next week. The Jets skate at Battle Creek this Friday night and then after an off day Saturday will head to Troy for the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

In Troy, the Jets will play the Mountain Cats on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Toledo on Monday at 2:45 p.m., Battle Creek on Tuesday at 9 a.m. and then finishes up against Queen City on Wednesday at noon.

“Everyone just needs to stay focused through all of these tough games,” said Klisz. “We need to get as much rest as we can because five games in six days is going to be really tough.”

JET STREAKS

Kelley was also named the NA3HL’s 1st Star of the Week for his 67-save weekend performance.

With the two wins and shutouts, Kelley improved his season record to 14-4-1.

“I thought Dillon was solid all weekend and came up with some key saves at key times in the game,” said Jets GM Butch Wolfe. “He used his size to his advantage and played under control, keeping us in the game and giving us a chance to win.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Goalie Devin Williams, who began this year with the Jets, had a monster game Wednesday night for the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters.

The Otters edged the Niagara Ice Dogs, one of the top teams in the OHL, by a 2-1 margin and Williams made an unbelievable 61 saves, including 44 in the first two periods, to earn the win.

"What can you say?" said Erie assistant coach and goalie coach Peter Sidorkiewicz to the Erie Times-News. “The kid was amazing.”

Williams, a 16-year-old Saginaw native, posted a 9-9-0 record with the Jets along with a 3.88 goals-against average and a ,896 save percentage. He joined the Otters, the team that drafted him last May, on a full-time basis in early January, but can only play 10 games as an affiliate player until the Jets’ season is completed. Last night was his sixth game with Erie with 15 left for the last-place Otters.

Photo/Matt Mackinder

NA3HL names Kelley 1st Star of the Week

2012-02-14T22:12:00.001-05:00

The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) today announced the Three Stars of the Week, presented by Combat Hockey, for the week ending February 12, 2012.

The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Dillon Kelley, goaltender, Metro Jets

It was a perfect weekend for Metro Jets goaltender Dillon Kelley.

The 17-year-old netminder from Petoskey recorded back-to-back shutouts in both starts this past weekend, stopping a combined 67 shots in two road wins over the Michigan Mountain Cats.

On Friday, Kelly (6’4/216) stopped all 27 shots that came his way in a 3-0 win. That including denying the Mountain Cats on all eight power plays they had in the game.

On Saturday, Kelley was even better, stopping all 40 shots that Michigan fired his way, including two more power plays.

With the two wins and shutouts, Kelley improved his season record to 14-4-1 with three shutouts this season.

“I thought Dillon was solid all weekend and came up with some key saves at key times in the game,” said Jets general manager Hal Wolfe. “He used his size to his advantage and played under control, keeping us in the game and giving us a chance to win.”

2nd Star was Minnesota Flying Aces forward Parker Tomczyk and 3rd Star was North Iowa Bulls forward Eric Behrend.

Kelley a wall in goal, blanks Mountain Cats in two straight

2012-02-12T21:05:00.002-05:00

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – Dillon Kelley shut out the Michigan Mountain Cats in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday night at Farmington Hills Ice Arena to propel the Metro Jets to a season sweep of the Mountain Cats.

For Kelley, the weekend was a coming-out party of sorts for the 17-year-old Petoskey native who has emerged as the Jets’ No. 1 goaltender. He has three shutouts this year - all against the Mountain Cats. Kelley previously blanked Michigan with a 13-save outing on Jan. 14 at Lakeland Arena.

“I was well-rested and was seeing the puck well and felt very comfortable in both games,” said Kelley. “I would have to say that this past weekend is for sure in my top three greatest moments of my hockey career. I have never had back-to-back shutouts before, so this was pretty special to me.”

Friday night, Kelley stopped 27 shots in the Jets’ 3-0 win, while Matt Stemkoski, Matt Stirling and John Baker scored to pace the Metro attack.

Saturday night, Mike MacKinnon and Doug Andrews provided the offense in a 2-0 victory. Kelley finished with 40 saves.

“This weekend was huge for us,” Kelley said. “I think that the momentum we gained this weekend will carry us through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. Even though they were two close games, I feel that as a team, we all played well, Michigan played hard and aggressive, keeping everyone on their toes, but we worked hard both games, All in all, I feel it was a great weekend for us as a team.”

Metro (23-14-0-1) will now get set to play five games in six days in the next week. The Jets skate at Battle Creek next Friday night and then after an off day Saturday will head to Troy for the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

In Troy, the Jets will play Michigan next Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Toledo on Monday, Feb. 20 at 2:45 p.m., Battle Creek on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 9 a.m. and then finishes up against Queen City on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at noon.

Photo/Matt Mackinder

Trainer Ross aims to 'keep each player in one piece'

2012-02-09T17:50:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Dave Ross may just be the Metro Jets’ MVP this season.

And he hasn’t set one foot on the ice all year.

As the team’s athletic trainer, much of what Ross does goes unnoticed, but then again, if he didn’t do his job, the team wouldn’t be able to stick together – literally.

“Yeah, I guess you could say I keep each player in one piece,” said Ross, who has been a physical therapist for 25 years and has a clinic in Clarkston. “It’s a long season and these kids get banged up, so I see a lot of shoulder and knee injuries that require immediate attention. The thing about this season that is so different about past years is that the kids are responding to what I ask them to do and by doing that, they heal quicker and can get back on the ice.

“All I can do is treat them and give them exercises to do, so after I see them, it’s on them. These are all good kids and they all have a different attitude this year. It’s very refreshing to see.”

Ross is on the bench for all Jets’ home games and is almost always on the move.

“Knee and shoulder injuries are the most common and dealing with knees is probably the hardest and one that requires a lot of therapy,” Ross said. “You can skate with a bad shoulder; you can’t skate with a bad knee.”

With the onus these days on safety and hockey and concussion prevention, Ross is on board with all the new safety measures, but cautions that no equipment is 100 percent going to prevent injuries.

“Hockey is a tough sport and guys are crashing and banging into each other all game long,” said Ross. No helmet will protect you from a hit. Look at Sidney Crosby. He was out almost a year and then when he comes back, he gets hit by his own player and is out again. You have to take your time with concussions.”

Now in his fifth season with the Jets, Ross likes what he sees on the ice this year and can’t help but be a fan of the marked improvement this season.

“These kids want to win and they want to get better,” said Ross. “(Metro coach) Jason (Cirone) has done a fantastic job with these kids and it shows. I think we’re in for a great finish this season.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Cameron Mackey, just signed earlier in the day, scored a power-play goal at 13:45 of the third period to snap a 5-5 tie and the Jets held on for a 6-5 win last Saturday night over the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks at Lakeland Arena.

The teams traded goals in the third period after the game was tied 3-3 after 40 minutes.

"I told the kids right from day one when we won 8-7 in overtime against Flint that if we're going to run and gun, make sure you got the bigger gun and you come out on top," said Cirone. "I was talking with the ref before the game and he asked what kind of game we should expect and I told him there would be a lot of goals. Both teams are offensively-gifted and the game was what it was."

Steve Klisz scored twice to up his team-best total to 27 and Justin Shureb also added a pair with an assist for the Jets (21-14-0-1). Cameron Bruff scored the other Metro goal.

Another player making his Jets' debut, Trevor Bardallis, chipped in two assists, as did Cameron Bazin and Mike MacKinnon.

Dillon Kelley earned the win in goal with a 29-save outing.

"I thought both goalies struggled a bit and maybe stopped the shots that should have been goals and allowed goals they could have stopped," said Cirone. "You'll have games like that and tonight was one of those games."

L.J. Dvorak stopped 29 shots for Cleveland, who got goals from five different skaters.

The Jets have now won six straight at home, but don't return to Lakeland until Feb. 25-26 for a two-game set with the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins. Next weekend, Metro plays a pair on the road against the Michigan Mountain Cats and the following weekend will play four games in four days as part of the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

"No game is ever easy in this league," added Cirone. "We haven't had an easy game all year. I think our kids work and earn everything they get. What's considered an easy game nowadays?"

JET STREAKS

Mackey and Bardallis suited up last week at practice and debuted against Cleveland.

Both are local forwards (Mackey is from Commerce, Bardallis from Waterford) and both made an immediate impact last weekend. Bardallis turned 19 at the beginning of December and Mackey is 20.

“Mackey just kind of showed up one day at practice and he asked if he could skate and we went from there,” explained Cirone. “I worked with Bardallis last summer at Puckmasters helping him get in shape and stuff like that. He was out in the EJHL, but had some family issues and wanted to come home and be closer to his family. He sent me an email, I told him to come out to practice that night and here we are.”

Bardallis was tendered last season by the NAHL’s New Mexico Mustangs, but didn’t make the team this year and wound up skating with the EJHL’s Bay State Breakers and Capital District Selects.

Forward Chris Hellebuyck has re-joined the Jets after a stint in the NAHL with the Odessa Jackalopes.

Hellebuyck went without a point in five games with Odessa. He’s currently third in Jets’ scoring with 40 points and his 21 goals are second on the team behind Klisz.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Seth Giersdorf, a forward on the Jets’ 1999-2000 team, is still in the area, living in Canton and working as a regional director for Sterling Management, overseeing real estate properties in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Giersdorf has been married to his wife, Meghan, the niece of his host family when he played for the Jets, for 7 ½ years.

Giersdorf came to the Jets from Coral Springs, Fla., but is originally from Beulah, N.D.

Jets take down Cleveland on Mackey's game-winner

2012-02-05T00:51:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - Cameron Mackey, just signed earlier in the day, scored a power-play goal at 13:45 of the third period to snap a 5-5 tie and the Metro Jets held on for a 6-5 win Saturday night over the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks at Lakeland Arena.

The teams traded goals in the third period after the game was tied 3-3 after 40 minutes.

"I told the kids right from day one when we won 8-7 in overtime against Flint that if we're going to run and gun, make sure you got the bigger gun and you come out on top," said Metro coach Jason Cirone. "I was talking with the ref before the game and he asked what kind of game we should expect and I told him there would be a lot of goals. Both teams are offensively-gifted and the game was what it was."

Steve Klisz scored twice to up his NA3HL-leading total to 27 and Justin Shureb also added a pair with an assist for the Jets (21-14-0-1). Cameron Bruff scored the other Metro goal.

Another player making his Jets' debut, Trevor Bardallis, chipped in two assists, as did Cameron Bazin and Mike MacKinnon.

Dillon Kelley earned the win in goal with a 29-save outing.

"I thought both goalies struggled a bit and maybe stopped the shots that should have been goals and allowed goals they could have stopped," said Cirone. "You'll have games like that and tonight was one of those games."

L.J. Dvorak stopped 29 shots for Cleveland, who got goals from five different skaters.

The Jets have now win six straight at home, but don't return to Lakeland until Feb. 25-26 for a two-game set with the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins. Next weekend, Metro plays a pair on the road aganst the Michigan Mountain Cats and the following weekend will play four games in four days as part of the NA3HL East Showcase at the Troy Sports Center.

"No game is ever easy in this league," added Cirone. "We haven't had an easy game all year. I think our kids work and earn everything they get. What's considered an easy game nowadays?"

Photo/Matt Mackinder

Hargett providing energy for Jets this season

2012-02-02T00:37:00.004-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Travis Hargett is one year older and one year wiser.

After playing for the Metro Jets as a 16-year-old rookie last season, the Clarkston native returned this season and has applied what he took away from his first year into a consistent second season in Waterford.

“This season, I definitely feel that I'm picking up where I left off and that I needed no adjustment compared to last year,” said Hargett. “I feel that my on-ice awareness and knowing where I need to be has improved the most. At the beginning of last year, I felt helpless in a way until I caught up to speed. I also feel my skill set has improved this year.”

Hargett has four goals and 14 points in 30 games this year, compared to just seven points in 40 games all of last year.

“I feel that I've always been the presence on the ice that skates hard and shoots the puck as hard as I can when I get the chance,” explained Hargett. “I also want to be the guy who makes a hit so someone can pick up the puck and then I can drive to the net for a rebound.”

And for someone who doesn’t turn 18 until May, Hargett is a veteran on the team, but not one of the older players.

“I’m still the youngest forward on the team and I'm not the person to order people around, but my role is an energy line guy that makes plays,” Hargett said. “I came back this year because I love the game and because I know I can develop here to get to the next level.”

As for moving on, the Jets have seen several players over the last couple weeks make commitments for next season. Hargett wants to see his name added to that list and knows it won’t be easy,

”I think the No. 1 thing that I need to improve on to get to the next level is my skating,” admitted Hargett. “If you can’t skate well, you can’t play well.

”My goals for the future are to excel as best as I can and to go as far as I can in the future.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets split on the road last weekend with the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks, who entered the weekend second in the East Division.

Saturday night, Metro blew a two-goal lead in the third period, but came back to beat the Jr. Lumberjacks 4-3 after a nine-round shootout.

Justin Shureb scored the deciding goal in the shootout for the Jets.

In regulation, Steve Klisz scored twice with an assist, Matt Stemkoski had a goal and a helper, Mike MacKinnon two assists and Dillon Kelley made 36 saves in goal.

Klisz and Stemkoski scored two goals apiece, but it wasn't enough as the Jets fell to Cleveland 7-4 Sunday afternoon.

Stemkoski added a pair of assists for a four-point game and Kelley made 26 saves between the pipes for Metro.

The Jets (20-14-0-1) play just one game this weekend, welcoming Cleveland to Lakeland Arena on Saturday night for an 8 p.m. puck drop.

JET STREAKS

Two former Jets were in the news recently playing at higher levels.

Goalie Devin Williams, who started this season in Waterford, earned his first Ontario Hockey League win last Saturday night in his first start for the Erie Otters. Williams made 36 saves in Erie’s 7-4 win in Sudbury.

Williams, a 16-year-old from Saginaw, went 9-9-0 with a 3.88 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage with the Jets.

In the North American Hockey League, forward Mike Moroso was named to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and will play for Team North later this month at the Troy Sports Center.

Moroso leads the Port Huron Fighting Falcons in scoring this season with 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) through 43 games.

Last season, the 20-year-old Macomb native was second on the Jets with 20 goals and was third overall in team scoring with 36 points.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Dave Hague, a defenseman who played for the Jets during the 1998-99 season, has been the head coach at Oxford High School for the past nine seasons.

After playing for the Jets, the 32-year-old Lake Orion native skated a season in the North American Hockey League for the St. Louis Sting, putting up five assists in 26 games in 1999-2000.

Hague had several colleges after him, but concussion issues forced him to retire at the age of 20.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Captain's Corner - Split with Cleveland, road trips, Devin Williams

2012-01-30T19:03:00.003-05:00

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

-- On splitting on the road in Cleveland last weekend.
I didn't attend this weekend, but I am happy with the split. Not many teams have beat Cleveland this year.

-- On overnight road trips.
The best part about the road trips is spending time bonding with one another and becoming closer as a team.

-- On former Metro goalie Devin Williams getting his first OHL win last Saturday night.
I think we are all happy for Willy because he's doing something not many people get the opportunity to at such a young age. It's only going to get better for him.

-- On playing Cleveland at home this Saturday night.
We need to work hard all week in practice and if we play to our strengths, we should have no problem taking two points.

Jets fall in Cleveland, settle for series split

2012-01-29T23:39:00.001-05:00

CLEVELAND - Steve Klisz and Matt Stemkoski scored two goals apiece, but it wasn't enough as the Metro Jets fell to the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks 7-4 Sunday afternoon as Cleveland earned a split in the weekend series.

Stemkoski added a pair of assists for a four-point game.

Dillon Kelley made 26 saves between the pipes for Metro.

The Jets (20-14-0-1) play just one game next weekend, welcoming Cleveland to Lakeland Arena on Saturday night for a 7:40 p.m. puck drop.

Williams gets win in first OHL start with Otters

2012-01-29T13:27:00.002-05:00

Courtesy OttersHockey.com

Sudbury, ON - Dane Fox collected his first hat trick for the Erie Otters to help Devin Williams earn a win in his first OHL start, as the Otters defeated the Sudbury Wolves Saturday night, 7-4.

Liam Maaskant put the Otters on the board with 1:14 to go in the first period as he fired a shot from the right point off the crossbar for his fourth goal of the season.

The Otters offense continued to roll in the second period. During an Erie power play, Jake Evans took a great pass from Travis Wood and fired a shot through the blocker side of Joel Vienneau for his fourth goal of the season at 3:41.

Stephen Harper then scored his 14th goal of the season at 7:39 after banging in a rebound from an Evans shot to make it 3-0.

Vienneau's night would end when Fox fired a shot from the right circle through the wickets for his 18th goal of the season during a two-man advantage at 11:42.

The Wolves responded with a pair of goals in 52 seconds to make it a 4-2 Erie lead going into the third period.

Fox added his second of the game 1:19 into the third as he ripped a shot from the right circle under the crossbar to put the Otters back up by three.

Sudbury would not go down without a fight, and scored a pair two minutes and 13 seconds apart to pull within one. Harper effectively put the game away with his second goal of the game as his shot trickled through Johan Mattsson with 3:29 to go.

Fox then completed the hat trick with an empty net goal with 13.7 seconds remaining. Williams made 36 saves to earn his first OHL victory, and the Otters power play was sensational by going 5-for-9.

The Otters return home to Tullio Arena Friday night against the Brampton Battalion.

JETS NOTE: Williams went 9-9-0 this season with a 3.88 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage with the Jets.

