FRASER, Mich. – The MHC and Toledo Cherokee played a scoreless tie for just over 57 minutes Saturday night at Fraser Hockeyland but getting two late goals allowed the Cherokee to escape with a hard-fought 2-0 win.

Ondrej Dupal scored the game-winning goal at 17:07 and then Brendan Higgins added the insurance marker at 19:38, putting a blemish on Sal Carabelli’s 45-save performance in goal for the MHC.

“The boys played hard and were doing the right things, getting sticks in lanes, breaking up plays,” said Metro Jets assistant coach Tina Ciraulo. “It’s tough to lose a game in the last few minutes. The boys know they need to keep that hard play and determination going into our next games coming up. If we keep playing this way, we will start turning up some wins.”

“We definitely came to play today,” added Carabelli. “They blocked shots, made it easy on me, and that’s all I can ask for. It’s a real confidence boost for us, knowing (Toledo is) one of the better teams in the league and that we stuck with them right until the end.”

Mason Snyder earned the shutout for Toledo stopping all 16 shots he faced.

On Sunday, the MJDP travels to play the Wooster Oilers at 3:30 p.m. from the Alice Noble Ice Arena.

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

TOLEDO, Ohio – After losing their first game of the season to the then-undefeated Toledo Cherokee last Friday night in overtime at the Team Toledo IceHouse, the Metro Jets put that in the past and came away with a solid 5-4 win Friday night back in Toledo.

Matt Cole’s power-play goal at 4:13 of the third period proved to be the game-winner and Louis-Pierre Fortier finished with 25 saves in goal.

“The boys kept taking it to them we ended up on top,” Jets assistant coach Tina Ciraulo said. “We had a few breakdowns and they got a few, but we didn’t give up and we kept answering back. We got timely saves and timely goals.

“This game should never have been this close, but credit to their goalie (Joey Cormier) for standing on his head. In the end, we got big goals from big players. We will take the win and move on.”

Conner Graham picked up two goals, while Ryan Messing and Alec Lindecker also scored in the win.

Cormier stopped 37 shots, as well as a Stefan Frantti penalty shot early in the third period, in suffering the loss and four different players tallied goals for the Cherokee.

“It’s definitely a big win for us,” Graham said. “Last Friday was a rough loss, but I think it also energized us and fired us up to come back and get the win today.

“I believe the energy in their arena makes it really exciting to play in and the fact that these are division games and two teams that are bordering states of one another definitely makes it better games and a good rivalry.”

Earlier Friday, the MJDP finished off the two-game home sweep of the Pittsburgh Vengeance with a 6-2 victory at Fraser Hockeyland.

Garrick Smith, Hugo Fonovic and Joey Mocnik each posted a goal and an assist and Caden Fisher turned aside 32 shots between the pipes in the win.

“Proud of the guys and how they played both games,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Everyone got involved and contributed. We played with composure when things got a little physical and our guys managed the puck really well throughout. Overall, these were big games for this group and ones that were circled on the schedule.

“If we commit to playing like we did these past two games, they are going to continue to be a pesty team and hard to beat all over the ice. They are buying in to playing the games the Jets way and it showed all over the ice again today.”

Alex Washburn, Tim Washburn and captain Brayden Tayles also scored in addition to Mitch Forton and Nick Twombley contributing two assists apiece.

“These two games were great for us,” said Tayles. “We have some history with Pittsburgh going back to my rookie year, and they are always known for being a pretty solid team. So being able to show up and outplay them for both games is a great feeling for everyone.

“I think a lot of things went right this weekend. We used our speed and made simple hockey plays and we were rewarded for it. Also, our goalies were great both games. It’s always nice to know that when we do have a breakdown that they will make the save. It allows us to fully commit to certain plays, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Tayles added that a series win like this one is “great for our confidence.”

“It shows that we are here to play high-level hockey and we can beat solid teams,” Tayles said. “It’s an added bonus we got to beat them twice with the exact same score 6-2. That shows that we can string performances together with some consistency. We are hitting our stride and now it’s just a matter of staying in that stride and not letting off the gas.”

Pittsburgh goalies Andrew Kelly and Noah Bonvissuto combined to make 25 saves. Kelly started and was replaced with Bonvissuto after Tim Washburn scored the MJDP’s fourth goal at 6:26 of the second period.

The rest of this weekend, the MHC hosts Toledo Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and then plays the Wooster Oilers on the road Sunday at 3:30 p.m. from the Alice Noble Ice Arena.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

FRASER, Mich. – A six-goal eruption in the second period lifted the MJDP to a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Vengeance Thursday night at Fraser Hockeyland.

