TOLEDO, Ohio – The Metro Jets and Toledo Cherokee combined to score five goals in the second period Friday night, but it was the Jets who came out on top 3-2 and held on for the win at the Team Toledo Ice House.
With the win, the Jets earn their 30th win of the season (30-4-1).
“Big win for our group in a tough building,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “We knew they would come out hard and much was on the line. We did what we needed to do to win in the end, and that’s all that mattered. I’m proud of our guys making the necessary adjustments in game to secure as well. Naturally, we would have loved to capitalize on our chances and opportunities, but credit to their goalie for standing on his head and keeping it close. Sometimes you need to win boring, and we did that. Pucks were obviously not going in for us, so let’s just beat them in the other zones and decision making.
“Everyone committed to it and everyone contributed to doing what we said before the game – get the two points.”
After Chad Noetzel opened the scoring at 2:56 of the second period, the Cherokee came back with two goals of their own from Ryan Stanley and Brandon Clark at 14:02 and 14:29, respectively.
Ryan Messing then tied the game at 15:22 before Cristian Adragna’s goal at 18:22 stood as the game winner.
“Big win for us, but just taking care of business as usual the way we know how to,” said Adragna, who also assisted on Noetzel’s goal for a two-point game. “In their barn, it did feel nice for all the guys. They bring the entire town when we come so we know we have to beat them and their fans, too. Proud of our guys keeping a level head all game and managing the game towards the end.”
Daniel Miscavish made 19 saves in the Metro net, while Joey Cormier made 14 through 19:51 of the first period before being assessed a game misconduct for head contact. Sam Shifflett stopped 27 shots the rest of the way, taking the loss.
The Jets now head home for two games Saturday and Sunday with the Pittsburgh Vengeance at Mount Clemens Ice Arena. Game times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
“The (Toledo win) definitely gives us lots of momentum for sure, but again, we know we have a job to do tomorrow and Sunday, and we kind of have to forget about that one, even though it feels nice, because Pittsburgh is the next team up,” Adragna said. “I know the guys will be ready. This team is determined, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. We are ready to take care of business one game at a time and one day at a time.”
Also this weekend, the MJDP is on the road for two games with the Chicago Cougars from Fifth Third Arena. Game times there are 8 p.m. Eastern Saturday and 1:40 p.m. Sunday.
All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.