Metro blows lead, beats Cleveland in nine-round shootout

2012-01-28T23:59:00.000-05:00

CLEVELAND - The Metro Jets blew a two-goal lead in the third period, but came back to beat the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks 4-3 after a nine-round shootout Saturday night.

Justin Shureb scored the deciding goal in the shootout for the Jets (20-13-0-1).

In regulation, Steve Klisz scored twice with an assist, Matt Stemkoski had a goal and a helper, Mike MacKinnon two assists and Dillon Kelley made 36 saves in goal.

The two teams conclude their weekend series Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

Jets' alum Moroso named to NAHL prospects event

2012-01-27T10:28:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Former Metro Jets forward Mike Moroso has been named to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and will play for Team North next month at the Troy Sports Center.

Moroso leads the Port Huron Fighting Falcons in scoring this season with 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) through 41 games.

Last season, the 20-year-old Macomb native was second on the Jets with 20 goals and was third overall in team scoring with 36 points.

Other former NA3HL players who will play in the event include former Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks forward Adam Chapie (New Mexico) and former Cleveland goalie Gregg Gruehl (Amarillo).

The Top Prospects Tournament, which will be held from Feb. 20-22, will consist of 120 total players from the NAHL spread among six teams who will play in three games each. The event will feature teams from the Central, Midwest, North, South and West Divisions, along with an 18U Selects team comprised of some of the top players currently playing in the NAHL that were born in 1993 or later.

Also in Troy, the NA3HL will have representation as eight of the league’s 16 teams (Battle Creek, Cleveland, Flint, Metro, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Queen City and Toledo) will play four regular season games from Feb. 19-22.

The Jets will face Michigan (Sun. Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.), Toledo (Feb. 20 at 2:45 p.m.), Battle Creek (Feb. 21 at 9 a.m.) and Queen City (Feb. 22 at 12 p.m.) at the event.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Jets' Hellebuyck to join younger brother in Odessa

2012-01-26T17:40:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Chris Hellebuyck will at least know one person in Odessa, Tex.

The Metro Jets’ forward is moving up to the North American Hockey League with the Odessa Jackalopes, a team his younger brother, Connor, plays for as the squad’s No. 1 goaltender.

Hellebuyck leaves the Jets as the team’s third-leading scorer with 21 goals and 40 points, also tied for the team lead in goals with Steve Klisz. He tallied 11 multi-point games, including a four-point outing on Sept. 9 against Flint.

“Hellebuyck is the perfect example of what hard work can do for a player,” said Metro coach Jason Cirone. “He plays in every situation and the rest of the guys follow his lead. He’s a leader on the ice and in the locker room and that’s a credit to him.”

Playing alongside Connor is something Chris hasn’t done since both played at Walled Lake Northern when Connor was a junior and Chris a senior. The duo also played on the same Mite team years back.

“My brother had a big part in my opportunity with Odessa by letting them know about me, but I think they also had noticed that I was having a good season so it all fit together well,” said Hellebuyck, a 19-year-old Commerce Township native. “It was nice having options, but I the situation with Odessa made me pretty excited. Connor has told me a lot of great stuff about their program and the chance to play with him again will be awesome.”

Cirone said he was consistently fielding calls from NAHL teams about Hellebuyck over the course of the season.

“There were several other teams that wanted Chris, but they just weren’t the right situation,” Cirone said. “I know (Odessa coach) Paul Gillis is a heck of a coach and does things the right way and I know the fans in Odessa are crazy about their hockey. I saw that first-hand when I would go in there a few years back when I played (in the Central Hockey League) for Rio Grande Valley. I think it will be an excellent situation for Chris.”

Drafted twice by the Jets (in 2010 and again in 2011), Hellebuyck said he couldn’t have made the jump to the NAHL without his stint in Waterford.

”I learned a lot from Jason this season, including a lot of the little things that I'll be able to take with me to the next level,” explained Hellebuyck. “It was great to have a coach like him and I have added a lot of the small things to my game so far. There will be a lot that I will miss leaving Metro, but I think the hardest part of leaving will be parting with my current teammates and coaches.

“It's a great program and I owe a lot to everyone involved.”

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Captain's Corner - Swept in Pittsburgh, readying for Cleveland

2012-01-26T09:03:00.003-05:00

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

-- On what went wrong last weekend in Pittsburgh.
We weren't mentally ready and it was only our second bad weekend all year. We knew it would happen, we didn't know when, but it's bound to happen. You can't win every game every weekend or we wouldn't have any competition.

-- On what went right in Pittsburgh.
We did look at is as a wake up call. We had been playing good for a while and this happens, so it shows we need to just keep working hard.

-- On practice this week.
We have to have high intensity practices that we work hard in and just get all four points this weekend.

-- On preparing to play Cleveland on the road this weekend.
We know we can be as good, if not better than Cleveland, so we need to play our game and just work hard every shift and just come out hard.

Jets send Mohr back to NAHL with Wichita Falls

2012-01-25T21:41:00.001-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Zach Mohr is the latest Metro Jets player to earn a promotion to the North American Hockey League as he was traded to the Wichita Falls Wildcats late last week and played in both games for the Wildcats over the weekend.

Mohr actually started the year in the NAHL with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons before joining the Jets in early November. Mohr tallied eight goals and eights assists for 16 points in 14 games with Metro. He went without a point last weekend as the Wildcats swept Corpus Christi in a battle of Texas-based teams.

“It’s a great feeling to get another shot at the NAHL,” said Mohr, a 19-year-old forward from Novi. “I’m going to try and make the best of it. My expectations are to come down here and try to contribute to the team every shift I get.”

Jets coach Jason Cirone, who has seen several players over the past 10 days make commitments for next year, knows Mohr will have a good showing in Wichita Falls.

“Zach was a really good player for us and I think he really fit in did everything we asked of him,” said Cirone. “I thought from the beginning when he came here that he was an NAHL-caliber player and in a good way, I hope he doesn’t come back here. He worked hard and earned this opportunity.”

Mohr said in the two-plus months he was in Waterford, he learned what it will take to keep his hockey progression moving upward.

“Jason is a great coach and it's obvious to everyone that he knows his stuff and moves players to the next level,” said Mohr. “The thing I learned from Jason was to trust my shot and keep my feet going at all times.

“’I’ll miss the guys the most. Every day I was there, it was fun and to me, that's what it’s all about.”

Definitely no sophomore slump for Jets' Bazin

2012-01-23T19:17:00.003-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Cameron Bazin wasn’t quite ready to hang up the skates.

After playing last season with the Metro Jets, once the season ended and the summer arrived, Bazin had his mind set on giving up the game and going to school full-time starting in the fall.

But like most athletes will say, it’s not always easy to give up all you’ve ever known. That was certainly the case with Bazin.

“I knew a lot of the guys on the team this year (new and old) and I kept in touch with some of them, so I felt that it wouldn't be that big of an adjustment to come back and join the team,” said Bazin, a 19-year-old from Troy. “We have a very solid group of guys on the team and so far, this year has been awesome, especially since we're winning games.”

Joining the team in early November, Bazin has since tallied 13 points in 18 games. He had just 10 points in 36 games during the 2010-11 season.

”The first couple games I played in, I had to get some rust out of my system,” Bazin said. “I knew that I could perform much better points-wise) than I was playing. I didn't let it frustrate me, though, and I just kept working hard. Lately, I have just been pretty much scoring everything and I have to give a lot of credit to the other guys that I'm on the ice with. We have been winning games and everyone is helping out, whether it's scoring goals, assisting them or just making good plays all around the ice.”

Bazin is also not one to toot his own horn as he definitely has a team-first attitude.

“One player can’t win you hockey games,” said Bazin. “It takes a whole team and we have a great team here this year. I'll do whatever I can to make sure everyone is rolling and that we never lay an egg out there. Whether it's by killing penalties, scoring goals, winning faceoffs or hitting, I'll hopefully find a way for us to win games and gain momentum.

”Being an older guy I think gives me more of an edge to know how we have to practice and then translate that hard work to our games. I try to always work hard and set an example for younger and older guys. I like to say I bring solid energy to the team and think that helps with everyone picking up their play and being on top of their game.”

One of Bazin’s teammates this season, fellow forward Mike MacKinnon, is also a Troy native and the two have been close friends for quite some time.

”I have known MacKinnon since middle school and have played on several teams with him, including at Troy Athens High School for two years,” explained Bazin. “He is a great player and great asset to our team. I talked with him at beginning of the year and he played a part in talking me into coming back and playing this year. I was not playing anywhere prior to signing with the Jets, although I constantly got on the ice every opportunity that I got.”

Sitting at 19 wins this season and starting to jockey for playoff positioning, Bazin has all the confidence in the world that the Jets will continue to see more notches in the win column.

“I feel we are going to finish with a real solid second half of the season and I think we can make a very strong push for the No. 1 seed in our division,” beamed Bazin. “With the squad we have this year, I think that we are one of the top teams in the whole league and that we can compete with any team in the league. I would be highly disappointed if all we did was make the playoffs and then lost. We should be pushing for that top spot in the division by time the season starts winding down and if I was 21 and in Vegas, I would be betting on the Jets to win the division.

“It's nice to be on the squad that is changing the Metro Jets name and making them contenders yet again.”

JET STREAKS

Defenseman Trevor Hillman (Beverly Hills, Mich.) was released prior to last weekend. He was the Jets’ top pick from last summer’s NA3HL draft and is expected to return next year to Waterford.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Austin Brown, a defenseman who played for Metro during the 2005-06 season, is now a senior at Division III St. Scholastica College in Duluth, Minn.

This year, the 24-year-old Lathrup Village native is the top-scoring blueliner for the Saints with 18 points through 19 games and also leads the NCHA in defensemen scoring and with 15 power-play points.

After leaving the Jets, Brown played for the Alaska Avalanche (NAHL), Hawkesbury Hawks (CJHL) and Woodstock Slammers (MJAHL).

Jets play poorly, drop both games in Pittsburgh

2012-01-22T23:17:00.002-05:00

PITTSBURGH – A trip to Pittsburgh this weekend saw the Jr. Penguins creep up four points on the Metro Jets in the East Division standings with a convincing two-game sweep.

The Jr. Penguins jumped out to a 5-0 lead before the midway point of the game and never looked back in a 6-2 win over the Jets on Saturday night.

Alexander Lysyuk recorded a hat trick plus an assist for Pittsburgh and goalie Tyler Stepke stopped 19 shots between the pipes. Vico Necchio added two goals in the win.

Chris Hellebuyck and Matt Stirling scored the Jets’ goals, while Dillon Kelley and Eric Trunick combined for 19 saves. Kelley suffered the loss after allowing five goals on 12 shots through 22:46. For Trunick, it was his season debut after re-joining the Jets over the holiday break.

Sunday afternoon, Hellebuyck and Steve Klisz scored and Kelley and Trunick combined for 18 saves in a 7-2 defeat.

Nick Randazzo scored twice and added an assist for Pittsburgh, while Sean Keating finished with 25 stops in goal.

This upcoming weekend, the Jets (19-13-0-1) travel to Cleveland for a two-game set with the East Division-leading Jr. Lumberjacks.

Captain's Corner - Player advancements, Pittsburgh road trip

2012-01-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

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

-- On seeing three players make commitments for next season this week.
The mood has been great. All of the guys seem very confident and happy for each other.

-- On any advice he has given to players moving up, being that he played a handful of games with Port Huron (NAHL) last year.
I haven't told them much besides work hard and leave it all up there so they can see you at your best and play your game.

-- On what to expect this weekend in Pittsburgh.
I would expect nothing less than a sweep this weekend. We are on a roll right now and I know we can do it.

-- On his recent surge of offense.
I just relaxed and played my game and have been more confident. In the beginning of the season, I was trying too hard when I just needed to just go out and have fun.

Jets off to Pittsburgh this weekend for two-game set

2012-01-20T10:58:00.004-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets have jumped out of the gates to start the second half of the season.

The Jets swept the Michigan Mountain Cats in dominating fashion on home ice last weekend at Lakeland Arena. With the pair of wins, the Jets are now 13-4-0-0 at home and have won four straight since coming back from the holiday break.

"I thought our team played well," said Metro coach Jason Cirone. "We stuck to the game plan and were very persistent all weekend. We played a team that has run into some injury problems, but it's a team like that that you can't let have any life or they'll make you pay."

Saturday night, the Jets used seven different goal-scorers and a 13-save shutout from Dillon Kelley in a 7-0 win over the Mountain Cats.

With Devin Williams up with the OHL's Erie Otters the rest of the season, Kelley assumes the role of the No. 1 goaltender with junior veteran Eric Trunick serving as a capable backup.

"I'm very comfortable with Dillon Kelley in goal for us," Cirone said. "Trunick will be a good influence on Dillon and has already shown to be a great teammate. Dillon has been playing extremely well, but if he falters, I'm very comfortable with putting Trunick in there as well."

Mike MacKinnon had a goal and two assists for Metro, while Steve Klisz, Josh Beleski, Doug Andrews and captain Tommy Kilgore all had a goal and an assist.

Justin Shureb and Matt Stirling also scored and Chris Hellebuyck and Matt Stemkoski each contributed two assists apiece.

The Jets peppered Michigan goalie Schuyler Ferguson with 55 shots.

Sunday afternoon, Metro put 65 shots on Jordan Wood in taking an 8-2 victory.

Beleski scored three goals with a helper, while MacKinnon potted a pair and Klisz, Shureb and Adam Reid (first NA3HL goal) added singles to back Kelley’s 19 saves in goal.

Andrews tacked on five assists in the game. Hellebuyck and John Baker added two helpers each.

The Jets (19-11-0-1) travel to Pittsburgh this weekend for two games with the Jr. Penguins. Game time is 7:20 p.m. Saturday night and then a noon start Sunday.

"Pittsburgh is behind us in the standings and we'd like to keep them there," said Cirone. "I think they're aware of what we'll bring and what kind of a team we are. I don't think we're a secret any more. I've said all year that our division (East) is the best in the entire league and any team can win on any given night.

“The kids know what I want and what I expect and now it's up to them to go out and keep winning hockey games."

JET STREAKS

Three Jets made commitments for next season this week as Beleski signed a tender agreement with the NAHL’s Jamestown Ironmen, defenseman Will Shier tendered with the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings, also of the NAHL, and forward Branden Morganroth committed to play for Oakland University’s ACHA Division I team.

More details on these commitments can be found at www.metrojetshockey.com.

Trunick, a 19-year-old Commerce Township native, played for Metro last year after an early-season trade from Cleveland and was 12-17-0 with a 5.04 goals-against average and a .872 save percentage.

On Jan. 14, the Jets released forward Tim Wlodkowski (Katy, Tex.) and he was subsequently picked up by Battle Creek. Wlodkowski had a goal and four points in 20 games this season after being drafted by Metro in the 19th round (292nd overall) of the NA3HL draft last June.

Forward Cameron Bruff scored his first NA3HL goal in the Jets’ 8-2 win at Battle Creek on Jan. 8.

Andrews and Bekeski were named the 1st and 2nd Stars, respectively, by the NA3HL for the week ending Jan. 15.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Barry Haber, one of the goalies on Metro’s 2002 Junior B national championship team, owns his own remodeling company in Tallahassee, Fla.– Haber Remodeling.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Morganroth to play at Oakland University this fall

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – And the upward player movements continue for the Metro Jets.

Forward Branden Morganroth is the latest to make plans for next year as the 20-year-old Highland native will play for the ACHA Division I team at Oakland University starting with the 2012-13 season.

Morganroth was actually supposed to play for the Grizzlies this season, but an academic snafu set him back a year. Even so, he’s overcome that obstacle, is having a solid year in Waterford and is looking forward to playing at OU this fall.

“They committed to me last June, but then in August, I got a letter that said I was not allowed to attend OU because in high school, I took online classes because of traveling for hockey and that those online classes didn't transfer over to OU,” said Morganroth. “I had no idea, so that's why I had to go back and play juniors again and make up those two classes at Oakland Community College.”

Morganroth has four goals and 10 points this season for the Jets, including a current four-game point streak heading into this weekend’s two-game series in Pittsburgh.

Jets coach Jason Cirone said that Morganroth came to camp with the team on a recommendation after he had only heard of Morganroth and had never seen him play.

“Branden has been a delight this season and he’s been through a lot,” said Cirone. “He’s gone from forward to defense and now back to forward, but not once has he complained. I’ve even had to sit him a couple games due to the fact we are so deep up front, but again, no complaints. He never asks why and has always put the team first. Those are the types of players you want to see succeed, not only in hockey, but in life.

“He’s played all five positions for us, and played them all extremely well, and would probably play goal if I asked him to.”

To be able to play at Oakland will be a homecoming of sorts as OU’s assistant coach, Nick Tomczyk, was an assistant coach when Morganroth played Midget hockey for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies.

“Tomczyk contacted me asking if I would be interested in playing for their school and of course I couldn’t say no,” said Morganroth. “Oakland is the university I have wanted to go to since I was in high schoolI wanted to be able to go to school and play for an elite university close to home because in previous years, I lived out of state in Wyoming and also in Kalamazoo where not many friends or family could ever watch me play.

“Oakland is a first-class program. It’s run flawlessly by the coaches and their staff members and it definitely compares to any NCAA D-I program. As for the team, it’s an awesome squad; they’re very talented and know how to win. They have been a winning team and ranked at the top nationally every year with national titles (2004, 2006 at the D-II level and 2007 at D-I level) to their credit. I couldn’t be more excited to begin my season there next fall and help them to pursue another national title.”