Pittsburgh took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission before Hugo Fonovic scored twice, in addition to singles from Patrick Hays (on his 19th birthday), Brendan Rachfal, Jake Aslanian and Tim Washburn in the middle period.

“’Q’ (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) said it best after the game that it was a tale of three periods,” Jets associate coach Dan Pszenyczny said. “First period we had to kill off 14 minutes in penalties and came out of it only down 1-0. The second period, we stayed out of the box, moved the puck, made smart plays, and cashed in on our opportunities. The third period was getting pucks out of our zone into the neutral zone and getting pucks behind their ‘D,’ just being smart with the puck.

“It was a good game from everyone. We need to bring the same effort and intensity for tomorrow’s game.”

Daniel Miscavish finished with 34 saves as Pittsburgh outshot the MJDP 36-33.

Nick Twombley chipped in three assists and Joey Mocnik added a pair of helpers. Washburn and Hays each had assists to record multi-point games as well.

“I was ready to go and we were all ready to play,” said Miscavish. “You could tell we had energy the whole night and even though we struggled in the first, we picked it up in the second and that just carried us into the third.”

“It’s always a gritty game with Pittsburgh and we always have to give 100 percent effort,” added Fonovic. “We just have to play disciplined and not take as many penalties as we did in the first period tonight.”

The two teams wrap up the two-game series Friday at noon from Fraser Hockeyland.

Also Friday, the Metro Jets play on the road against the Toledo Cherokee. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.

Streaming of both games will be available on HockeyTV.com.

FRASER, Mich. – Nick Beeman is back this season as part of a strong defense corps for the Metro Jets.

After a stellar rookie season with the MJDP in 2019-20, the 2001-born Traverse City, Mich., native was noticed by the NCDC’s Twin City Thunder and had a solid camp with the Maine-based team over the summer.

Beeman re-signed with the Jets for the 2020-21 USPHL season with his sights set on team success first and individual success next in line.

“Winning a national championship is definitely the No. 1 goal for this year, as it is every year as a Metro Jets player,” said Beeman. “We have a lot of hockey to play and we will need to work hard to get there, but I feel like if we compete and buy in that we will have a good chance at it.

“The Twin City camp was a good experience. It was fast-paced, and it was a good to see what the next level might look like. Playing with them is definitely a goal of mine for next year. It seems like a great organization and a place that would be a good fit for me.”

Last season with the MJDP, Beeman recorded four goals and 18 points in 42 games while also adding a goal and an assist in four playoff games.

“One thing I really improved on last year was my puck management skills on the blue line,” noted Beeman, who served as team captain as a senior for Traverse City West High School in 2018-19. “It was something we worked on every day in practice, which really helped me improve my game. As a veteran guy on the team this year, I hope I can be a leader and someone that teammates can count on to get the job done every day. I also want to contribute a little more on offense this year while still being strong on the back end.

“I was upset with last year ending earlier than we wanted it to with the MJDP, which makes me even more eager to get back with the boys and push to make a deep run this year. I think if everyone buys in to the system and we push to progress as a team every day, then it is definitely possible.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville was pleasantly impressed with Beeman’s daily improvement and overall development last season and said he wasn’t shocked that NCDC clubs took a liking to his game.

“Beeman is the model player in our program,” said Quenneville. “He bought in to his development last year and made huge strides as the season progressed. He solidified himself as one of the most consistent players and came to work every day ready to learn. What makes him so dynamic is the fact that he is a sponge to detail. For a player of his size, he continues to impress people all over. Scouts at the college level love him, and the NCDC took notice as well. He’s off to huge start already, and we expect continued success from him on the back end.”

What it all boils down to with the Jets, according to Beeman, is that the Jets organization is second to none, not only in Michigan and the Midwest, but across the United States.

“The Metro Jets is such a great organization – the coaching staff, facilities, exposure, and numerous other things made it so easy in my decision to come back,” Beeman said. “Coach Q and (associate head coach) Jamie (Lovell) are so easily approachable. Their knowledge of the game and their availability to sit down and talk with them are a big reason for my improvements as a hockey player. The facilities are top of the line and all you can ask for as a junior hockey player. With the MAT facility and being able to skate every day, it gives you the tools to become the best hockey player you can be.

“The Metro Jets organization also does a great job promoting their players through the media and their connections with other coaches gives you great exposure to colleges and Tier II programs. These things make the Metro Jets one of the most distinguished junior hockey programs and why I am so thrilled to be back this year.”

FRASER, Mich. – Fraser native John Taylor is right where he wants to be – home.

A third-year defenseman with the Metro Jets, Taylor is the lone Fraser product to play for the Jets since the team relocated to Fraser Hockeyland prior to the 2015-16 season.

