TOLEDO, Ohio – After winning Wednesday night’s game against the Toledo Cherokee, the Metro Jets wanted to finish off the week with a win in Toledo Friday night at the Team Toledo IceHouse.

Mission accomplished.

Four different players scored in the 4-2 win, and Will Augustine (pictured front) stopped 37 shots as Toledo outshot the Jets 39-29.

“Toledo is a tough opponent,” Jets assistant coach Tina Ciraulo said. “They came out hard, and we need to stay out of the box and play five on five. That’s when we’re our best. It was a hockey game. We scored hockey goals. We killed off penalties. Our goalie played big. We played hard until the end and ended up on top.

“Owen Limback was great tonight. Blocked and fronted about nine shots and broke up rushes like crazy.”

Jason Crossland had a goal and an assist for the Jets, while captain Matt Cruz (pictured below), Cody Mastay and Conner Graham also scored.

“This was a huge week for the boys, and we came out to play, picking up the four points in the division,” Limback said. “We were looking to create some separation in the division, and we capitalized when we needed to. We have big aspirations for this year and winning games like those are huge for the club. From top to bottom, if we stick to our game, we can really do special things.

“It wasn’t just one guy tonight – it was a collective effort. These are the games you look forward to on the schedule and we had all four lines banging tonight. Will came up big making key saves when we needed him and we all just fed off of that energy. When plays needed to be made in our own zone, we made them. Overall, just a great week for the boys and we’re looking forward to the showcase next weekend (in Chicago).”

For Toledo, Ondrej Dupal and Caleb Williams scored, Matt Snyder assisted on both, and Joey Cormier finished with 25 saves between the pipes.

“It feels great to get this win and add to our division lead,” Augustine said. “We’re proving game in and game out that we’re a dominant club when we stick to our game.

“They had fans in their rink, and it motivated us and raised the intensity. It makes for a good rivalry and fun atmosphere to play in.”

The Jets now have a nine-point lead on Toledo in the Great Lakes Division.

The rest of the pre-showcase schedule has the MJDP in Decatur this weekend for games Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. EST and Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. against the Blaze and then the MHC playing the Detroit Fighting Irish Tuesday at 2 p.m.

All USPHL games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

The MHC led the Motor City Hockey Club 1-0 after 20 minutes and never looked back, winning Thursday afternoon 4-2.

Brent Wolf scored in the opening period, followed by Matt Vanderworp (pictured front) and Tyler Hilliker (pictured below) with their first junior goals in the second period, and Brennan Zatelli rounding out the scoring in the third.

“We came out playing hard, smart hockey,” said Metro Jets associate coach Dan Pszenyczny. “It was a win that these players needed right now after losing a few in a row. Now we need to take how we played today and carry that momentum into the next game. We moved the puck well, not forcing too much, and we had a lot of good sticks on pucks all over the ice.

“We took advantage on our chances, and Tate (Potteiger) had a very strong game today between the pipes.”

Potteiger made 18 saves in goal for the MHC – and also assisted on Vanderworp’s goal – while captain Brandon Plummer and Ronny Zamojski each registered a pair of assists.

Tyler Hanson and Andrew Rothmeier scored third-period goals for Motor City, Jacob Saenger assisting on both, and Ian Morton finished with 32 saves in suffering the loss in goal.

The MHC next plays the Detroit Fighting Irish next Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

The Metro Jets took a 3-0 lead on the Toledo Cherokee and held off a late-game push by Toledo to collect a 3-2 win Wednesday evening.

With the victory, the Jets extend their lead in the USPHL Great Lakes Division to seven points over Toledo.

“It’s nice to have a win when we probably didn’t have our best effort,” Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell said. “I don’t know what was going on in the first period. We just didn’t have it. Guys were mishandling pucks, missing assignments, stuff like that, but good thing ‘LP’ (goaltender Louis-Pierre Fortier) was back there, held the fort, and kept us in it. The second period, we did a much better job, and that’s probably where we took over the game.”

After a scoreless first period, Alec Lindecker and Will Jentz (pictured) scored in the second period, and then Luke Blasy notched what proved to be the game-winning goal early in the third period.

“I just found myself in front of the net and Joey Johnson took a shot and it hit me right in the gut,” Blasy said. “I just figured I’d get it on net and there was traffic in front. It just ended up going in.”