Morganroth said he has narrowed his academic major down to architectural engineering or something in the medical field. OU just enrolled its inaugural class in its new medical school last August.

Looking at the present, Morganroth is aiming to help get the Jets into the NA3HL playoffs for the first time in five years and to improve on his game to get it ready for the college slate.

“Jason and the Jets organization has helped me to focus on my defensive play and helped me to develop more skill to my all around game,” said Morganroth. “I have also learned to never give up until it is over and to go as hard as I can throughout practice and games to become better and better each time I step onto the ice.”

Oakland currently has five former Jets on its D-I roster in defenseman Mike Corder (2009-11) and Jacob DeSano (2007-09) and forwards Art Dore (2007-08), David Merkle (2009-10) and Adam Novack (2007-09). Both Corder and Novack are former Metro captains.

NA3HL names Andrews, Beleski as Stars of the Week

2012-01-18T20:49:00.002-05:00

The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) today announced the Three Stars of the Week, presented by Combat Hockey, for the week ending Jan. 15, 2012.

The Three Stars of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2011-12 regular season that honors the top performing players each week of the regular season as nominated by their respective teams.

1st Star: Doug Andrews, forward, Metro Jets

Andrews, 19, helped the Jets to a weekend sweep of the Michigan Mountain Cats by recording seven points (goal, six assists) in two wins.

The Macomb native struck for a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 7-0 win. Then on Sunday, Andrews tied a 3HL season-high with five assists in one game as Metro recorded the weekend sweep with an 8-2 win over the Mountain Cats.

For the season, Andrews has 37 points in 31 games played and is fourth on the Jets roster in scoring.

“He has come a long way since arriving at camp and one of the most improved players on the roster,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. “He works very hard and knows how to distribute the puck.”

2nd Star: Josh Beleski, forward, Metro Jets

Beleski, 18, also had a great weekend in helping the Jets sweep over the Mountain Cats as the Southgate native recorded six points (four goals, two assists) in two games.

Beleski recorded a goal and an assist in Saturday’s 7-0 win. On Sunday, he recorded a hat trick and an assist in an 8-2 win. Beleski, who very recently signed an NAHL tender to play for the Jamestown Ironmen next season, has 23 points in 26 games played this season.

“Josh has really played well of late and I think the tender to Jamestown has been affirmation of that,” said Cirone. “He is a centerman and understands how to win face-offs and do the little things. We drafted him No. 1 two years ago and glad we showed patience in him.”

The 3rd Star was Flint Jr. Generals defenseman Hayden Hanson.

Kalamazoo tenders Metro defenseman Shier

2012-01-18T14:26:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets announced today that second-year defenseman Will Shier has signed a tender agreement with the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings of the North American Hockey League for the 2012-13 season.

Shier’s agreement follows Josh Beleski signing with the Jamestown Ironmen earlier this week and is the third Jets’ player to commit to an NAHL team this season after defenseman Adam Reid inked with the New Mexico Mustangs last month.

A tender is a contract of sorts a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.

“The head coach of Kalamazoo, Marc Fakler, approached me after my second game of the NA3HL Showcase in Chicago (in December),” explained Shier, a 19-year-old from Sterling Heights. “He told me he had been watching me closely and he thought my game has improved greatly since the pre-draft camp last summer and that a step up to the NAHL next season would be good for me.”

Fakler then invited Shier to Kalamazoo the following week to show him the rink and the city and to meet the team staff.

“I thought the facility (Wings Stadium) was amazing and the staff was great, so when I was offered the tender, I gladly accepted,” said Shier, the Jets' top-scoring defenseman with 14 points in 30 games. “I have been watching the team and I think their record speaks for itself. Being a first-year team and doing as well as they are shows that Kalamazoo is a top-notch organization with excellent coaching. I definitely want to be a part of that next season.”

Metro coach Jason Cirone said when the Jets acquired Shier last season from the Yellowstone Quake of the Northern Pacific Hockey League, he saw potential for Shier to be a big-time player with the Jets.

“When we got Will, I noticed a few things he needed to work on and to his credit, he’s done everything I’ve asked and has evolved into a dominant defenseman in this league,” said Cirone. “I just tweaked a few things, but Will is the one who went out and did all the work. He gets all the credit for what he’s accomplished. He plays more than 30 minutes a game for us and I see him making a major impact next season with Kalamazoo.”

Earlier this season, Shier earned a call-up to the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons and took notice of what goes into being an NAHL-caliber player.

”After playing a few NAHL games, I now know what the league is all about and what is expected of its players,” Shier said. “I have been working hard to improve every aspect of my game and will continue to push myself to get ready for next season. With the help of Coach Cirone, I am confident I can step in and make Kalamazoo's lineup next season.

”It was an easy decision to come back this year and play for the Jets again. I knew this would be the best place for me to work on my game and also be seen by scouts. Jason is constantly helping me fine-tune my game and I credit him with getting my game to where it needed to be to receive this opportunity. The NAHL produces some of the top junior players and through hard work, I believe I can join that group of players.”

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Beleski tenders with NAHL's Ironmen

2012-01-17T23:39:00.001-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets announced today that forward Josh Beleski has signed a tender agreement with the Jamestown Ironmen of the North American Hockey League.

A tender is a contract of sorts a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.

Beleski signed his tender immediately after the Jets’ 8-2 win over the Michigan Mountain Cats on Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

“Jamestown’s chief scout, Dwayne Smith, who I’ve known a long time, had been in touch with me asking how Josh had been playing,” explained Metro coach Jason Cirone. “I told him he’d been improving and that he was a player I could see playing at the North American Hockey League level next season. Josh picked a heck of a game to score a hat trick on Sunday with Dwayne in the stands and he approached Josh after the game with the tender and he signed it on the spot.”

“Being offered a tender after the game was a little unexpected,” said Beleski, an 18-year-old from Southgate. “I saw Dwayne Smith in the stands watching what turned out for me to be a highlight game. To be honest, there was a lot of information to absorb in a short period of time and it is still sinking in, but making the decision to sign did not take long. It is a great opportunity for me and I was not going to pass it up.”

This season, Beleski is seventh in Jets scoring with 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points.

Beleski was actually drafted by the Jets in 2010 and made the team, but chose to go back and play his senior year of high school for Southgate Anderson High School. This season, he looked at what the Jets could offer and decided to take the opportunity.

“I thought Josh could have played in this league last year,” said Cirone. “He made the decision to go play high school and we didn’t push him. We respected his decision, but we stayed in touch and showed patience. This year, I think he’s dedicated himself to being a junior hockey player and I don’t expect him back with us next year. He’s worked extremely hard and I’m extremely proud.”

And while a tender doesn’t guarantee Beleski a spot on the Western New York-based Ironmen next season, he’s planning to fine-tune some aspects of his game the rest of this season and into the spring and summer months.

“There are definitely things I need to improve on to become a better, well-rounded hockey player, but if I had to choose one, it would be my game away from the puck,” said Beleski. “Jamestown is definitely a stepping stone and one I look forward to taking. It has been a goal of mine to play college hockey and I know with hard work and determination good things will happen.”

Beleski also said playing this season in Waterford has been rewarding and he credits Cirone for helping to boost his game to the point where the NAHL has taken notice.

”Playing juniors has been a great experience and Jason is a great coach,” beamed Beleski. “With his knowledge and commitment, he has taught me a lot this year. My confidence is the highest it has been in a long time and I feel with hard work that I can achieve greater things.”

Beleski is the second Metro player to sign an NAHL tender after defenseman Adam Reid tendered with the New Mexico Mustangs in late December.

Jets complete sweep of depleted Mountain Cats

2012-01-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets swept the Michigan Mountain Cats in dominating fashion on home ice last weekend at Lakeland Arena.

With the pair of wins, the Jets are now 13-4-0-0 at home.

"I thought our team played well," said Metro coach Jason Cirone. "We stuck to the game plan and were very persistent all weekend. We played a team that has run into some injury problems, but it's a team like that that you can't let have any life or they'll make you pay."

Saturday night, the Jets used seven different goal-scorers and a 13-save shutout from Dillon Kelley in a 7-0 win over the Mountain Cats.

With Devin Williams up with the OHL's Erie Otters the rest of the season, Kelley assumes the role of the No. 1 goaltender with junior veteran Eric Trunick serving as a capable backup.

"I'm very comfortable with Dillon Kelley in goal for us," Cirone said. "Trunick will be a good influence on Dillon and has already shown to be a great teammate. Dillon has been playing extremely well, but if he falters, I'm very comfortable with putting Trunick in there as well."

Mike MacKinnon had a goal and two assists for Metro, while Steve Klisz, Josh Beleski, Doug Andrews and captain Tommy Kilgore all had a goal and an assist.

Justin Shureb and Matt Stirling also scored and Chris Hellebuyck and Matt Stemkoski each contributed two assists apiece.

The Jets peppered Michigan goalie Schuyler Ferguson with 55 shots.

Sunday afternoon, Metro put 65 shots on Jordan Wood in taking an 8-2 victory.

Beleski scored three goals with a helper, while MacKinnon potted a pair and Klisz, Shureb and Adam Reid (first NA3HL goal) added singles to back Kelley’s 19 saves in goal.

Andrews tacked on five assists in the game. Hellebuyck and John Baker added two helpers each.

The Jets (19-11-0-1) travel to Pittsburgh next weekend for two games with the Jr. Penguins. Game time is 7:20 p.m.Saturday night and then a noon start Sunday.

"Pittsburgh is behind us in the standings and we'd like to keep them there," said Cirone. "I think they're aware of what we'll bring and what kind of a team we are. I don't think we're a secret any more. I've said all year that our division (East) is the best in the entire league and any team can on any given night. The kids know what I want and what I expect and now it's up to them to go out and keep winning hockey games."

Kilgore's three points lead Jets past Battle Creek

2012-01-08T19:56:00.000-05:00

BATTLE CREEK, MI - Metro Jets captain Tommy Kilgore scored twice and added an assist as the Jets took an 8-2 win over the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution Sunday afternoon.

With the two victories this weekend, the Jets now have two more wins (17) than all of last season (15).

Every Metro player except defenseman Zach Schlacht and goalie Dillon Kelley recorded at least one point against Battle Creek.

Cameron Bazin and Branden Morganroth each had a goal and an assist, while Mike MacKinnon and Steve Klisz had two assists apiece.

Cameron Bruff (pictured) notched his first NA3HL goal and Chris Hellebuyck, Zach Mohr and John Baker scored as well.

Kelley finished with 43 stops for the win.

The Jets (17-11-0-1) host the Michigan Mountain Cats next weekend at Lakeland Arena. Game time Saturday night is 7:40 p.m. and Sunday morning at 11:50 a.m.

Beleski's late goal holds up as Jets edge Flint

2012-01-07T23:02:00.001-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - Josh Beleski's goal 8:29 into the third period snapped a 3-3 tie and the Metro Jets held on to defeat the Flint Jr. Generals 4-3 Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Dillon Kelley (pictured) made 31 saves in goal for the Jets, who were playing their first game since losing 7-6 in a shootout in Flint back on Dec. 18.

Cameron Bazin had a goal and an assist for Metro, while Justin Shureb and captain Tommy Kilgore also scored.

Metro (16-11-0-1) travels to Battle Creek tomorrow afternoon to play the Jr. Revolution at 1 p.m.

The Jets host the Michigan Mountain Cats next weekend for a two-game set at Lakeland. Game time is 7:40 p.m. on Saturday night with an 11:50 a.m. start scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Timing is right for Beleski to make an impact

2011-12-29T17:44:00.003-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Josh Beleski had a choice to make last season – come play for the Metro Jets or stay in his hometown of Southgate and play his senior year for the Anderson High School team.

He chose high school and Jets coach Jason Cirone was fine with that decision.

“We drafted him and felt he was ready to make the jump to juniors last season,” Cirone said. “He made a personal decision and wanted to go play high school hockey and we respected that. This year, he’s shown he wants to be here and really been a consistent, steady force for us.”

This year, the 18-year-old Beleski is seventh in team scoring with seven goals (three on the power play) and eight assists for 15 points in 22 games.

“Josh is a guy I can count on in every situation and I know he’s going to do his job,” said Cirone. “He’s been doing it defensively by blocking shots on the penalty kill and also playing on the power play. In certain situations, you usually have kids who can only do certain things, but I think Josh does a lot of things very well and that’s why he plays in all situations.”

Cirone said Beleski has all the makings to be on a North American Hockey League roster next season.

“If he keeps working hard, I think North American League teams will start to take notice,” Cirone said. “Josh is dedicated to improving his game and I think he can definitely play at the next level. It all depends on how much he wants it and from how he’s played so far this season, I can see him playing up there next year.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets are on holiday break, but will get back to practice later this week.

In their last game before the break on Dec. 18, the Flint Jr. Generals topped the Jets 7-6 in a shootout at Iceland Arena in Flint.

Metro’s next game action is at home against Flint on Saturday, Jan. 7 and then the following afternoon in Battle Creek.

JET STREAKS

With a slew of healthy forwards and Tim Perks ready to make his season debut after suffering a shoulder injury before the season, moves may be on the horizon for the Jets.

“We’re very forward-heavy and we need to do something,” said Cirone. “We’ll probably be moving some bodies in the next few weeks.”

The NA3HL trade deadline is the first week in February.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The Kalamazoo Wings signed Dustin Cloutier, a forward who played for the Jets in 2003-04, last week to an ECHL contract.

Cloutier, a 25-year-old Berkley native, joins the K-Wings after starting this season in the Southern Professional Hockey League with the Augusta RiverHawks where he posted 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 20 games.

Before turning pro, Cloutier was a four-year standout at Division I Bentley College (2007-11).

Jets' Reid earns NAHL tender with Mustangs

2011-12-23T16:35:00.002-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Metro Jets defenseman Adam Reid has excelled in his first season in the North American 3 Hockey League and the New Mexico Mustangs of the North American Hockey League have taken notice.

This past week, the Mustangs offered a tender to Reid for the 2012-13 season and the 19-year-old happily accepted.

A tender is a contract of sorts a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.

“The tender opportunity came up at the showcase in Chicago the first week of December,” explained Reid, a Kalamazoo native who lived the past 14 years in Georgetown, Tex. “After our first game against Quad City, (Jets coach Jason) Cirone said that New Mexico was inquiring about me and that they'd be watching me again in our game the next day. After the second game, their scout and assistant coach Nick Shackford approached me with the offer.”

“I’m very proud of Adam,” said Cirone. “We’re in the business of developing and advancing our players and I think this speaks volumes in Adam’s case. He only played four games of midget hockey last year dealing with a concussion, but came in this year and has been one of our most consistent defensemen.”

Reid has also done his homework on the Mustangs, a second-year NAHL franchise coached by Jason Kersner.

“I know the Mustangs are a solid organization with good ownership and management,” said Reid. “I also know they started out a little rough this season, but have been turning it around lately with all their roster changes. They're only a few points out of the playoffs right now and expect to make it. Cirone also knows their coaches pretty well and has respect for them, and I have a lot of trust in his judgment.”

While the tender doesn’t guarantee Reid a spot in Rio Rancho next fall, he’s going to do all he can to add his name to the growing list of Jets’ advancements.

”To prepare to make the team next year, I want to gain a little more weight and become faster and stronger,” Reid said. “I also have several tactical things that Shackford and Cirone have said I need to improve on.

”Cirone and the Jets get a lot of credit for helping me with this opportunity. Having just missed the (NAHL’s) Port Huron (Fighting Falcons) cut last summer, I think I was a little too confident coming into this league, but Cirone brought me back to reality and showed me all of my deficiencies and how to fix them. He has been a tremendous help.”

This season, Reid has four assists and 27 penalty minutes in 24 games for Metro.

The Jets (15-11-0-1) are off until Saturday, Jan. 7 when they host the Flint Jr. Generals at Lakeland Arena.

Baker enjoying time with hometown Jets

2011-12-21T23:40:00.003-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – John Baker is experiencing a homecoming of sorts this season with the Metro Jets.

As a Waterford native, Baker has come home for his last season of junior hockey and said the opportunity to play for the team he followed growing up was a chance he couldn’t turn down.

Last season, Baker played out west for the Yellowstone Quake of the Northern Pacific Hockey League and then started this season with the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League before coming to the Jets, the team that selected him in June’s NA3HL draft.

“I feel lucky to be able to play for the Jets,” said the 20-year-old defenseman. “Junior hockey is a great experience and what better place to play than in your hometown. I think the team has really turned its name around since (Jason) Cirone has been coaching. I remember seeing the Jets grow up winning nationals (in 2002) and see them go through some ups and downs. I'm glad I'm playing here and I feel like this year is the year to restore the team and have a nice winning season and make a big playoff run.

“There's no doubt in my mind that our team can't compete with every team in our league. I feel like we have played well, but nobody has seen us play our best yet. I feel like the second half is going to be really exciting to see how talented the team can be and how dangerous we can be if we’re all going.”

On and off the ice, Baker said it’s been fun to re-connect with players he played with or against in high school and has been “the time of my life.”