According to the 2000 birth year, the choice was simple when deciding where to play for his final season of junior hockey.

“My thought process was always to play with the Jets,” Taylor said. “They are a very competitive team and don’t beat around the bush when it comes time to play. I think what makes them prestigious is that kids from all around the world come to play on the Jets every year, and the coaching staff really teaches you how the game is played.

“The organization moves us hockey players to the next level, and that’s what really matters.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has seen Taylor’s game mature since he joined the team midway through the 2018-19 season.

“JT came into the program hungry and headfirst,” Quenneville said. “This kid would go through a wall for his teammates and puts it all out on the line every night. His energy level is unmatchable and when he is focused, he brings a game that opponents hate to play against. He’s done a great job over the last year refining his game on both sides of the puck. This year, he was named an assistant captain because of his leadership qualities and we are excited to continue to help him get the right exposure.”

In his first full season in Jets colors in 2019-20, Taylor said above his skill set, he worked the most on his mindset.

“If you don’t have a strong mindset in this game, you won’t make it,” said Taylor. “You always have to keep a level head and just keep battling. As a third-year guy this season, I would like a role in helping the younger guys get what they need while at the same time advancing myself. It’s important to help everyone around you because you not only make them better but yourself as well.”

Taylor and the MJDP team came up short in their bid to play for a national championship last March, bowing out in the second round of playoffs to the Decatur Blaze.

This season, Taylor wants to take that next step.

“Truly, I thought we were going to make it to Boston, and it left a sour taste in my mouth after that loss,” Taylor said. “This year, we’re going to be gunning for the title, looking bigger and better than ever.

“It’d be amazing to win a national championship, and that’s everyone’s dream to have one of them rings. I’m trying to get a scholarship after this year. That’s a big goal in life, to play college hockey, and I’d love to be a part of that life.”

ERIE, Pa. – The Metro Jets completed a two-game road sweep of the Lake Erie Bighorns with a 7-1 win Saturday afternoon at the ErieBank Sports Park.

Jason Crossland and Stefan Frantti each popped two more goals and added an assist in the win, while Alec Lindecker, Cody Mastay (pictured below) and Matt Cole all had a goal plus a helper.

In goal, Louis-Pierre Fortier made 25 saves for the victory.

“Much better effort from start to finish,” Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell said. “We controlled the game and actually scored some nice ‘hockey goals’ making simple smart plays. Proud of our guys for staying disciplined for the most part as the game started to get a little chippy in the third period. Biggest concern was just keeping the players safe and not getting anyone suspended for the next game and we accomplished that.

“Time to refocus for the week and plan for the next opponent.”

The Jets next visit the Toledo Cherokee next Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Team Toledo IceHouse before hosting the Columbus Mavericks on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. from Fraser Hockeyland.

Also Saturday, the Mavericks downed the MHC 6-1 to gain a sweep of their own at the OhioHealth Chiller North.

Connor Hilliker scored the lone MHC goal and Ethan Ryan (pictured front) turned aside 40 shots between the pipes.

The MHC hosts Toledo next Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Fraser and then travels to play the Wooster Oilers on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. from the Alice Noble Ice Arena.

The MJDP is also in action next week, hosting the Pittsburgh Vengeance Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. and Friday at noon before hosting the Fort Wayne Spacemen Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

ERIE, Pa. – Nathan Vazquez scored on his first shot on his first shift in his first game in a Metro Jets uniform and added another goal as the Jets never trailed en route to downing the Lake Erie Bighorns 7-3 Friday night at the ErieBank Sports Park.

Stefan Frantti also notched his first junior goal with an assist, Jason Crossland (pictured front) scored twice and added an assist, and Matt Cole (pictured below) tallied a goal and three assists to pace the Metro attack.

The Jets led 6-0 after 40 minutes.

“It was a really good effort for two periods,” said Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “The first two periods, we gave them nothing and totally controlled the play. I’m not sure where that went in the third period. We lost focus and gave them some life going into tomorrow’s game.”

The two teams wrap up the weekend series Saturday at 11 a.m.

“Our special teams need to get a lot better as we keep losing that battle over and over lately in games,” Lovell said. “We went 0 for 4 on the power play and they went 2 for 2. Not good.

“It’s never easy beating a team on back-to-back nights, especially on the road, so we need to come prepared tomorrow for a battle.”

Jets captain Matt Cruz and Alec Lindecker contributed two assists apiece, Alex Schaumburger netted a goal, and Will Augustine stopped 12 shots in goal as the Jets outshot Lake Erie 61-15.

In Columbus, the MHC suffered a 6-0 defeat to the Columbus Mavericks.

