CHICAGO – Three games Saturday meant three more wins for the Metro Jets and MJDP Teams at the USPHL Chicago Showcase.
The Jets moved to 2-0-1 at the showcase with a 5-0 shutout over the Minnesota Blue Ox.
Metro outshot the Blue Ox 34-19 and got goals from Jaylen Dziegelewski, Devlin Macaulay, Nick Ceccarini, captain Jeremy Schwartz and Brandon Graham.
Brian Tallieu stopped all 19 Minnesota shots for the shutout in goal.
“Again, another game where the opponent came out with a lot of energy and physicality against us, but we kept our composure for the most part and played our game,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “’Tally’ was solid again for us in net, making some key timely saves on breakaways when the score was still only 1-0.
“The power play was key for us tonight as I think it’s been something we’ve been wanting to improve on. Glad to see the guys capitalize on those chances.”
The MJDP defeated the Atlanta Jr. Kings 4-1 in their third game of the showcase.
Brayden Tayles struck for two goals, while Colin Day and Anthony Recchia added singles.
In goal, Anthony Carlier made 29 saves.
“We were not very good in the first half and once again, ‘Carly’ was the difference keeping things tied,” Lovell said. “We challenged the team during the intermission to be better in certain areas and they responded with a much better effort in the second half, and it paid off with a couple big goals.”
The MJDP then finished the showcase 3-1-0 with a 4-0 win over the Decatur Blaze.
Michael Paul picked up the shutout in goal with 16 saves.
The Jets had 40 shots, and got goals from Zack Kippe, Nick Drinkard, Nick McDougall and Recchia.
“We knew Decatur was going to bring a lot of energy and physical play, but we didn’t let that affect our game,” said Lovell. “We took hits to make plays and controlled the play in their zone. Their goaltender played very well but once we started getting traffic in front of him, it paid off. Nice to see Drinkard and Recchia get their first goals, but it doesn’t happen without our forwards’ pressure and working to get to the tough area in front of the net. And of course, Michael Paul made some big saves for us in the second half when we did make the odd mistake. Well-earned first shutout and win for him.
“It was a heck of a day picking up three big wins for our program. And it was a great bounce back from yesterday’s tough losses. The common denominator would be goaltending. It seems as though one guy sets the standard and pushes the next guy who starts to meet or exceed it. It’s really great to see.”
The Jets finish up the showcase Sunday against the Hampton Roads Whalers.
Game time is set for 1:20 p.m. Eastern and the game will be available on www.HockeyTV.com.