“Our team chemistry is different than any other team I've ever been on,” Baker said. “I think it helps us a lot playing with local guys. I've played with a majority of the team growing up and honestly our team chemistry is unreal. Playing with guys like (Chris) Hellebuyck, who I played high school hockey with, I feel like we just connect. Playing a year of juniors last season with (Will) Shier, (Branden) Morganroth and (Mike) MacKinnon (with Yellowstone) has made us more than just teammates. We’re all pretty much best friends on the team and there's nobody we don't not get along with. We can all have fun and joke around.”

As for his role with Metro, Baker plays the vast majority back on the blue line, but can play forward if need be.

“I try my best to do whatever I can to keep us in a game and battle in the corners and get under the other team’s skin,” explained Baker. “I think as a defenseman, I am our most offensive defenseman of the group and can contribute, but it’s all coach’s call if he wants me to play a few shifts on forward and bring some energy with a couple big hits; I like to do that, too.”

Baker isn’t sure if this will be his last season of competitive hockey, but if it is, he’ll have no hard feelings and will also have his hockey apparel company to fall back on.

When looking ahead, Baker is as realistic as he can be.

“If I can play more hockey next year, I will for sure be playing, but if not, then I'm just planning on working,” Baker said. “I’m hoping the rest of the season goes well and I keep progressing. I still think we can play better and I think I can still improve even though it’s my last year. I'm not going to have any regrets at the end of this year and with the amount of 91s and 92s, I know we can make it far this season with the talent and heart our team has.”

JET STREAKS

Forward Matt Stemkoski saw time on defense against Flint and fared well.

“Stemmer is a very versatile player for us,” said Cirone. “He played defense the first period, then forward the second and back on D in the third. There were no complaints from him and that shows the type of leader he is. He just wants to do what it takes to help this team win.”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Goaltender Colin Greeley was in net for four of the Jets’ seven wins in 2008-09 and for the past two seasons, the 19-year-old Howell native has played for Leamington.

Greeley was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit in 2008.

Thus far this season for the Flyers, Greeley is 10-5-1-0 with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

Jets rally, but fall in a shootout Sunday in Flint

2011-12-18T19:45:00.001-05:00

FLINT, MI - The Metro Jets jumped out to a 2-0 lead Sunday afternoon in Flint, only to see the Jr. Generals score the next six.

No matter, the Jets scored the next four to tie the game at 6-all.

After the five-minute overtime didn't solve anything, the game went to a shootout where Flint escaped with a 7-6 win at Iceland Arena.

"Flint is a good hockey team and I believe we're a good hockey team," said Jets coach Jason Cirone. "We usually have a cleaner game against them, but sooner or later, you have defensive breakdowns and both teams have a lot of guys that can score goals. That's what tonight was - a lot of breakdowns and a lot of goals."

Mike MacKinnon and Josh Beleski staked the Jets to a 2-0 lead in the first period, but Cody Damon answered with two of his own to send the game into the first intermission tied at 2-2.

In the second, Hayden Hanson, Anthony Terzo, Luke Dmytro and James Odom made it 6-2 Flint.

Metro starting goalie Dillon Kelley was pulled after Terzo's goal for Devin Williams, but went back in after Dmytro's goal.

Cameron Bazin made it 6-3 at 19:34 and then as time expired, Chris Hellebuyck scored to bring the Jets to within a pair.

"I thought overall that Cam was our catalyst and he's the one that really got it started by scoring the goal and drawing a penalty at the same time," said Cirone. "With him making that play happen and then with our power play stepping up at the end of the period, I thought our kids did a great job responding."

Beleski and Matt Stirling scored the only goals in the third period, making it a 6-6 game.

Flint came close to winning the game late in the third and in the overtime as co-captain Warren Carter hit the crossbar twice behind Kelley.

In the shootout, Flint goalie Ben Myers stopped Steve Klisz, Doug Andrews and MacKinnon. Hellebuyck was the only player to score.

Jr. Generals co-captain Andrew Lay, Richard Jansson and Carter solved Kelley, whose only save came on Eddie Osowski's attempt.

Kelley finished with 34 saves, while Williams had three.

Myers earned the win with a 26-save outing.

The Jets (15-11-0-1) now break for the holidays and return to action on Jan. 7 at Lakeland Arena against Flint. Metro finishes the first half of the season with as many wins as it had all of last season and in third place in the NA3HL's East Division, 10 points behind second-place Flint.

"I'm actually welcoming the break," said Cirone. "We have a lot of first-year juniors that are finding out that junior hockey is a grind and I think this is going to be refreshing to them. I think it'll give them time to reflect and get a little bit of rest and get ready for the second half."

Toledo rallies to top Jets Friday night

2011-12-16T23:44:00.002-05:00

TOLEDO, OH - The Metro Jets took a 2-1 lead into the third period Friday night, but the Toledo Cherokee scored twice in the final period to come away with a 3-2 win at the Team Toledo Ice House.

Doug Andrews and Zach Mohr scored in the second period for Metro, who saw its three-game winning streak come to an end.

In net, Devin Williams finished with 32 saves.

The Jets (15-11-0-0) finish out the 2011 portion of the schedule Sunday afternoon in Flint. Game time is set for 2:20 p.m.

From the Metro Jets family to yours!

2011-12-15T23:41:00.001-05:00

Metro puts 11 on the board in Queen City romp

2011-12-11T18:20:00.001-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets won their third straight game in completing a two-game sweep of the Queen City Steam with an 11-3 win Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

All but two players recorded at least a point for the Jets, who with their 15th win equalled their win total from all of last season and are nearing the combined win total of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons (17).

Justin Shureb (two goals, two assists), Steve Klisz (two goals, two assists) and Mike MacKinnon (goal, three assists) had four-point games, while Cameron Bazin (three assists), Travis Hargett (two goals, assist) and Zach Mohr (goal, two assists) recorded three points apiece.

In goal, Devin Williams finished with 28 saves and also drew an assist on Klisz's first goal.

Jordan Jones, Chris Hellebuyck and Matt Stemkoski added a goal apiece in the win. For Hellebuyck, it was his seventh goal over his last six games.

Jets captain Tommy Kilgore chipped in two assists.

"This was a coming out party for the whole team," said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. "I told the guys that one line can't win a hockey game and all four lines are getting the job done right now. Our six defensemen are playing well and we're getting good goaltending."

Metro (15-10-0-0) plays in Toledo on Friday and then in Flint next Sunday before breaking for the holidays.

Next home game for the Jets is on Jan. 7 against Flint.

Bazin's four-point night leads Jets past Queen City

2011-12-10T23:30:00.001-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - Cameron Bazin scored two goals and added two assists to lead the Metro Jets over the Queen City Steam, 6-3, Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

The Jets have now won two straight games and three of their last four.

John Baker (goal, assist) and Travis Hargett (two assists) each had two-point games for Metro, while Dillon Kelley stopped 25 shots for the win between the pipes.

Chris Hellebuyck scored his team-leading 17th goal to go with singles from Steve Klisz and Matt Stirling.

Newly-signed defenseman Trevor Hillman made his Jets debut and assisted on Bazin's first goal.

Metro (14-10-0-0) and Queen City finish up their series tomorrow at 11:50 a.m.

Defenseman Reid getting noticed in Waterford

2011-12-09T00:21:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - When Adam Reid is on his game, he gets noticed for one of two reasons.

Either the Metro Jets defenseman from Georgetown, Tex., is physical against the opposing team or he plays a steady game that he doesn’t get noticed at all.

In other words, when Reid is on his game, he can be as good as any blueliner in the North American 3 Hockey League.

“Adam is starting to realize that when he’s physical, that’s when he’s at his best,” Jets head coach Jason Cirone said. “I think he played his best stretch of games this week (at the NA3HL Showcase Tournament in Darien, Ill.). He only played four games last year dealing with a concussion, so for him to get up to speed at this level is a slow progress, but he’s progressing and improving everyday.”

Reid skated for the Russell Stover Midget Major AAA team last season in Kansas City only to see his season derailed early on. Now getting another opportunity has made Reid grateful for the time he has spent so far with the Jets.

“Before this season, I didn't really know much about the NA3HL other than its existence and affiliation with the NAHL,” said Reid. “Looking back, I suppose it was a shot in the dark joining this league because I really didn't know what I was getting into. I just wanted to play hockey. But now, in retrospect, I am really happy I joined.”

This past summer, the 19-year-old Reid went to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons’ tryout camp at Hazel Park Ice Arena and while he thought he impressed enough to earn a spot with the NAHL team, it wasn’t meant to be.

“Since I was sidelined for essentially the entirety of last season, I didn't have exposure and was trying to make the most of some NAHL opportunities,” Reid said. “After the camp, (Port Huron coach) Bill Warren called me and said I didn't make their roster, but he had some positive feedback and mentioned Jason's name. A couple days later, I got a call from Jason asking me to play for him.”

“What I liked most about Adam at the Port Huron camp was that he wasn’t the biggest or the toughest on the ice, but he didn’t back down from anything,” added Cirone. “When Bill called and asked if I had room for him, I jumped at the chance.”

In Texas, where Reid lived from 1997-2010 after his father took a job with Dell Computers, he played for the Austin Roadrunners, a AA program.

“We would mostly travel to places like Dallas, Houston and Oklahoma City,” explained Reid. “My early hockey influences were guys like Nicklas Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman. I remember watching them win the back-to-back Stanley Cups when I was just five or six.”

One of two Texas natives on the Metro roster this season (forward Tim Wlodkowski is the other), Reid said this season’s homecoming of sorts is “a very comfortable environment.”

”I didn’t know Timmy prior to this season,” said Reid. “He's from Katy, a suburb of the Houston area, which I am familiar with, but I was living north of Austin at the time. It does help having a fellow Texan on the team, but most of my extended family is up here.”

Aside from Texas, Reid and his family also lived in Singapore from 2005-08. No worries, though, Reid found a local rink. Lucky for him, he also had his skates with him.

“I played hockey there in a beer league with other expatriates,” said Reid.

In 20 games so far this year, Reid has two assists, but is hoping his stay-at-home game will get him noticed by NAHL teams.

“I think my strengths on the ice are my size and skating ability,” said Reid. “I am very confident in my skating, but I have learned that my mind is by far my biggest asset if I use it correctly. My biggest short-term goal is to dress in a game in the NAHL this season should the opportunity present itself. I also want to be someone that my teammates can trust both on and off the ice. My long-term goal is to just see what my limits are. I would love to play college hockey in some form, but ultimately, I want to see how far I can take this.

“If it isn't in the cards for me, then I want to be able to look back and know I did everything I could.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets played four games in as many days this week at the showcase in the Chicago suburbs, going 2-2 along the way.

Metro lost to the Quad City Jr. Flames, 8-4, on Sunday, topped the Peoria Mustangs, 2-1, on Monday, was edged by the Minnesota Flying Aces, 4-3, on Tuesday and then defeated the North Iowa Bulls, 4-3, in a shootout on Wednesday.

Chris Hellebuyck scored twice for the Jets, while captain Tommy Kilgore had a goal and an assist against Quad City. Steve Klisz notched the other goal for Metro.

“I think we had more chances than Quad City, but we couldn’t finish and they scored on their chances,” said Cirone. “We had 38 shots on goal, so offense isn’t our problem, never has been at all this season. I thought our defense maybe could have made better decisions with the puck and our goaltending could have been better.”

Dillon Kelley made 31 saves in goal for the Jets.

Zach Mohr scored both goals, including the game-winner with just over five minutes remaining in the third period, to pace the Metro attack against Peoria. Devin Williams picked up the win in goal making 24 saves.

“That was a good bounce-back win for us,” said Cirone. “I thought Devin played really well, too.”

Even in defeat against the Flying Aces, Cirone found a way to put a positive spin on the contest.

“I thought this game was the best of the four,” Cirone said. “Like in the Quad City game, we out-chanced them and outworked them, but we couldn’t finish. I think we had two breakaways and hit two posts. With a little luck and if our guys started to bear down a little bit, I think we win that game.”

John Baker, Mike MacKinnon and Matt Stemkoski tallied for the Jets. Williams posted another 24-win outing in goal.

Wrapping up the event, Hellebuyck scored three goals, including the deciding goal in Metro’s first shootout of the season.

Travis Hargett recorded the Jets’ other goal and Kelley finished with 33 saves. Kelley also stopped three of the four Bulls’ shooters in the shootout.

“Dillon Kelley won that game for us,” said Cirone. “We weren’t prepared at all and maybe that was with the fact we were playing our fourth game. We weren’t mentally ready and that carried over into the warmup.”

With five goals during the week, Hellebuyck now has a team-best 16 on the season.

“I don’t want to say that Chris stepped up because he’s played that way all season and is a guy I’ve come to rely on all season long,” said Cirone. “I think you can also put Doug Andrews in that category with the way he’s been. I don’t think these guys stepped up this week, but they for sure didn’t step down.”

The showcase gave Cirone a chance to meet with scouts and to renew acquaintances with people from the hockey world.

“We saw a lot of different faces this week,” Cirone said. “We also got to play teams we don’t play during the season. We get tired of playing Flint and Cleveland as much as we do, so seeing new teams was a plus for us this week.”

The Jets (13-10-0-0) host the Queen City Steam at Lakeland Arena this weekend. Game time is 7:40 p.m. Saturday night and 11:50 a.m. on Sunday.

“Queen City always plays hard,” said Cirone. “We’ll need to be ready.”

JET STREAKS

Connor Hellebuyck, younger brother of Chris Hellebuyck and one of the Jets’ tenders last offseason, is playing for the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes this season and recently committed to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell for next year.

Hellebuyck, 18, has distinguished himself as one of the NAHL’s best players this season, as he currently leads all NAHL goaltenders in save percentage (.939), ranks eleventh in goals-against average (2.29) and ranks third in saves (728), fourth in minutes played (1232:33) and is 8-9-4 in 21 starts.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Hellebuyck. “Just to sit and think of what’s being offered to you, the situation I’m in [with UMass-Lowell] is phenomenal.”

The Jets will have their other first-round pick from the 2011 NA3HL draft in the lineup this weekend as defenseman Trevor Hillman was signed Thursday.

Hillman, a 17-year-old from Beverly Hills, was taken third overall in June out of the Detroit Falcons 16U team, just one pick before forward Justin Shureb.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jon Elliott, the second-leading scorer with the Jets during the 2009-10 season, is playing his second season with the Cumberland Grads of the Central Canada Hockey League.

The 20-year-old Elliott, an alternate captain with Cumberland, is fourth in team scoring with eight goals and 22 points in 35 games.

Elliott, a Birmingham native who played his high school hockey at Brother Rice, recorded 15 goals and 26 points while playing in all 48 games back in ’09-10.

Hellebuyck scores three to lead Jets over North Iowa

2011-12-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

DARIEN, IL – Chris Hellebuyck scored three goals, including the deciding goal in the shootout, as the Metro Jets defeated the North Iowa Bulls, 4-3, Wednesday afternoon on the final day of the NAHL Showcase Tournament at the Darien Sportsplex.

Travis Hargett recorded the Jets’ other goal and Dillon Kelley finished with 33 saves in goal. Kelley also stopped three of the four Bulls’ shooters in the shootout.

The Jets (13-10-0-0) now have two days off before hosting the Queen City Steam at Lakeland Arena this weekend. Game time is 7:40 p.m. Saturday night and 11:50 a.m. on Sunday.

Flying Aces score late, hang on to beat Metro on Day 3

2011-12-06T22:49:00.001-05:00

DARIEN, IL – The Minnesota Flying Aces scored a late goal and edged the Metro Jets, 4-3, Tuesday afternoon on Day 3 of the NAHL Showcase Tournament at the Darien Sportsplex.

Chad Frost scored his first goal of the season for the Jets, while Mike MacKinnon and Matt Stemkoski tallied the other goals.

Tyler Pionk’s goal at 13:44 snapped a 3-3 tie for the Flying Aces and the Jets were unable to find the equalizer.

In goal, Devin Williams stopped 24 shots for Metro.

The Jets (12-10-0-0) conclude the Showcase with an 11 a.m. (CST) game Wednesday against the North Iowa Bulls.

Jets beat Peoria for first win at Showcase

2011-12-05T22:47:00.001-05:00

DARIEN, IL – The Metro Jets moved to 1-1 at the NA3HL Showcase Tournament at the Darien Sportsplex with a 2-1 win Monday morning over the Peoria Mustangs.

Zach Mohr scored both goals, including the game-winner with just over five minutes remaining in the third period, to pace the Metro attack.

Devin Williams picked up the win in goal making 24 saves.

Next up for the Jets (12-9-0-0) is a Tuesday afternoon matchup with the Minnesota Flying Aces. Game time is 12:30 p.m. CST

Quad City doubles Jets in Showcase opener

2011-12-04T22:43:00.001-05:00

DARIEN, IL – The Metro Jets opened the NA3HL Showcase Tournament at the Darien Sportsplex with an 8-4 loss Sunday night to the Quad City Jr. Flames.

Chris Hellebuyck scored twice for the Jets, while captain Tommy Kilgore had a goal and an assist. Steve Klisz notched the other goal for Metro.

“I think we had more chances than Quad City, but we couldn’t finish and they scored on their chances,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. “We had 38 shots on goal, so offense isn’t our problem, never has been at all this season. Tonight, I thought our defense maybe could have made better decisions with the puck and our goaltending could have been better. There will be a couple lineup changes tomorrow, a few new faces in the lineup.”

Dillon Kelley made 31 saves in goal for the Jets.