Sal Carabelli finished with 44 saves in goal and also stopped a Tim Kramer penalty shot late in the third period.

“We can’t pick and choose what shifts we want to play,” Jets assistant coach Tina Ciraulo said. “We need to play a full game to be able to compete. Also need to stay out of the box. We had some opportunities to bury some, and just need to find the back of the net. Hopefully tomorrow night, the boys come ready to play for a full game and stay out of the box.”

Tyler Dorion registered a 29-save shutout for the Mavericks.

Game time Saturday back at the OhioHealth Chiller North is 6:30 p.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

FRASER, Mich. – Hugo Fonovic (pictured) posted three goals in the second period and Mitch Forton tallied two goals and two assists as the MJDP defeated the Motor City Hockey Club 9-1 Tuesday afternoon at Fraser Hockeyland.

Seth Francois added a goal and two assists, while Seth Beagle and Jake Aslanian went for a goal and a helper apiece.

Joey Mocnik chipped in with four assists, Brendan Rachfal three assists, and Brayden Tayles two assists for the MJDP.

Nick Twombley also scored and Caden Fisher turned aside 11 shots between the pipes.

The MJDP outshot Motor City 45-12 in the game.

This coming weekend, the MJDP hosts the Detroit Fighting Irish at Fraser Hockeyland Saturday at 12:30 p.m., while the MHC plays a pair in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend against the Columbus Mavericks. Puck drops at the OhioHealth Chiller North are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

The Jets hit the road this weekend for a two-game series in Erie, Pa., at the ErieBank Sports Park against the Lake Erie Bighorns. Game times are 7:30 p.m. Friday night and Saturday at 11 a.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

TOLEDO, Ohio – In a battle of two undefeated teams, the Toledo Cherokee eked out a 3-2 overtime win over the Metro Jets Friday night at the Team Toledo IceHouse.

Cody Mastay scored in the first period for the Jets before Toledo tallied the next two.

Matt Cruz tied the game at 17:26 of the third period for the Jets, which set the stage for the extra five-minute session where Jarrett Henson won it at 4:22.

“I thought both teams played hard tonight, and it just ended in 3-on-3 hockey where anything can happen,” Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell said. “We should have never let it get to OT. It was a wake-up call for our group. Every team wants to beat Metro, and they’re going to give us their best effort. We needed to match Toledo’s energy, and I just don’t think we did that enough.

“We didn’t convert on the power play when we had chances and, ultimately, it could have made the difference.”

Cristian Adragna (pictured) assisted on both Jets goals, and Louis-Pierre Fortier made 31 saves as the Jets outshot Toledo 37-34.

Marcello De Antunano finished with 35 saves for the Cherokee.

The Jets hit the road next weekend for a two-game series in Erie, Pa., at the ErieBank Sports Park against the Lake Erie Bighorns. Game times are 7:30 p.m. Friday night and Saturday at 11 a.m.

The MJDP hosts the Motor City Hockey Club at Fraser Hockeyland Tuesday at 2 p.m., while the MHC plays a pair in Columbus, Ohio, next weekend against the Columbus Mavericks. Puck drops at the OhioHealth Chiller North are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.

FRASER, Mich. – Brandon Plummer scored the goal that started the MHC on the comeback trail Thursday night against the Wooster Oilers.

His last goal that completed his hat trick was the shootout winner in the fourth round that clinched the 6-5 win for the MHC in a thriller at Fraser Hockeyland.

“I went into it kind of thinking of one move, keeping it simple, shoot low blocker,” said Plummer (pictured front). “It was open, so might as well take it.”

Plummer also scored at 7:49 of the second period to bring the MHC to within 4-1 of Wooster. He tallied his second at 12:33 of the middle period.

“Just kind of shoot it towards the net and battle for the puck,” Plummer said. “Hopefully, get to bang one in and get the boys going.”

Down 5-3 with 1:17 left in the third period, Ethan Smith (pictured bottom) tied it 10 seconds apart with goals at 18:59 and 19:09, setting the stage for the scoreless overtime and subsequent shootout that saw Ethan Ryan deny all four Wooster shots in goal.

Ryan made 34 saves in 65 minutes of work.

Jason Szlezyngier also scored for the MHC, while Brent Wolf picked up two assists and Plummer added an assist for a four-point game.

Nick Peters scored two goals and tacked on an assist for Wooster and goaltender Mack Miracle finished with 31 saves.

The Metro Jets play on the road against the Toledo Cherokee Friday night at 7 p.m. from the Team Toledo IceHouse and the MJDP hosts the Motor City Hockey Club at Fraser Hockeyland next Tuesday at 2 p.m.

All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.