Johnson had two assists in the game to go along with 30 saves from Fortier.

Caleb Williams and Matt Snyder scored in the third period for Toledo and Mason Snyder and Joey Cormier combined on a 35-save effort in goal. Cormier replaced Snyder at 13:43 of the second when Snyder left the game with an apparent injury.

The two teams play again Friday night at the Team Toledo IceHouse. Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be available on HockeyTV.com.

“We have to dictate the play early like we had been doing the past couple games,” Lovell said. “We didn’t do that tonight, but if we do that come Friday night, jump on them early and do the job, we should be fine.”

FRASER, Mich. – Connor Hilliker saw firsthand what the Metro Jets were about when he played against them two seasons ago with the Lansing Wolves.

When it came time to look at options for the 2020-21 season, Hilliker turned his attention to the Jets, and brought along his brother, Tyler Hilliker, into the mix as well.

Connor is a 2001 birth year and Tyler is the youngest player in the Jets organization as a 2004 birth year.

The Muskegon duo is also one of two brother combos on the Jets this season along with Alex and Tim Washburn.

“My first impression of the Jets is that they are a team and organization that is structured to help build and improve the skills of players,” said Tyler, who played for the West Kent Hawks’ 16U team in 2019-20. “The best thing about the team for me is that it is structured to develop players and help push them to the next level. I feel like I bring a good positive attitude, desire to compete, and a want to develop.”

The older Hilliker agreed with his younger brother’s assessment.

“My first impressions were that this is a motivated program with passionate coaches that push its players to the next level,” Connor said. “I ended up signing with the Jets when I realized playing college hockey might be put on pause due to COVID. I wanted to continue to develop as a player and I knew Metro had a track record of developing players. I really like the management of the program. I like how everything is set up for us to us to develop and succeed as players.

“I feel as though I am a strong forechecker and hard to play against, and I pride myself in causing turnovers that create offensive opportunities. I also hope to be a leader not only for my brother but for my team as well.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said seeing both players out forth the effort is what it’s all about.

“Our program is designed to help players first and foremost,” said Quenneville. “Connor and Ty are both kids that want to develop. Being committed is the first step and both have bought into it. Our scout Doug Bailey did a great job bridging the opportunity for them and we couldn’t be happier. They come to work every day, they are driven, and are committed. It’s been fun to see them get rewarded by playing together.

“Both are completely different players and are noticeably improving in so many areas. Both are benefiting from our platform because they want to invest in themselves.”

Due to the age difference, this season is the first time the brothers have been teammates.

“It has been really awesome sharing this experience with Connor and the lifetime memories we are gaining,” Tyler said. “I am very thankful my family is giving me this opportunity.”

“It is super cool to be able to play with Ty,” added Connor. “Being able to see him develop as a player and make junior memoirs with him is one of the coolest things ever. I am very appreciative of the Metro Jets for giving my brother and I this opportunity to play together and my family for supporting us.

“I know we will remember it forever.”

The MJDP completed a two-game sweep of the Chicago Cougars with a 6-2 win Sunday afternoon, padding their lead in the USPHL Midwest East Division to seven points over Chicago.

Joey Mocnik (goal, three assists) and Anthony Cinato (two goals, two assists) posted four-point games in the win, while Jake Aslanian and Brendan Rachfal went for a goal and two assists each.

Rachfal opened the scoring just 19 seconds into the first period.

“This sweep feels really good, and the boys really earned this one,” said Mocnik. “These are a big four points for us because Chicago is in our division and they’re trailing us. We got them good this weekend.”

Tim Washburn added a goal and an assist and Caden Fisher stopped 24 shots for the win in goal.

“What I liked about today’s game was that we got stronger as the game progressed,” Metro Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “Our special teams were strong today, and any time you score four power-play goals, that should put the other team away. We also committed well on our PK to blocking shots and limiting their chances. Overall, this was a big weekend to create space between us and them and credit to our goalies for a big weekend as well.

“Balanced scoring, good defense, and stingy goaltending against a good team in Chicago, our guys just made a statement that they will be a hard team to play against. We look forward to getting ready for next weekend’s games in Decatur.”

Kevin Johnston had a goal and an assist for Chicago, Jozef Martancik added a goal, and Alex Shaults made 31 saves in goal in suffering the defeat.