Next up for the Jets (11-9-0-0) is a Monday morning matchup with the Peoria Mustangs. Game time is 9:30 a.m. CST

Wlodkowski improving quietly, but in strides, for Jets

2011-12-02T10:31:00.001-05:00

Tim Wlodkowski may not show up on the score sheet on a game-by-game basis, but the little things he does far exceed goals and assists.

Wlodkowski does have a goal and three assists in 17 games thus far, but aside from that, statistics aren’t kept for the intangibles he brings to the table for the Metro Jets.

“He’s probably our most under-appreciated player,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. “He works hard and he does all the little things that help a team win. I don’t think he gets enough recognition for what he does, but I notice him and so does the rest of the team.”

Before his father’s job took the family down to Katy, Tex., Wlodkowski grew up in Michigan. His family still in the Lone Star State, he now lives in Riverview with his grandparents.

“I think it’s been a good season so far,” said the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Wlodkowski. “I think I keep improving each week and working harder. Before this season, I didn’t know a whole lot about the North American 3 Hockey League. I just knew that Jason was the coach of the Jets and that he was interested in having me play for him. It’s nice living with my grandparents, too, because I don’t really get to see them a lot, but now that I live there, I get to spend time with them.”

Wlodkowski, now 19, played high school hockey in Texas and initially got into hockey in Michigan watching his father play.

“My dad was my big influence growing up and his dedication to make me a better hockey player influenced me a lot,” said Wlodkowski.

Defenseman Adam Reid is also a Texas native with the Jets, a Georgetown native who grew up in Kalamazoo.

When told of Cirone’s “under-appreciated” comment, Wlodkowski felt a sense of humility.

“I feel as though that I keep improving each week and I just leave it all on the ice every game without complaining about anything because that’s just not the player I am,” he said. “And the shifts I do get, I make sure I give it all I got.”

In the model of hard work paying off, Wlodkowski said his short-term goal this season is to “get some time in the NAHL and be up there for good next season.”

After that, Wlodkowski is eyeing college hockey.

JET STREAKS

With a full roster, despite injuries to key players like Jake Schlacht and Zach Schlacht and Tim Perks nearing his season debut, Cirone said changes may be coming shortly to the Jets’ roster.

“I think what our problem is right now is that we have a lot of good hockey players that I’m trying to find a lot of ice time for,” Cirone said. “I think we’re going to have to make a couple moves in the next few weeks to move some bodies and get some guys some playing time elsewhere.”

Goalie Ethan Loo (Raleigh, N.C.) was released last weekend. He had not seen game action this year. Williams is expected to be in Waterford the rest of the season after dressing for several games recently as a backup for the Otters.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jon Cooper, the head coach of the 2002 Jets’ Silver Cup Junior B national championship team, is currently in his second season as head coach of the Norfolk Admirals, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Prior to joining the Admirals, Cooper led the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers to a USHL championship in 2010 and the NAHL’s St. Louis Bandits to two straight NAHL titles in 2007 and 2008.

Cooper has also spent time behind the bench internationally, most recently serving as the assistant coach for the USA U-18 team that competed in the 2008 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Tournament in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. He won a silver medal as head coach of the USA U-17 team that participated in the 2007 Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic and was named a finalist for the 2007 United States Olympic Committee’s Development Coach of the Year.

Cooper’s assistant coach in Norfolk, Mike Flanagan, was formerly coach and GM of the Grand Rapids Jr. Owls (now the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution) in the NA3HL (then known as the Central States Hockey League).

Klisz scores late, Jets hang on to top Toledo Sunday

2011-11-27T17:46:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - Steve Klisz scored his team-best 13th goal of the season with six minutes left in the third period and the Metro Jets held on to defeat the Toledo Cherokee, 4-3, Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

Mike MacKinnon had given the Jets a 3-2 lead at 8:23 of the third, only to have Charles Kingston tie the game for Toledo 44 seconds later.

The Jets (11-8-0-0) played with a short bench after a handful of players were benched for arriving late to practice Saturday and defenseman Andrew Shalawylo left the game with an upper-body injury in the middle of the second period.

"We played with a skeleton crew and when guys are late getting to practice or miss practice, you don't play," Metro head coach Jason Cirone said. "I think that shows disrespect to teammates and me when that happens. I thought the kids that played today were unbelievable, especially our goalie (Dillon Kelley), who I think is finally recognizing what it takes to be a junior hockey player."

Kelley made 29 saves for his fourth win of the season, while Austyn Roudebush finished with 26 stops for Toledo.

Chris Hellebuyck and Josh Beleski scored the other Jets goals and captain Tommy Kilgore chipped in with two assists.

"We played the exact game we played last Wednesday night in Flint," said Cirone. "There was no panic and I thought we dominated for the first two periods and even when we took the lead in the third, I didn't think we played as well as we could have played."

The Jets are off until next Sunday when they travel to Darien, Ill., to play in the Combat Hockey NA3HL Showcase, starting a stretch of six games in eight days. Metro will play the Quad City Jr. Flames (Sun. Dec. 4, 4:30 p.m. CST), Peoria Mustangs (Mon. Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m.), Minnesota Flying Aces (Tues. Dec. 6, 12:30 p.m.) and North Iowa Bulls (Weds. Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m.) at the Darien Sportsplex.

"I think four wins is a realistic goal and I wouldn't want anything less," said Cirone. "Hopefully, our work ethic from the past two games will carry over into the showcase."

Metro will host the Queen City Steam Dec. 10-11 at Lakeland.

Jets play well, but lose Thanksgiving Eve in Flint

2011-11-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

FLINT, MI - The Flint Jr. Generals defeated the Metro Jets, 5-2, Wednesday night at Flint Iceland Arena.

Metro head coach Jason Cirone wasn't the least bit upset after the game, though, instead praising his team for playing "a heck of a game against a heck of a team."

"I think the whole game was a positive," said Cirone. "We played hard in a building that's a tough building to come into and against a tough team to play against. If you match their intensity and work ethic, you usually get a good result. Unfortunately, tonight we didn't."

Dillon Kelley got the call in net with Devin Williams still on a call-up with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters and finished with 27 saves.

"I have complete confidence in Dillon and thought he did a good job again tonight," said Cirone. "Of the five goals, I think just the fifth he'd like to have back, but that goal had no bearing on the game at all."

Doug Andrews and Jordan Jones scored the Jets' goals, with Jones' being his first of the season.

Richard Jansson scored two goals for Flint, while Ben Myers made 34 saves for the win.

The Jets (10-8-0-0) next play at home on Sunday against the Toledo Cherokee. First puck drop is at 11:50 a.m. at Lakeland Arena.

"If we could start the game right now, we would; that's how well we played tonight," Cirone said. "I don't want them to change anything. I want them to go home, enjoy a good turkey dinner, watch the Lions beat up on the Packers and then get ready for Sunday."

Williams makes OHL debut Friday night in Kitchener

2011-11-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Metro Jets goalie Devin Williams made his Ontario Hockey League debut Friday night with the Erie Otters.

Williams, who signed with Erie in late October, made 10 saves on 12 shots after relieving Tyson Teichmann two minutes into the third period of an 8-1 loss in Kitchener to the Rangers.

The Jets are idle this weekend before playing in Flint next Wednesday night. Metro then hosts Toledo on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 11:50 a.m.at Lakeland Arena.

Williams is expected to be available for both games.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Kelley adjusting to junior hockey with Jets

2011-11-17T13:04:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Making the jump from high school hockey to Junior A hockey was an adjustment at first for Dillon Kelley.

He has since come into his own and is constantly pushing his goalie counterpart, Devin Williams, for playing time in the Metro Jets’ crease.

“The first few games and weeks were rough for me,” said Kelley, a 17-year-old Petoskey native. “I feel I was being too hard on myself, but once I lightened up, I got my game back and have improved every game. The hockey is a much faster pace and the players are much more creative and smarter.”

Kelley played last season for Petoskey High School and was scouted by Jets’ assistant coach Randy Wilson, who saw the potential for Kelley to play juniors.

“Randy wanted me to come to the Jets’ open camp and after I went to the camp, he said he would like me to come to main camp,” Kelley said. “That was when they offered me a spot. I really didn’t know much about the Jets or the NA3HL. All I knew was what Randy had told me and I didn’t really know what to expect. After being in the league and on the team for two months now, I am very happy to be on this team and in this league.”

So far this season, Kelley is 3-1-0 with a 4.25 goals-against average and a .883 save percentage. Williams has seen the bulk of playing time, but Kelley has played well when called upon.

“Devo is probably my closest friend on the team,” explained Kelley. “We hang out all the time and love to talk hockey and equipment. Within that friendship, we both want to push each other to get better and we both want to play. There is competition there, but it’s a good one.”

Kelley sat on the bench for one game earlier this season as a backup for the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons. That experience opened Kelley’s eyes as to what it will take to make the lateral move to the NAHL.

“I plan to keep working hard day in and day out on and off the ice,” boasted Kelley. “I want to improve myself so I can help my team win whenever I am in the net. I hope to get better and better game in and game out and help our team get to where we want to be at the end of the regular season.

“My goals are to improve and get to the next level like everyone else, but my main goal is to help the Jets make it deep into playoffs and win a championship.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Toledo Cherokee jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and held on to top the Jets, 5-3, last Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Jake Schlacht, Chris Hellebuyck and Zach Mohr scored for the Jets.

In goal, Williams started and allowed all five Toledo goals in 28:21 of work, making 16 saves in the process.

Kelley replaced Williams and made 20 saves.

The Jets (10-7-0-0) are now idle until Wednesday, Nov. 23, when they play in Flint.

Metro's next home game is Sunday, Nov. 27, against Toledo at 11:50 a.m.

*** NOTE *** All Sunday home games are now at 11:50 a.m., instead of 1:20 p.m.

JET STREAKS

Defenseman Jordan Jones, who played 23 games for the Jets last season, returned to the team and made his 2011-12 debut against Toledo.

Jones, a 20-year-old Toledo native, tallied eight assists in 16 games with the Boston Jr. Blackhawks of the International Junior Hockey League this year.

Last season, Jones recorded four assists after he was acquired from Toledo on Nov. 23, 2010.

Justin Shureb, an 18-year-old forward from Livonia, also joined the Jets last Friday.

Shureb was drafted fourth overall by the Jets out of Livonia Stevenson High School last June. He was an honorable mention Division 1 All-State selection last year.

Shureb joins Mike MacKinnon, Hellebuyck, Tim Perks (injured, hasn’t played this year), John Baker, Chad Frost, Tim Wlodkowski and Steve Klisz as 2011 draft picks to make the Jets’ team this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Wylie Rogers, a goaltender on the 2002 Silver Cup national Junior B championship team, is playing this season for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League.

Rogers, who played for the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2002-03, also played four years of Division I college hockey for Alaska-Fairbanks of the CCHA from 2004-08.

The 26-year-old native of Fairbanks saw time last season for the Heerenveen Flyers pro team in the Netherlands.

Toledo downs Jets Saturday night

2011-11-13T20:31:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI - The Toledo Cherokee jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and held on to top the Metro Jets, 5-3, Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Jake Schlacht, Chris Hellebuyck and Zach Mohr scored for the Jets.

In goal, Devin Williams started and allowed all five Toledo goals in 28:21 of work, making 16 saves in the process.

Dillon Kelley replaced Williams and made 20 saves.

The Jets (10-7-0-0) are now idle until Wednesday, Nov. 23 when they play in Flint.

Metro's next home game is Sunday, Nov. 27 against Toledo at 11:50 a.m.

Shier emerging as 'go-to defenseman' for Metro

2011-11-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

WATERFORD, MI – Will Shier is proof that you can go home again.

The Metro Jets’ defenseman started last season playing in the Northern Pacific Hockey League with the Wyoming-based Yellowstone Quake, but after a handful of games, decided he needed a bigger challenge and wanted a venue where he would be scouted.

Enter the Jets, the team that drafted Shier in the 2010 North American 3 Hockey League draft.

“I had heard that the Jets hired Jason Cirone (as head coach) and were now a part of the NA3HL,” said Shier. “I felt that I would have a better opportunity to make it to the next level if I returned home and played in the NA3HL.”

Once he returned to Michigan and signed with the Jets, things changed drastically.

“Last season had quite a few ups and downs for me personally,” said the 19-year-old Sterling Heights native. “As the season went on, my game really improved because Coach Cirone pushed me constantly. I was also in the gym every day working hard to get stronger. I earned a lot of playing time which helped my game out quite a bit. By the end of the season, I had gained a lot of experience and was really confident with my game. I believe playing for the Jets last year really contributed to the player I am now.”

Earlier this season, Shier earned a call-up to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons of the North American Hockey League. He had gone to Port Huron’s main training camp in August and narrowly missed making the team.

When he got the call in October, Shier took advantage of the opportunity to impress Port Huron head coach Bill Warren during the two games he dressed for the Fighting Falcons.

“When I got called up to Port Huron, I knew from my experiences at the Fighting Falcons’ main camp, that the speed would be quite different than that of the NA3HL, and it was,” explained Shier. “In the NAHL, you have less time to make decisions and it is a much faster game. I knew a few of their players received game misconducts the day before and I thought I was only getting the call up for one game, but was happy to find out after the first game, that I would be playing another one. I got to play alongside many great players, many of them whom I played with in the past. I spoke with Coach Warren before heading back to the Jets and he told me to be patient, my time would come.”

With the Jets, Shier has been playing 25-30 minutes a game, including the point on the power play. He has a goal and five assists for six points thus far this season.

“I wish I had three or four more Will Shiers on the team,” said Cirone. “He’s our go-to defenseman and is a leader back there for us, which is also why he’s one of our alternate captains. He’s played with several different defense partners and makes them all better players when they’re out there with him.”

Still, the NAHL is Shier’s goal, both short-term and long-term. He said being in Port Huron showed him what it takes to move up and play in the league.

”I worked really hard on my game during the offseason,” said Shier. “I went out east for ten days and skated with one of the coaches (Blair Joseph) from the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. I received a lot of positive feedback from the NAHL coaches during tryouts this summer, but I just fell a bit short. Coach Cirone and (Metro GM) Butch Wolfe attended every tryout and gave me a lot of support. With the addition of full-time assistant coaches Dave Hague and Randy Wilson, I know we are going to have a great year and this is where I want to be. I wanted to come back and play for the Jets because I know Jason will help get me to the next level.

“I know, when given the chance, through hard work and dedication, I will be successful. I have already had a taste of the NAHL and can’t wait for more. Hopefully, the hard work will pay off and I will receive an offer to play college hockey for the 2013-14 school year as I work toward a degree in architecture.”

Looks like Shier is already building a solid future for himself.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro swept both games at home last weekend against Pittsburgh, winning 7-3 on Saturday night and then 4-2 on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday night, Shier (goal, two assists), Chris Hellebuyck (two goals, assist) and newcomer Zach Mohr (goal, two assists) had three-point nights and goaltender Dillon Kelley finished with 39 saves.

Steve Klisz, Matt Stirling and Matt Stemkoski also scored in the victory.

The Jets’ penalty kill shut down Pittsburgh’s power play as the Jr. Penguins went 0-for-6 with the advantage and 1-for-12 over the entire weekend.

In the series finale, Stemkoski and Mohr each had a goal and an assist, while Stirling and Doug Andrews tallied the others.

Klisz recorded two assists and Devin Williams made 32 saves in goal.

“Every single kid played well,” said Cirone. “I attribute that to last week in practice. It was probably our best week of practice since the second or third week of the season. Our kids really put it together last weekend and showed they have what it takes to win in this league.”

Metro (10-6-0-0) hosts Toledo this Saturday night for a 7:40 p.m. puck drop at Lakeland Arena in the lone game of the weekend.

“It all starts in practice and typically, how you practice is how you play during the weekend,” Cirone said. “I’d like to think we’ve turned a corner here and have turned our kids into believers.”

JET STREAKS

Mohr wasn’t the only new player in the lineup last weekend as forward Cameron Bazin made his return to the Jets in Sunday’s game.

“Bazin was one of my favorite players last year and is really a silent leader,” said Cirone. “Kids on our team can learn from him. His first shift on Sunday, he goes out and blocks a shot that prevented a scoring chance and then on his second shift, he throws a big hit. He’ll be an asset for us.”

Last year, the 19-year-old Troy native had three goals and 10 points in 36 games for the Jets.

Mohr, a 19-year-old from Novi, had a five-point weekend after coming over from Port Huron two weeks ago.

“I don’t expect Zach here the whole season,” said Cirone. “He’s very deserving to get another shot in the NAHL and I think once he works on some things that may be hindering his game he’ll be back up there.”

In another transaction approved Wednesday, the Jets traded Swedish defenseman Niels Olesen to Queen City. Olesen had one assist in 11 games this year.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Nick Kenney, the Jets’ top scorer during the 2006-07 season with 31 goals and 35 assists for 66 points (35 on the power play), is starting his junior season at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a Division III school in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA).

After the Jets, the 23-year-old Wixom native skated two seasons with the NAHL’s Mahoning Valley Phantoms.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Captain's Corner - Pittsburgh sweep, Mohr, Bazin, the 'C'

2011-11-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

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

-- On sweeping Pittsburgh last weekend.
Last weekend was great. It's always nice taking four points from a team when we're home.

-- On newcomer Zach Mohr.
Zach is a good hockey player and he brings a lot of talent to our well-rounded team.

