HUDSON, N.H. – The Metro Jets opened up the 2022 USPHL National Tournament Thursday at Cyclones Arena with a record-breaking win, while the MJDP stumbled in its opening game.
The Jets downed the Florida Jr. Blades 2-0 as Will Augustine pitched his 12th career USPHL shutout, making 29 saves to set the record for combined regular-season and playoff shutouts.
Cristain Adragna netted both goals for the Jets and Niko Murgic assisted on both.
“We took step 1 today,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “I think there were definitely some nerves early in the game from both teams and it took us a little while to find a way to harness that nervous energy the right way.
“Once we got our power play going and found the net, we settled in and we were able to tilt the ice in our favor the rest of the game. We would have like to have converted more on some of our better scoring chances, especially in the second period to put the game away, but we will take the win any way we can at this time of year.
“We need to refocus now and start preparing for the next opponent.”
Former Jets goaltender Sal Carabelli was sharp for the Jr. Blades in stopping 35 shots.
Later Thursday, the MJDP lost 4-1 to the Utah Outliers.
“The boys come out hard and played with some intensity, and we put them on their heels for the first 10 minutes but just couldn’t capitalize,” said Jets assistant coach Tina Ciraulo. “We had a couple breakdowns that cost us, but it looked like we were back in it with that power-play goal to make it a 2-1 game. We need to try to keep tilting the ice and getting more shots through.
“Overall, the boys pushed for 60 minutes but it just didn’t go our way tonight.”
Alex Blankenship scored the lone goal for the MJDP and Freddy Soderberg finished with 32 saves.
Both teams continue round robin play Friday back at Cyclones Arena, with the MJDP taking on the Northern Cyclones at 3:30 p.m. and the Jets playing the Islanders Hockey Club at 8:30 p.m.
All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.