Next up, the Jets play the Toledo Cherokee Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., while the MJDP is in Decatur for games Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. from the Decatur Civic Center.

All USPHL games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio – Ethan Ryan made 57 saves, but the MHC suffered a 5-3 loss to the Columbus Mavericks Saturday night at the OhioHealth Chiller North.

Jason Szlezyngier scored twice in the loss, while Ethan Smith added a goal and an assist.

Columbus outshot the MHC 62-19.

“The boys played well, and they were right there with them,” said Metro Jets assistant coach Tina Ciraulo. “Ryan had some big saves and kept the game close, but they just got a few more bounces than we did.”

Ethan Bishara posted three goals and an assist for Columbus, and Drew Donahue stopped 16 shots in goal.

The MHC is idle until the USPHL Chicago Showcase, which runs Dec. 18-20.

In other action Saturday night, the MJDP knocked off the Chicago Cougars 4-1 in the first game of a two-game weekend series.

Anthony Cinato tallied two goals to go along with singles from Garrick Smith (pictured below) and Austin Ieuter.

In goal, Daniel Miscavish made 34 saves, losing his shutout on a Jozef Martancik power-play goal at 18:37 of the third period.

The MJDP was outshot by Chicago 35-28.

“We scored some timely goals and also got some timely saves,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Overall, the result was what we planned for and as the game progressed, I thought we managed the puck well and made some decent decisions.”

The two teams play again Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

“I think Chicago will come out with a little bit of an edge,” said Jets forward Nick McDougall, who drew an assist on Smith’s goal. “We left a bitter taste in their mouth, so we just have to come out strong tomorrow.”

Chicago goalie Michael Lenhart finished with 24 saves.

All USPHL games this season will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio – The offense was out in full force for the Metro Jets Friday night, scoring 11 goals in downing the Columbus Mavericks 11-2 at the OhioHealth Chiller North.

Jason Crossland led the way with three goals and two assists, while Ryan Messing scored twice with three assists and Conner Graham added five assists to back Will Augustine’s 27 saves in goal (pictured below).

The Jets outshot Columbus 53-29.

“We made it a point this week to focus on better results in the first 20 minutes,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Our guys responded really well. I thought we controlled the game and tilted the ice really well early on again tonight. We scored in a lot of different ways tonight and managed the puck really well. It was fun to watch and another night of balanced offense was a plus as well.

“The guys are hungry for next week’s games (against Toledo) and we look forward to getting ready for them.”

Anders Grongstad popped two goals tonight, Matt Cole and Nick Ceccarini had a goal and two assists each and Will Jentz and Jets captain Matt Cruz tacked on two helpers each.

Cristian Adragna and Luke Blasy also scored in the win.

“My first goal developed off a power-play rebound finding my stick in the slot, my second goal was an entry into their zone, stopped up at the hash marks and just picked a corner, and my last goal was a beautiful pass by Jentz behind the net and I tucked her five hole,” said Crossland (pictured front) of his hat trick. “I thought the mood tonight was good. I think we are starting to take that next step and really put teams away.

“Everyone is walking around with swagger and confidence as we should be as if we are saying, ‘Yeah, we’re here.’”

Columbus goals came from Danny Beebe and captain Deric Richison with goalies Alex Toth and Tyler Dorion combining on a 42-save effort.

The Jets play Toledo next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

This weekend, the MHC is in Columbus Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and the MJDP plays the Chicago Cougars Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

The Metro Jets used six different goal scorers to knock off the Columbus Mavericks 6-1 Thursday afternoon.

Alec Lindecker went for a goal and two assists, while Cody Mastay (pictured), Alex Schaumburger and Matt Cole had a goal and assist apiece.

Jason Crossland and Nick Ceccarini tallied one goal each and Will Jentz and Anders Grongstad each contributed a pair of assists.

In goal, Louis-Pierre Fortier made 19 saves for the win, losing his shutout on a Danny Beebe goal 1:32 into the third period.

Tyler Dorion finished with 31 saves in suffering the defeat for Columbus.

The two teams meet again Friday night at the OhioHealth Chiller North. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m.

All USPHL games will be available on HockeyTV.com.

FRASER, Mich. – Brendan Rachfal is a family man, especially when it comes to hockey.

After last year’s senior year playing on the blue line for Allen Park High School, Rachfal was in search of a team for the 2020-21 season.