-- On the return of forward Cameron Bazin.
Bazin is a silent leader he is a player that gets the team going by doing something on the ice.

-- On adjusting to being captain for the first two months of the season.
I know my role here and I do my best to lead the team on and off the ice. I am used to knowing my job that I need to do.

Stirling brings veteran leadership to Jets

2011-11-03T20:40:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - As one of the few returning players to the Metro Jets this season, Matt Stirling is being counted on for leadership and offense as the Jets hope to play in the North American 3 Hockey League playoffs for the first time in five years.

Leadership hasn’t been an issue as Sterling is an alternate captain for the second straight season. The offense, though, has sputtered, but has recently come alive for the 19-year-old Dexter native.

“The first two months of the season have been interesting and not what I was expecting,” Stirling said. “It has been a slow start for me this season and has been frustrating so far. With that said, I feel that my play has picked up recently over the past couple weeks and that with the better play, I should hopefully have better results soon.”

Going into this weekend, Stirling has just two goals through 14 games. Last year, he posted 24 goals and played in the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament last February in Ann Arbor.

“Last season, I learned that you have to bring your game every night and that the consistency of your play is vital to success,” remarked Stirling. “The more consistent you are, the better chance you have of moving up or playing well. I also learned that it is a long season full of ups and downs in which you have to be prepared for anything.”

Looking back on last year, Stirling said the feel around the locker room is much different, and in a good way, as compared to the 2010-11 season.

”I think there is a different mindset to this year’s team because of the amount of returning players to the Jets and the leadership the returners bring to the team,” said Stirling. “The returners know what to expect this year on and off the ice, where last year we were all learning a new system and that took time for players to develop.”

Stirling went to summer camps with the North American Hockey League’s Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings and Traverse City North Stars, but felt another year of seasoning in Waterford would help improve his game to move up next year. Getting a few more wins on the board could help slow starters like Stirling pick up their game, and if a catalyst like Stirling can get off the schneid, that can only be a positive for the Jets.

“The team has slid a little bit from our hot start in our last couple games, but I feel that we have some good hockey players and as a team, we are playing very well so far,” Stirling said “I think that if I can get my game going and keep improving my game, it can only help the team in the long run.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro traveled to Cleveland last weekend and suffered a two-game sweep at the hands of the East Division-leading Jr. Lumberjacks.

Saturday night, Steve Klisz and Mike MacKinnon scored late in the third period, but it wasn’t enough as Cleveland held on for a 3-2 win.

Devin Williams was outstanding in goal with a 48-save performance against the NA3HL’s highest-scoring team.

Then Sunday afternoon, Cleveland blanked the Jets, 5-0. Williams started and made 24 saves on 29 shots through 35:04. Dillon Kelley played the rest of the game and stopped all 18 shots he faced.

This weekend, the Jets (8-6-0-0) come home to Lakeland Arena to battle the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins. Game time Saturday night is 7:50 p.m. with a 1:20 p.m. matinee scheduled for Sunday.

Pittsburgh sits in fourth place in the East, just three points behind third-place Metro.

JET STREAKS

Forward Zach Mohr, a 19-year-old Novi native, joined the Jets in a trade from the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons late last week and is expected in the lineup this weekend against Pittsburgh.

Mohr totaled two goals and two assists in 14 games with Port Huron this year.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Tommy Burns, who played for the Jets last year, is averaging better than a point per game with Lindenwood University’s ACHA Division II team this season.

Burns, a 21-year-old forward from Pinckney, has eight goals and 13 points in 11 games for the Lindenwood, a school based in St. Charles, Mo.

Last season, Burns posted 16 goals and 33 points in 43 games in 2010-11, good for fourth in team scoring.

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

MacKinnon finding chemistry with linemates Klisz, Stemkoski

2011-10-28T17:08:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

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

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

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

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

JET STREAKS

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

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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

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

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

OHL's Erie Otters sign Metro goalie Williams

2011-10-22T12:56:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Williams playing with confidence in goal for Metro

2011-10-20T09:44:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

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

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

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

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

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

Dillon Kelley made 32 saves in goal for the victory.

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

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

JET STREAKS

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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

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

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

Photo/Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

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

2011-10-19T20:38:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

Jets split on the road in Pittsburgh

2011-10-17T20:34:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

Dillon Kelley made 32 saves in goal for the victory.

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

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

2011-10-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-10-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

Jets beat Toledo in OT, then fall to Flint

2011-10-10T10:04:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stemkoski making noise this season for Metro

2011-10-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JET STREAKS

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

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

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

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

Photo - Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

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

2011-10-03T20:43:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

Jets dominate in home sweep of Battle Creek

2011-10-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local product Hellebuyck glad he chose Jets, NA3HL

2011-09-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - For the Metro Jets and Chris Hellebuyck, the second time was the charm.

The Jets drafted Hellebuyck in 2010, but the Commerce Township native elected to play midget hockey last season with the Lansing Capitals.

When the 2011 North American 3 Hockey League draft came around this past June, Hellebuyck was again drafted by the Jets and this time, he made the decision to make the jump to junior hockey.

“When I signed with Metro, I knew a little about the league and I had a chance to skate with (Jets head coach) Jason (Cirone) the season before, so I knew a little about him as well,” said the 19-year-old Hellebuyck. “I feel lucky to play for a coach who I will learn from, rather than just play for, and so far I've really enjoyed the hockey in this league.”

Playing on a forward line with Doug Andrews and Josh Beleski, the trio has accounted for almost a third of the team’s scoring this season. Hellebuyck has two goals and eight points through five games.

“I think that getting to play with players like Andrews and Beleski has helped a lot,” Hellebuyck said. “Andrews is always their picking up where I left off with the puck and Beleski always seems to be in position. I also think that getting that first goal and having a good first game was very important for me. It takes a lot of pressure off me as a player so I can continue to try and get better now.”

The Jets had actually hoped for two Hellebuycks to be playing in Waterford this season and signed goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Chris’s younger brother, to a tender last May. Connor earned a tryout with the expansion Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League and made the team.

Still, having the older Hellebuyck is a great situation for the Jets.

“My goal in hockey is to earn a college degree with it and I think that junior hockey is the best route,” Hellebuyck said. “I would really like to play with my brother in Texas if I were given that opportunity, too. This season, my biggest expectation for myself is to improve on what I know were my weak spots last year. I would also like to make sure that I can help my team on the offensive side of the ice as well as the defensive side.”

To keep improving, Hellebuyck looks to two Detroit Red Wings forwards for inspiration.

”I really enjoy watching Pavel Datsyuk play because he is always where he needs to be,” explained Hellebuyck. “It looks like he's not working hard, but he will always be in the right place. I also enjoy watching Darren Helm play because it is somewhat of the opposite. He works hard and creates his opportunities that way.”

If the first five games are any indication, Hellebuyck will be enjoying a multitude of opportunities this year with Metro.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Matt Stemkoski scored the game-tying goal and then the overtime game-winner as the Jets came from behind and topped the Flint Jr. Generals, 4-3, last Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

The Jets, now 4-1-0-0, took a 2-1 lead into the third period on goals from Matt Stirling and Beleski before Luke McDiarmid and Edward Osowski gave Flint the lead with 1:06 to play.

With goalie Devin Williams on the bench for the extra skater, Stemkoski beat Flint goalie Dominic Orlando at 19:19 to send the game to the extra session where Stemkoski won it at 2:33.

Williams finished with 30 saves and has been in net for all four Jets' victories this year.

Mike McKinnon and Steve Klisz added two assists apiece for Metro.

The Jets host the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution (0-6-0-0) this weekend for a two-game series. Both games Friday and Saturday night at Lakeland start at 7:50 p.m.

JET STREAKS

The Jets released 17-year-old rookie defenseman Neal Krentz (Bloomfield Hills) prior to the game against Flint. Krentz had not seen any game action this season.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Vinnie Pietrangelo, Metro’s top draft pick in 2009, is entering his sophomore season at Finlandia University this fall on the Lions’ blueline.

Pietrangelo, a 20-year-old Traverse City native, tallied a goal and nine points in 47 games with the Jets during the 2009-2010 season. Last year with FU, he had two assists while playing in all 24 games.

Pietrangelo’s third cousin, Alex Pietrangelo, is starting his second season with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Vinnie’s father, Tony, is third cousins with Alex's uncle, Frank Pietrangelo, himself a former NHL goaltender with Pittsburgh and Hartford in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Captain's Corner - Sweeping Queen City, bag skate, Flint game

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

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

-- On last weekend's sweep at Queen City.
In Cincinnati, we played our game and did what (head coach) Jason (Cirone) wanted us to do and we came out of it with four points.

-- On the two-hour bag skate the team went through last week.
Last week's skate showed us that Jason is serious about this year and we need to be, too, otherwise we will be doing more of those two-hour skates. He knows we are talented and this past weekend, we showed him.

-- On turning 19 on Sunday.
I guess you can say I celebrated my birthday with a win and other than that, I didn't do much of anything.

-- On this Saturday night's game against Flint.
Flint is going to be ready for us and we are not going to take them lightly. We have some work to do this week in order to come out with a win.

Late-round draft pick Klisz showing he belongs with Jets

2011-09-20T10:07:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - When Steve Klisz scored the overtime game-winner to send the Metro Jets past the Flint Jr. Generals in both team’s season opener two weeks ago, he said after the game that the goal was “definitely one of the biggest goals I’ve ever scored.”

Not too shabby for a player the Jets drafted in June in the 20th round with the 317th overall pick in the North American 3 Hockey League Entry Draft.

“We drafted Klisz on the recommendation of (former Metro assistant coach) Sean Clark,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. “So far, he’s been one of our most skilled players and is a kid that can bring the pace of the game to his level. That’s not something you teach and it also shows that he doesn’t panic.”

After he found out Metro selected him, Klisz (pronounced KLISH) started doing his research.

“When I was drafted, I honestly didn't know much about the Jets or the league, but after going to some (summer open) skates and talking to Coach Cirone, I realized that playing for the Jets would be the best for me,” explained Klisz, an 18-year-old forward from Livonia. “I like the team and I’m very glad I made this decision.”

Scoring his clutch goal against Flint only solidified Klisz’s decision to play for the Jets. Like he mentioned, it was one of a handful of what he considers to be memorable goals. He added three more this past weekend against the Queen City Steam and now leads Metro in scoring with nine points.

“Last year for Livonia Churchill High School, we played Orchard Lake St. Mary's in the state quarterfinals and I scored two big goals,” remembered Klisz. “Another time was in Bantams when I scored the game-winning goal at Joe Louis Arena to win the Little Caesar’s championship.”

Klisz, like most players at this level, has very high, yet reasonable expectations of himself.

”I want to play great defense, score 30 goals and have 30 assists and be a great team player,” said Klisz, who grew up looking up to NHL stars Steve Yzerman, Pavel Datsyuk and Mats Sundin. “One person I look up to is my dad. I wouldn't be playing hockey today if it wasn't for him.”

“He’s a very big part of our power play,” said Cirone of Klisz. “He’s so calm, cool and collected with the puck and we need a guy like that on the power play. We’ve scored a power-play goal in every game so far and Klisz is a big part of that.”

Klisz also has a hockey future mapped out past this year.

”I would like to play in the North American Hockey League next year and I think that would be a big achievement for me,” Klisz said. “Then after that, I would like to play college hockey. Ohio State has always been a dream ever since I was a little kid and that would be a blessing if I played for the Buckeyes.”

Keep scoring big goals and Klisz may have his pick of where to play in the future.

JET STREAKS

Metro captain Tommy Kilgore turned 19 last Sunday … Forward Travis Hargett was back in the lineup for the Queen City series after suffering an upper-body in the season opener against Flint on Sept. 9 … Williams is tied with Granite City goalie Matt Grove for most wins in the NA3HL this year (3).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Steve Oleksy, a defenseman who played for the Jets during the 2004-2005 season, has agreed to terms with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads on a contract for this season.

The 25-year-old Oleksy is returning for his third season with the Steelheads. He originally signed with the team in January 2010 and going to the Kelly Cup finals. He returned last season and solidified himself as one of the team’s top blueliners with 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) and a team-high 134 penalty minutes for the Steelheads before being loaned to the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

“Steve is a guy who got an opportunity last season and really took advantage of it,” Idaho coach Hardy Sauter said. “You want the kinds of players that will step up like Steve has. He got good experience with us and in the AHL last season, so we’re really happy to have him back.”

During his time in the AHL, Oleksy skated in 17 games, picking up four assists and 39 penalty minutes. He also appeared in three playoff games with Lake Erie.

After playing for the Jets, Oleksy played for the NAHL’s Traverse City North Stars and then three seasons at Lake Superior State from 2006-2009.

Metro gains two-game sweep on road in Queen City

2011-09-18T21:54:00.000-04:00

CINCINNATI - The Metro Jets reeled off two wins on the road against the Queen City Steam this weekend, completing their first sweep in Cincinnati in more than five years.

The Jets, now 3-1-0-0 on the young season, won both games by a 5-3 count with goalie Devin Williams earning both wins.

"The funny thing that happened this weekend is that everyone played well," Metro head coach Jason Cirone said. "I rolled four lines Saturday night, but then we had a couple injuries and I played three lines plus one and eight defensemen Sunday. We played extremely well for five periods this weekend, with the exception being the third period Sunday."

Saturday night, Steve Klisz scored twice with an assist, Mike McKinnon had a goal and two assists, Matt Stemkoski a goal and a helper and Doug Andrews the other goal.

Williams finished with 24 saves.

Sunday afternoon, Klisz, Andrews, Stemkoski and McKinnon scored again with Branden Morganroth tallying as well. Andrews has scored in all four games thus far for the Jets.

"The guys worked hard all week and I think our practice Thursday was our best of the year," said Cirone. "It was upbeat, up-tempo and there was a lot of teaching and a lot of learning going on."

Matt Stirling chipped in with a pair of assists and Williams stopped 27 shots in goal.

The Jets return home to Lakeland Arena this Saturday night for their lone game this week, a 7:50 p.m. start against the Flint Jr. Generals.

Cirone said to prepare for Flint, a team that the Jets played on opening night and took a 8-7 win in overtime, not much should change this week in practice.

"We just have to keep continuing what we're doing," Cirone said. "Flint's a very good team and if we don't keep ourselves grounded from winning these two games in Queen City, Flint will fix that real quick."

Rookie Andrews off to quick start with Jets

2011-09-16T16:42:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – Doug Andrews is a player that Metro Jets’ head coach Jason Cirone said “is going to be a heck of a player for us this year.”

And after a six-point weekend to open the North American 3 Hockey League season last Friday and Saturday, who's to argue?

Andrews, who signed with the Jets late in the summer as a free agent, said he knew what he was getting into by joining the Jets.

“When I signed with the Jets, I had some knowledge of the league and I also knew some of the players that were in it,” said Andrews, a 19-year-old Macomb, Mich., native. “One of my coaches from last year, Andy Oleksy, informed me more about the team and thought this would be a good fit for me. When I signed, I actually didn't know much about Coach Cirone, but I know that he expects a lot out of his players. I'm glad I am playing for him this year. I’m going to work hard and focus on becoming an all-around better hockey player.”

Last season, Andrews was part of the Troy Sting Midget AA team (pictured) that won the state championship. The Sting was coached by Fred Costello, a former head coach of the Jets.

Once last season ended, however, Andrews was already looking ahead to making the jump to junior hockey.

“I really tried to prepare myself all summer for the upcoming season by off-ice conditioning and also working on my shot,” the 5-foot-9, 170-pound Andrews said. “This has helped me get off to a good start this season. I don’t really feel any pressure from what Coach Cirone said, I just go out and give 100 percent every shift.”

Growing up, Andrews idolized NHL stars Steve Yzerman and Peter Forsberg. He said both “always played with class and heart.” He tries to model his game after those two and hopes to one day climb the hockey ladder to higher levels.

“I would like to progress next year to the NAHL or a college team,” boasted Andrews. “I intend to do this by continuing my work ethic.”

Or just by simply continuing to be one heck of a player.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Mike Moroso, who played for the Jets last season, led the Port Huron Fighting Falcons over the Traverse City North Stars, 5-2, with a two-goal effort in a preseason NAHL game at Ferris State University on Sept. 8.

"(Moroso) basically made our team out of camp and the reason he did is because he put pucks in the net," Port Huron head coach Bill Warren said to the (Port Huron) Times-Herald. "Did I expect him to score two goals? No. But does he have that ability? Yes."

Last year with the Jets, the 20-year-old from Macomb, Mich., was third in team scoring with 20 goals and 16 assists for 36 points in 43 games. He also led the team and was second in the NA3HL with four shorthanded goals.

Captain's Corner - Last weekend, Cirone's wrath, road trip

2011-09-13T20:14:00.000-04:00

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

-- On beating Flint in overtime at home to open the season Friday night.
We came out hard on Friday and we showed a lot of discipline and effort, especially coming back in the third and to win it in overtime.

-- On losing 10-3 Saturday to Cleveland.
The game against Cleveland was not great. It's not that we didn't work hard, we just didn't work smart. We didn't listen to (head coach) Jason (Cirone) and the systems he wanted us to run. We tried to do our own thing.

-- On wearing the 'C' for the first time Friday night.
On Friday, it felt great wearing the 'C' out there. I felt like there was more responsibility on my hands and that I needed to step up and be a leader when we got down by a few goals, but it felt good to be the one filling that role.

