Jets' rookie forward Downey continuing to make progress

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

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

According to Downey, he suspected that may happen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JET STREAKS 

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

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

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

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

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

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

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

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

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

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

-- On splitting at Cleveland this past weekend.

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

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

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

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

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

Cleveland doubles up Metro Sunday afternoon to gain split

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

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

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

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

Jets down Jr. Lumberjacks in Saturday night shootout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then came the summer of 2013.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JET STREAKS 

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

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

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

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jets hang on to nip Mountain Cats Saturday night

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

Alex Holm and Cody Jones scored for the Jets.

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

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