“My uncle suggested to get in contact with the Metro Jets,” said Rachfal, a 2002 birth year from Allen Park, Mich. “The Jets have always been an exceptional organization. I knew they had a strong coaching staff, and a group of players that wanted to play for the logo.”

This season, Rachfal sees regular minutes as a shutdown defenseman on the MJDP team, collecting three goals and nine points in 16 games along the way.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has liked what he has seen out of Rachfal to date.

“’Racher’ has been nothing short of impressive so far,” said Quenneville. “Most players have a tough transition from high school to junior, but he has done a great job buying in and continuing to improve his game on both sides of the puck. He has very good hockey instincts, an underrated stick, and overall, a big reason for his team having so much success this year.

“Not many people know his story, and he’s a quiet kid at heart, but he comes to the rink every day loving the game and committed to his development. I have been very impressed with his maturity, his focus and drive to invest in himself, and our staff enjoys working with him every day. I can only see him continue to impress people with his play.”

Rachfal said over the first two months of the season, he has noticed an uptick in his overall game and with his teammates in the locker room.

“I believe I can bring a strong defensive body, good puck movement and a solid shot from the point,” Rachfal said. “I have seen a lot of improvement within the first two months of the season as an individual as well as a team. From the beginning of the season to now, between practices and games, we have grown closer as a family, which has carried onto the ice.”

Like the majority of players that don the Jets colors, advancing to higher levels is also something Rachfal strives for on a daily basis.

“My short-term goals are to continue the season very strong and build my strength and possibly be given an opportunity to get called up to Tier II,” Rachfal said. “My long-term goals have always been to work on my hockey career to hopefully get a chance to play for a university, to play the sport I love while obtaining a degree in the process.”

FRASER, Mich. – Most players on the Metro Jets are Michigan natives.

This season, two players are from New York – rookie forward Ryan Messing (Hamburg) and third-year forward Nick Ceccarini (Miller Place).

Messing joined the Jets mostly in part as he needed a change of scenery from what he had experienced the past two seasons playing juniors in a Canadian league.

“I wound up with the Jets late September after waiting out this unexpected offseason because of the coronavirus,” said Messing, who grew up in the Buffalo suburbs. “I was constantly in contact with my advisor getting updates and speaking with various teams. I’m very glad he mentioned the Jets to me because I knew everything this organization had to offer, and I knew it would be a great fit.

“I told him right away that I wanted to be a part of this program. I couldn’t be happier at how these past two months have gone. I came from an organization that was used to losing, and I was itching to be on a team on the opposite end of that spectrum. Our team clicked right off the bat, and I know that this group can make it all the way.”

Mutually, Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has been elated with what Messing has brought to Fraser Hockeyland this season.

“We always talk about how small the hockey world is and although we didn’t know much about ‘Mess,’ I knew his advisor through mutual hockey friends and built dialogue about his situation,” Quenneville said. “We felt that he would be a perfect fit here with his background and he came recommended from good hockey people. Dave Cole is good buddies with Jason Cirone who not only is part of the Jets family, but a good friend of mine and a tough competitor when we played against each other.

“Now Ryan gets to come to a program that will invest in him and his goals because of the good guidance in his circle. He has been a great addition here and is showing his versatility more every week. He has a strong skill set, plays with an edge, and been involved in some big plays when we needed it. Even more, he’s passionate and wants to learn. We look forward to continue helping him on and off the ice and excited about his continued progress here.”

Messing, a 2001 birth year with six goals and 14 points in 16 games this season, continued to beam about the Jets, saying “everything in terms of player development and the facilities couldn’t be better.”

“Although, the main reason I came to the Metro Jets was because everything the coaching staff had to offer,” Messing said. “They are truly player-first and bring out the best in their players. I knew how great of a group they were, and I truly wanted to be a part of it.

“I feel that I bring a strong skill set to the team, along with a lot of heart. I can play any position up front and wanted to have a versatile role on this team. I want to be a leader on and off the ice as well.”

Going forward, Messing has attainable goals in mind.

“I’ve always wanted to play at the collegiate level, but before that, I want to advance to the next level in junior hockey,” said Messing. “There’s no better program for both of those goals than the Metro Jets. I haven’t made up my mind on a career path, but I do know for sure that I want to play hockey for as long as my body lets me.”