-- On Cirone's temper Saturday night.
We definitely felt the wrath of Jason after the second period Saturday when we were down by five he told us what we needed to do and we just didn't. He was pretty pissed off, as were we.

-- On how to get ready to play Adrian College (exhibition) and Queen City on the road this weekend.
We need to work hard this week at practice and come out hard against Adrian and have a good week and come even closer together as a team. Queen City is not a team to take lighty and if we run the systems Jason wants, we will be fine. If not, then it might not have the outcome we want from this weekend.

Cleveland chops down Jets Saturday night

2011-09-11T10:31:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - David Fassbender scored once and added four assists to lead the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks to a 10-3 win over the Metro Jets Saturday night at Lakeland Arena.

Blake Hamilton, Cameron Dimmitt and Kyle Fink added two goals apiece, while LJ Dvorak finished with 16 saves to earn the win.

For the Jets (1-1-0-0), Zach Schlacht had a goal and two assists and Chris Hellebuyck and Doug Andrews each tallied a goal and an assist.

Dillon Kelley made 35 saves in suffering the defeat in goal.

Metro plays at Queen City next weekend.

Jets top Flint in OT on Klisz game-winner

2011-09-10T03:05:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - Steve Klisz’s second goal of the game at 1:54 of overtime gave the Metro Jets a season-opening 8-7 win over the Flint Jr. Generals Friday night at Lakeland Arena.

A see-saw game that had numerous lead changes, Klisz went in on a partial break on Flint goalie Ben Myers and went five-hole to complete a three-goal comeback and give the Jets their first home-opening win since a 9-1 thrashing of Toledo to open the 2006-2007 season.

“I saw the defenseman flip the puck in the air and I skated as hard as I could,” explained Klisz. “The puck dropped right in front of me, I picked it up, went in, saw the five-hole and scored. Definitely one of the biggest goals I've ever scored."

Doug Andrews notched a pair of goals and two assists for the Jets, while Chris Hellebuyck added a goal and three helpers. Mike McKinnon (also with two assists), Matt Stemkoski and Branden Morganroth scored one apiece.

Devin Williams stopped 44 shots between the pipes for Metro.

“We had a touchdown with a two-point conversion,” said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. “Do we have things to work on? Obviously. A win is a win is a win. They don’t ask how, right? They just ask how many. I told the players after the second period that if we’re going to run and gun, let’s make sure we get more and that’s what they did.”

Cirone wasn’t happy with the way the Metro defense played and said “changes will come tomorrow,” but was happy with Williams’ play in net.

“I thought the young kid played well,” Cirone said. “He faced 51 shots and maybe one that he allowed was shaky, but other than that, I thought he did a great job for us.”

Edward Osowski and Lucas McDiarmid scored twice for Flint, Josh Kestner tallied a goal and two assists and Myers finished with 21 saves.

The Jets host the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks tomorrow night for a 7:50 p.m.puck drop.

“You have to have a short memory,” said Cirone on how the Jets will prepare for Cleveland. “You have to learn from tonight and move on. (Cleveland coach-GM) Bob (Jacobson) always brings a quality team with a high level of talent and I’m expecting a harder game tomorrow night.”

NOTABLE: Stemkoski and Will Shier were the alternate captains tonight and will be for all home games this season. Jake Schlacht and Matt Stirling will wear the ‘A’ during all away games … Forward Travis Hargett went out in the first period with an upper-body injury. He’s listed as day-to-day … Ex-Jets players Morgan James (2010-2011) and Mike Denston (2009-2011) were spotted at the game … Williams won’t turn 16 until Oct. 30 … A moment of silence was observed before the game in memory of those that lost their lives in Wednesday’s plane crash in Russia of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Jets ready to start 2011-2012 season tonight

2011-09-09T03:01:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - Let bygones be bygones, says Metro Jets head coach Jason Cirone.

After taking over the Jets last year just before the start of the season, Cirone guided the Jets to a 15-29-1 record in the North American 3 Hockey League. Not a bad year, all things considered, and then to move a half-dozen players up the hockey ladder this offseason made last season seem worth it.

That was then, though, and with the Jets’ season opener slated for Friday night at 7:50 p.m.at Lakeland Arena against the Flint Jr. Generals, Cirone feels more prepared for this year.

“On paper, I like my team, but it’s always easier to like your team on paper,” said Cirone. “I think we have a different team than last year where we were a meat and potatoes-type team who liked to dump and chase. This year, we’re going to be a little more skilled and will hopefully control the play a little more than last year. Last year at this time, this really wasn’t my team, but now, this is my team.”

New captain Tommy Kilgore, who tallied 12 goals in 40 games a season ago for the Jets, has noticed the difference in the two seasons as well.

“We’re a lot closer-knit team and I think everyone is more committed than this time last year,” said Kilgore, a 19-year-old native of Pinckney. “Guys aren’t just showing up whenever. Everyone is coming to the rink on time and ready to play hockey. We had probably twice as any guys at our camps this summer and five times the talent. (Cirone) recruited so many guys and I know it had to be hard for him to make some of the cuts. Last year, we were still trying to get guys at this point.”

“We’ll have a lot of depth this year and again, that’s by design and that’s from the hard work of a lot of people this summer,” Cirone said. “Last year at this time, we were basically begging other teams for scraps. That’s nothing against the kids we had last season, but my team last year, we worked our tails off and I’ll never take that away from them. What made us win as many games as we did was the fact we were family.”

Returning skaters along with Kilgore include forwards Travis Hargett (Clarkston), Matt Stemkoski (Novi) and Matt Stirling (Dexter) and defensemen Ian Costello (Lansing), Jake Schlacht (Allen Park), Andrew Shalawylo (Clinton Township) and Will Shier (Sterling Heights).

Stemkoski, Stirling, Schlacht and Shier will serve as alternate captains – two will be home captains and two will wear the ‘A’ for away games.

“All five of our letters are kids that are coming back and that’s not taking anything away from the new kids we have because some of those kids are good leaders, but I told the kids at a meeting this week that you don’t need to have a letter on your jersey to be a leader,” said Cirone. “The way I see it, we have 26 players on the team, 26 leaders.”

Kilgore said being named captain is something that wasn’t expected, but is a challenge he’s ready to tackle.

“It’ll be different for sure,” said Kilgore. “Last year, I really wasn’t a talkative guy. I pretty much came to the rink, played my game and that was it. This year, I’ll have to get the team through any tough times we might have, get guys to step up, things like that. It’ll be more pressure, but I think I can handle it.”

“The reason why we made him captain, and it was unanimous, is that last year, he probably took more crap from me, persevered through it and didn’t take it personally,” explained Cirone. “He worked at it, got himself a call-up (to the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons in January) and even though he didn’t get another (NAHL) chance this year, he’s come back here and shown the leadership qualities and abilities he showed last year. It was actually a pretty easy decision to show loyalty to a kid that has shown loyalty to me.”

New to the team this year are goalies Dillon Kelley (Petoskey), Devin Williams (Saginaw), a 2011 draft pick of the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, and Ethan Loo (Raleigh, N.C.), and forwards Tim Wlodkowski (Katy, Tex.), Chris Hellebuyck (a Commerce Township native whose younger brother, Connor, was tendered by the Jets to play goal this year, but wound up cracking the roster of the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes), Mike McKinnon (Troy), Steve Klisz (Livonia), Cameron Bruff (Flushing), Branden Morganroth (Highland), Josh Beleski (Southgate) and Doug Andrews (Macomb). Oxford native and forward Tim Perks also made the team, but will miss the season recovering from a torn ACL.

Though two of the three goalies will be young (Williams is only 16 and Kelley just turned 17 last week), Cirone isn’t worried one bit.

“We have three guys who can step up and carry the load for us and play the most important position in hockey,” said Cirone. “Goalies have short memories, or at least they’ll learn to have short memories working with (assistant coach and goalie coach) Randy (Wilson), and that’s one of the reasons we brought him in on a full-time basis. I don’t know much about playing goal and I’m not going to start trying, so that’s why Randy’s here.”

Adam Reid (Georgetown, Tex.), Max Biggings (Hartland), Niels Oleson (the Jets’ first-ever Sweden native), Neal Krentz (Bloomfield Hills), Zach Schlacht (Jake’s younger brother) and Chad Frost (Clarkston) make up the new crop of defensemen.

“I think we’re going to be strong on the back end and I also think we’ll have a lot of talent up front,” Kilgore said. “Our goalie situation should be really good again and having Randy back is definitely a plus. Losing some of the guys from last year will be tough to replace, but I think a lot of the new guys coming in and some of the returning guys will be able to pick up the slack. We have the talent and we have the skill and I think if we all play the systems coach Cirone wants us to play, we should have no problem winning games.”

Dave Hague steps in as a new assistant coach. Sean Clark, an assistant last season, took a job with the central scouting office of the United States Hockey League. Jamie Hayden, a former head coach of the Jets, remains with the team in a special coaching capacity.

“I have said this since day one when I walked through the door here – we don’t just take good hockey players, we also want quality people,” Cirone said. “I don’t care how good you are. If you’re not a decent person, you don’t play here. The same goes for the coaching and scouting. I like to think I’ve surrounded myself with good people and as a team, that’s what we need to do for the players, too.

“I don’t think a lot should surprise me this year. I tell the kids all the time that the day you stop learning is the day you stop playing the game and it works that way as coaches, too.”

Wins and losses have their share of meaning when it comes to gauging team success, but according to Cirone, the NA3HL is more than numbers in columns.

“We call ourselves a development league and the kids all get a chance to play here,” said Cirone. “I told one kid this week that I treat everybody fair, but different, and as soon as they figure out what that means, we’ll be fine. The goal is always the same and that’s to move kids up. If we go 25-5 inour first 30 games and then 2-18 over our last 20, that’s a good season for me. That means other teams noticed our kids and now they’re gone. Was I disappointed in our record last year? Not one bit, but we did win more games last year than in the two previous years combined.

“Getting to the playoffs and winning a championship is always a goal, but overall, the main goal of Metro Jets hockey is to move kids to the next level.”

ON TAP: FLINT AND CLEVELAND

The Jets host Flint on Friday night and then the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks on Saturday night.

Both games face-off at 7:50 p.m.

“Flint usually has a pretty physical team, but we didn’t have too many problems with them last year,” explained Kilgore. “Cleveland is more of a team that doesn’t hit and is usually one of the faster teams we play. With the way things are looking right now, I don’t think we should have too many problems this weekend, but we’ll see.”

Cirone said he doesn’t want to look past any one game this year.

“Our division (with Flint, Cleveland and the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins) will be one of the toughest in the league,” stated Cirone. “It’s so cliché, but we’ll take it one game at a time. Hopefully, we have a team here that will make other teams worry about us rather than us worrying about them.”

Metro hits the road to play the Queen City Steam in suburban Cincinnati next weekend.

Stirling photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Veteran defenseman Corder chooses Oakland University

2011-08-30T22:22:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – In what has turned out to be a very successful offseason for the Metro Jets in terms of player advancement, defenseman and former captain Mike Corder has committed to ACHA Division I power Oakland University based in nearby Rochester.

Corder played two years for the Jets and was the 2009-2010 captain and assumed the same role the first half of last season. Statistically, the 21-year-old from Warren, Mich., posted two goals and 12 assists in 76 career games with a combined 186 penalty minutes.

His solid defensive play, coupled with his fearlessness on the ice, had several colleges taking note as last season came to a close.

“I was really unsure as to where to attend school and try to play hockey this season,” said Corder. “I discussed the colleges with (Jets head) coach (Jason) Cirone and he put me in touch with (OU assistant) coach (Nick) Tomczyk. I spoke a few times with coach Tomczyk and he said that the OU staff had seen me play with the Jets. I went to the first camp of the summer and enjoyed the up-tempo style that the OU players played. I wanted a good college and a good opportunity to play for a national championship – OU is that college. I just want to do whatever I can to help the team and the program.”

OU won the Division II national championship in 2004 and 2006 under former head coach Sean Hogan, also a former Jets player in the mid-1990s, and then moved to Division I and won the national title in 2007, also with Hogan at the helm.

Corder has aspirations off the ice, too.

“My goals academically are to do the best that I can and get the best grades that I am able to get while I try to decide what I want as a major,” Corder explained. “During my first two years, I plan to get a lot of my general education classes out of the way while I try a few different areas to see what interests me. I would like to earn a degree in something that will allow me to stay connected to hockey when my playing career is over.”

The Grizzlies have a handful of ex-Jets on the roster, including forward David Merkle, a former teammate of Corder’s during his first season in Waterford.

“It is nice to have something in common and a few familiar faces does make the transition and getting to know the team a bit easier,” noted Corder.

Showing his humble side, Corder gave thanks to the Jets’ organization and has high hopes for the organization moving forward.

“My two seasons with the Jets made me a more well-rounded player “ said Corder. “I gained a lot of experience and learned a great deal from the coaches, especially coach Cirone. I really learned my role as a player and how to simplify the game. Coach Cirone made the game easy to understand, even at the faster pace of juniors. I don't feel that I would have had the opportunities to get an education and continue to play a high level of hockey without my time with the Jets organization and coach Cirone.

“During my first season, the team started to move a little bit in the right direction. After coach Cirone came in, the team really started to gain momentum going down the right road. The bumps will have to be smoothed out a bit, but I know that coach Cirone expects nothing but 100 percent night in and night out and he won't settle for anything less from his players or himself. I know that the NA3HL draft was very positive for the team and they tendered some good players. I am excited to see what the Jets can accomplish this upcoming season.”

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Jets, MRSN team up again for 2011-2012 season

2011-08-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets have announced that 12 of their games during the 2011-2012 North American 3 Hockey League season will be broadcast online by the Michigan Regional Sports Network (MRSN).

MRSN has broadcast select Jets games the past three seasons and this season will have nine games from Lakeland Arena, two from Flint’s Iceland Arena against the Flint Jr. Generals and one from Farmington Hills Ice Arena against the Michigan Mountain Cats.

MRSN, based in Flint, began in August 2009 and mainly broadcasts high school and minor league sports in the southeastern part of the state.

The complete schedule of Jets games to be broadcast on MRSN in 2011-2012 is below. The MRSN website is http://www.mrsn.us/.

Sun. Oct. 9 – Metro at Flint, 2:15 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 6 – Pittsburgh at Metro, 1:15 p.m.
Sat. Nov. 12 – Toledo at Metro, 7:35 p.m.
Sun. Nov. 27 – Toledo at Metro, 1:20 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 10 – Queen City at Metro, 7:35 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 18 – Metro at Flint, 2:15 p.m.

Sat. Jan. 7 – Flint at Metro, 7:35 p.m.
Sat. Jan. 14 – Michigan at Metro, 7:35 p.m.

Sat. Feb. 4 – Cleveland at Metro, 7:35 p.m.
Sat. Feb. 11 – Metro at Michigan, 6:45 p.m.
Sat. Feb. 25 – Pittsburgh at Metro, 7:45 p.m.
Sun. Feb. 26 – Pittsburgh at Metro, 1:15 p.m.

The Jets start the season at home on Friday, Sept. 9 with a 7:50 p.m. game against Flint at Lakeland Arena.

Jets' captain James earns SPHL contract with Cottonmouths

2011-08-19T12:23:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets have announced that last season’s captain, Morgan James, has signed a professional contract with the Columbus (Ga.) Cottonmouths of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

James, a 21-year-old defenseman from Commerce Township, had two goals and two assists in 39 games last year to go along with 180 penalty minutes, fourth in the North American 3 Hockey League.

“Morgan is obviously a big man and plays a physical game, something that I think we missed with Dan Leslie and Craig Stahl retiring at the same time,” Columbus head coach Jerome Bechard said. “He has been utilized as both a defenseman and a forward and was his team captain last year. I think he could bring a lot of intangibles to our team that we may have been lacking last year.”

The SPHL is a Single-A league entering its eighth season in 2011-2012 with nine teams in the southeastern United States. The Cottonmouths have been in the league since its inception in 2004-2005.

James, who sat out the three seasons prior to last year dealing with personal issues, was named Metro’s captain midway through last season. He’s now looking forward to the next stage of his career.

“I’m very excited to get my feet wet in the pros and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” James said. “I am going to the camp there in early October and have spoken with Coach Bechard who does plan on using me for the 2011-2012 season being that everything goes well. The Cottonmouths, from what I’ve heard and read, are a top organization in the SPHL. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous, but I also have confidence that I will be able to compete. I’ve been training very hard to get ready for this and I have the tools needed to do my job and more.”

Playing for the Jets last year did wonders for James’ development and he said he owes a debt of gratitude to the entire organization.

”I worked so hard in my one season for the Jets that I was noticed by a pro team, but that would not be giving credit where credit is due,” said James. “Without (head coach) Jason Cirone, I wouldn’t be heading down to skate with the Cottonmouths in the SP. I really want everyone out there to know that if you work hard for Jason, listen to him, and do him right as a player that he will do you right in return, whether that’s getting you to the next level or simply turning you into a well-rounded player that plays a role as part of the dynamic machine that is a hockey team.”

With the close of summer around the corner, James has a new set of goals for the upcoming season.

”I’m setting short-term goals only for right now,” said James. “I’m just focusing on going down there, skating my butt off and playing my role to the best of my abilities.”

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Metro's final tryout camp goes this weekend

2011-08-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - The Metro Jets' final tryout camp will be held this weekend, August 12-14, at Lakeland Arena.

There, up to 40 players, including veterans, draft picks, tenders and free agents, who, along with as many as six goaltenders, will show why they should be on the 2011-2012 version of the team.

"We improved a bit last season, but we're not resting on our laurels," said Jets head coach Jason Cirone. "It is our feeling that with players returning from last year's team and the players we drafted and recruited that we will be in a position to compete in the league championship series next spring."

Any player interested in the camp should go to the 'Tryouts' page and follow the instructions to register.

Moroso to make jump to Port Huron, NAHL for '11-12

2011-08-09T12:34:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI - After making the jump last season from Midget AA hockey to the Metro Jets, Mike Moroso is hoping to continue the trend this year by moving up to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons of the North American Hockey League.

Port Huron starts their training camp next week and Moroso has every intention of being on the Fighting Falcons’ opening night roster. His offseason workload certainly helped him get the attention of the Port Huron staff.

“I prepared myself for the final camp by consistently getting myself on the ice, anything I could do just to skate about four or five times a week,” said Moroso, a 20-year-old forward from Macomb. “Working out and running at least three times a week also was big in my preparation.”

Last year with the Jets, Moroso was third in team scoring with 20 goals and 16 assists for 36 points in 43 games. He also led the team and was second in the North American 3 Hockey League with four shorthanded goals.

”Going into my last year of juniors, I’m looking to improve on last year and hopefully impress some college scouts in hopes to play a high level of college next year,” Moroso said. “Getting the coaching (last year with the Jets) from (head coach) Jason (Cirone), (assistant Sean) Clark and (assistant) Jamie (Hayden) was big in helping me make the NAHL this year. All their knowledge on the game and how they taught it to me made a huge difference in my game.”

PORT HURON CONNECTIONS: Should Moroso wind up with Port Huron, he’ll be the third former Metro skater to play with the Fighting Falcons. Defenseman Sam Bell (Munith) played two games at the start of last year, while Tommy Kilgore (Pinckney) was called up from the Jets to Port Huron for a three-game stretch last season.

Forwards Shane Halaas (Chesterfield) and Ryan Kelly and defenseman Jacob Schlacht (Allen Park) joined the Jets last season in separate trades after both started the year in Port Huron.

Adam Frank (Clarkston), Port Huron’s leading scorer a year ago, was a Jets draft pick in 2010.

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Burns to continue career at Lindenwood University

2011-07-08T12:21:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – This time a year ago, Tommy Burns thought his hockey career was over after a bout with mononucleosis shelved him for the entire 2009-2010 season.

After a summer filled with workouts and skating, Burns earned a spot up front with the Metro Jets and after a solid season in 2010-2011, will skate for Lindenwood University in suburban St. Louis this fall.

Burns becomes the second Jets player this offseason to commit to play college hockey after Justin Bennett, who will play for Concordia University this fall.

“A little over halfway through the season, Lindenwood contacted (Metro head coach) Jason (Cirone) telling him that they were interested in me,” said Burns, a 20-year-old native of Pinckney, Mich. “From that point on, I was in contact with them and after the season, I went to meet the coaches and check out the school.”

Lindenwood is coached by former NHL defenseman Rick Zombo and the Lions play in Division I of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

“From visiting the school, I found out quite a bit of information,” explained Burns. “They offer a lot of different majors, which is good because I still have not decided what I want to major in. The campus was also very nice out there and all my classes are a close distance from each other. As for the hockey program, it looks like they have a great coaching staff and a very skilled and disciplined team as they have won two national championships in the last three years.”

Last season with the Jets, Burns finished fourth in team scoring with 16 goals and 33 points in 42 games and led the team with nine power-play goals and four game-winning goals. He started the year with the Flint Jr. Generals, playing one game before being acquired by Metro.

“Playing for the Jets helped me more then anything,” said Burns. “If I would not have played for the Jets, I would not be answering these questions right now.”

He also said the level of play in the North American 3 Hockey League was better than expected.

“Being that last year was my first and only year in the league, I felt it was very competitive,” Burns said. “I feel like the league will continue to keep moving more players on to where they want to go as long as they are dedicated.”

Looking ahead to Lindenwood, Burns is anxious to get his college career underway.

“My goal for hockey this year is to come onto the team and become an impact player fast,” Burns said. “I know that there is going to be a jump in the level of play from last year, but with hard work I know I will be able to make that adjustment quickly. I hope that I will have a role that can help them to another national championship. As for school, I would like to maintain a high GPA and figure out what I would like to major in.”

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Jets' draft pick Theut may wind up in NAHL

2011-07-05T14:14:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – Jacob Theut was drafted in the fifth round of last month’s North American 3 Hockey League draft by the Metro Jets, but the team brass isn’t counting on Theut tending goal at Lakeland Arena.

Simply put, Theut (pronounced ‘TOYT’) was the best goaltender available when the Jets selected 68th overall, but should most likely play next season in the North American Hockey League with the Kenai River Brown Bears after the Alaskan squad tabbed him in the seventh round of its draft a week prior to the 3HL draft.

That’s not to say plans may get tweaked between now and the start of the 2011-2012 season and Theut knows that. He also knows what his options are going forward.

“It’s an honor to be drafted by any team in any league, especially by a local team like the Jets,” said Theut, who played last year for Warren De La Salle Collegiate High School and was named to the “Dream Team” and earned First Team All-State honors. “The Jets told me that they were going to draft me, but were uncertain on what round. The coaching staff has been really patient with me and has been encouraging me to play at higher levels. Any player should consider themselves lucky to able to play with the Jets, a team with a very experienced coaching staff.”

A hybrid goalie with a very athletic style, Theut models his game after three NHL legends and hopes to keep improving on a daily basis.

“I’m an athletic goalie like Dominik Hasek and I admire Patrick Roy for his focus and positioning,” explained Theut. “I model my off-ice characteristics after Steve Yzerman with his great leadership and his strong work ethic. My game hasn't plateaued yet, but I know I am getting better, stronger and smarter each year. With the help of (personal goalie coach and Jets’ goalie coach) Randy Wilson, he is helping prepare me for the next levels.”

“My short-term goal right now is to sign with a junior team. My goal for after juniors is to be playing Division I college hockey.”

Whether or not Theut’s path to college runs through Waterford remains to be seen, however.

Photo courtesy BC Photography

Metro announces 2011-2012 NA3HL schedule

2011-06-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets have announced their 2011-2012 North American 3 Hockey League schedule.

The Jets will open their first full NA3HL (3HL) season and 23rd overall as a junior franchise with the first game on the league schedule on Friday, Sept. 9 at Lakeland Arena against the Flint Jr. Generals. The Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks come to Waterford the following night.

In total, the Jets will play 20 home games this year, including four each against East Division rivals Flint, Cleveland and the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins and two each versus the Battle Creek Jr. Revolution, Toledo Cherokee, Queen City Steam and Michigan Mountain Cats – all members of the North Division. The schedule is the same for road games – four in Flint, Cleveland and Pittsburgh and two apiece at Battle Creek, Toledo, Queen City and Michigan.

Each of the 16 teams in the league's four divisions – the Central, East, North and West – will play 48 games, including a portion at three different 3HL showcases, which will be held in conjunction with North American Hockey League (NAHL) and North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) events.

Metro will play the Quad City Jr. Flames, Peoria Mustangs, Minnesota Flying Aces and North Iowa Bulls in Darien, Ill., from Dec. 4-7, 2011 and then faces the four North teams again in Troy, Mich., from Feb. 19-22, 2012.

The full Jets’ schedule can be found HERE.

The season will commence on Sept. 9, 2011 and conclude on March 11, 2012.

The 3HL divisional playoffs will consist of two rounds from March 16-25, 2012 followed by each of the divisional champions moving on to compete in a season-ending, final-four-style championship tournament to crown a 3HL playoff champion from March 30-April 2, 2012.

Alternate captain Bennett chooses Concordia University

2011-06-27T15:52:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – For the second time in as many summers, a Metro Jets player has committed to a Division III university to attend and play hockey.

Last year, defenseman Vinnie Pietrangelo gave the nod to Finlandia University in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and this past week, Metro forward and alternate captain Justin Bennett announced his intent to play for Concordia University in Mequon, Wis., just north of Milwaukee.

The Falcons are coached by Tony Hrkac, a former Hobey Baker Award winner and the only coach Concordia has had since the school added men’s and women’s hockey in 2007.

For Bennett, going to Concordia was an opportunity that presented itself during the 2010-2011 season.

“Coach Hrkac got some information on me and called me to talk about my plans for the future,” said Bennett, a 20-year-old native of Brighton, Mich. “At the time, I thought I was going to end up in Wisconsin, but playing for a rival of Concordia. Coach Hrkac and I kept in touch until I made a visit after the season where I was convinced this is where I want to spend my college career.”

Last year with the Jets, Bennett tallied seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 41 games, good for seventh on the team in scoring. He played the 2009-2010 year for Monroe Community College in New York, so his time at Concordia will be limited to three years.

Still, he intends to make the years count.

“I know the team had a down year last year and is looking to rebuild and I am hoping I can make a significant splash as soon as I get there,” Bennett said. “I would like to help my team become a competitor, if not a top contender every year. Winning is the only thing I will care about. Coach Hrkac is a proven winner, having an NCAA national championship ring (at North Dakota in 1987), a Calder Cup ring (with the 2004 Milwaukee Admirals) and a Stanley Cup ring (with the 1999 Dallas Stars). There is no doubt in my mind he can turn the program around.”

Bennett said he will major in psychology at Concordia and can’t wait to get started.

“Since I was eight years old, I have known that I wanted to become a psychiatrist,” said Bennett. “I will be taking all the pre-med requirements along with getting my BS in psychology.”

Looking back, Bennett said he owes a great deal of gratitude to the Jets organization, especially head coach Jason Cirone.

“Cirone is a huge chunk, if not the only reason why I am able to move on to the college level,” beamed Bennett. “He showed me my strengths and molded me into a well-rounded hockey player. I owe him everything and he is the reason why everyone present and future should be excited about Jets hockey.”

Photo by Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Cirone gives an 'A' to Jets' draft class of 2011

2011-06-09T17:09:00.000-04:00

WATERFORD, MI – The Metro Jets went on the offensive during last Thursday night’s North American 3 Hockey League Entry Draft, selecting 10 forwards among their 18 total picks of prospective players for next season’s team.

The Jets also tabbed six defensemen, including their first pick, Trevor Hillman, and two goaltenders.

Of the 18 players, 17 are Michigan natives and most of them local to the Waterford area.

The words “skilled” and “physical” also can be attributed to the vast majority of the Metro picks, many of which the Jets feel will indeed be playing at Lakeland Arena during the 2011-2012 season.

“If I were to give our draft a grade, it would be an ‘A,’” Jets head coach Jason Cirone said. “We not only took kids that are highly-skilled, but we drafted kids we feel are good people, committed players. I’m very pleased with our scouting staff for all the countless hours they put in last season and since the season ended.”

Metro had two selections in the first round and took Hillman third overall out of the Detroit Falcons U16 program and then forward Justin Shureb from Livonia Stevenson High School.

Cirone is high on both Hillman and Shureb both playing in Waterford next fall.

“I saw Hillman at the Port Huron (Fighting Falcons of the NAHL) camp and I thought he was one of the better defensemen,” said Cirone. “He’ll shore up our back end. He’s young, just a ’94 (birth year) and has a lot of youthful energy. He’s got good foot speed, good size and plays very well in his own end.

“I also saw Shureb at the Port Huron camp and he’s an energy guy who goes hard every shift. He’s a skilled guy who can play very physical and doesn’t mind taking a hit. We didn’t think he’d last until the second round, so that’s why we took him in the first round.”

In the second round (20th overall), Metro tabbed forward Mike MacKinnon from the Yellowstone Quake of the Northern Pacific Hockey League (Nor-Pac). MacKinnon is a Troy native who played high school hockey at Troy Athens before heading out west last year.

“I actually wanted him to come play for me with the Motor City Machine (of the NAHL) three years ago,” said Cirone. “He’s a big winger, a big goal scorer and a kid who likes to grind it out.”

Petoskey native Mike Pattullo was the Jets’ first goalie taken when he was taken in the third round (36th overall) out of the Bozeman Icedogs of the Nor-Pac.

“Pattullo is another kid I saw in Port Huron that has a little bit of junior experience,” said Cirone. “He’s a bigger goalie and one we’ll lean on for experience.”

Oxford native Tim Perks, a forward who played at Oxford High School, went in the fourth round (52nd overall) and should make an immediate impact for the Jets.

“Perks is a kid our head scout, Tim Ross, saw a lot of this year,” Cirone explained. “We didn’t think he’d still be there that late in the draft. Perks is another skilled player who can score goals. When we talked to his coaches at Oxford, they said they were very impressed with him and said he’s a kid who was very committed to the systems they ran there.”

The Jets grabbed Warren De La Salle goalie Jacob Theut in the fifth round (68th overall), but Cirone isn’t counting on seeing him at Lakeland Arena next season.

“Theut has an option to play for Kenai River in the NAHL and I believe he’ll make that team,” said Cirone. “We drafted him on the recommendation of (Jets goalie coach) Randy Wilson and he said he’s the hardest-working goalie he’s ever seen.”

Picks in rounds seven through 20 (Metro didn’t have a pick in the sixth round), with comments from Cirone:

7th round, 100th overall – John Baker, F, Yellowstone Quake

“Another local kid (Commerce) and a kid who has been at all of our Monday night skates. He will bring energy and experience.”

8th round, 116th overall – Sean Campbell, D, Capital Centre Pride

“A big, mobile defenseman who I saw at Kalamazoo’s (NAHL) camp. I also saw him at the NAPHL tournament in Troy last winter. He’s got a great shot and can play physical.”

10th round, 148th overall – Chris Hellebuyck, F, Lansing Capitals U18

“The older brother of (tendered goalie) Connor and a kid we’ve been after for two years now. He’s a big kid with good speed and loves going to the net.”

11th round, 164th overall – Mike Walter, D, Motor City Metal Jackets U18

“Both Tim and (assistant coach) Sean (Clark) saw him a lot last year. He’s not overly big, but plays physical. Players on other teams feel his presence and know he’s there. He’ll bring a great attitude to our team.”

12th round, 180th overall – Tyler Hughes, D, Port Huron Northern High School

“A young kid with good feet and another one we saw at the Port Huron camp. (Fighting Falcons coach) Bill Warren thinks he’s ready to play juniors and should be in the NAHL in no time.”

13th round, 196th overall – Chad Frost, D, Clarkston High School

“I see him every day at Puckmasters (training facility) in Wixom. He also came out to our Monday night skates. His coaches said that not only is he a good player, he’s a very committed player.”

14th round, 212th overall – Jared Smith, D, Port Huron Northern High School

“Smith is a lot like Hughes and when you think of one, you think of the other because they have a lot of the same attributes. We’ve talked to him and he’s excited to come play in the 3HL.”

16th round, 244th overall – Joey Emery, F, Southgate Anderson High School

“I know his dad and have seen Joey play since he was about 14 years old. He’s a skilled guy and a hard-nosed Downriver kid who I was very happy to be able to draft.”

17th round, 260th overall – Connor Lyons, F, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School

“A highly-skilled player that was also at the Port Huron camp. Randy spoke highly of Lyons. He’s got good speed and will be good for the locker room.”

18th round, 276th overall – Cam Kwaiser, F, Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School

“It was late in the draft and we were looking at our lists and Sean noted that Kwaiser was still available. His coaches told us he takes instruction well and not only is he good offensively, but he’s just as good in the defensive zone.”

19th round, 292nd overall – Tim Wlodkowski, F, Boston Jr. Blackhawks

“He’s from Houston, but has family in the Detroit area that he’s going to live with next season. He works out with Frost and is a big-bodied player with a lot of speed.”

20th round, 317th overall – Steve Klisz, F, Livonia Churchill High School

“We didn’t have a pick in the 20th round, so we made a trade with St. Louis to get this pick. Klisz is a big kid who can score a lot of goals and I really can’t believe he wasn’t tendered by an NAHL team.”

The draft now in the rear-view mirror, Cirone now shifts his focus to summer skates and the team’s tryout camp in two weeks from June 24-26 at Lakeland.

“New guys are coming in and kids from last year are moving up,” said Cirone. “Mike Moroso and Tommy Kilgore should be playing for Port Huron, Jordan Jones is close to making Kalamazoo and Dan Hudson is right there. Our guys are getting better and it’s my job to get these kids to the next level.

“We’re losing a lot of leadership in guys like Mike Corder, Justin Bennett and Brett Grech, but I think with some of the guys coming back and the new kids coming in, we’re getting some skilled guys and guys with good character.”

KOVALCHIK IS SECOND TENDER

After tendering goalie Connor Hellebuyck back in early May, the Jets used their second tender on Wyandotte Roosevelt High School co-captain and All-State forward Nick Kovalchik, a linemate of co-Mr. Hockey winner Gerald Mayhew.

Kovalchik was tendered by the NAHL’s Michigan Warriors and has a chance to crack that lineup next year and play against Mayhew, a signed tender by Kalamazoo.

“I played with (Warriors coach-GM) Moe Mantha in Winnipeg,” said Cirone. “He’s hoping Kovalchik will play in Flint next year, but if for whatever reason it doesn’t work out, we’ll certainly welcome him with open arms.”