DYER, Ind. – The Metro Jets used five different goal scorers and a stingy defense to defeat the Chicago Cougars 5-3 Friday afternoon at the Midwest Training and Ice Center.
Will Jentz and Cody Mastay each posted a goal and an assist, while Nick Ceccarini (pictured), Matt Cole and Cristian Adragna added a goal each in the game played at the home of the Midwest Blackbirds, necessitated by Illinois health protocols.
“This group was on their game today, and it was fun to watch,” said Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “Our transition game was very good, and we used our speed on this bigger ice sheet to control the play. Credit to Chicago’s goaltender (Michael Lenhart, 48 saves), who played very well and gave them a chance to stay in the game, but we still have to find a way to separate ourselves on the scoreboard and convert more scoring chances. We had a full two-man advantage and didn’t convert. We played almost the entire second and third periods in their zone but still Chicago is within a goal from tying the game.
“It’s not enough to just look good and dominate a team; we need to score. Our PK was very good, and we got a huge save from LP when it was a one-goal game. The team locked it down the rest of the way.”
Jets goalie Louis-Pierre Fortier finished with 15 saves as the Jets outshot the Cougars 53-18.
Alex Schaumburger chipped in with two assists for the Jets.
“We came out heavy at the beginning and were all over them the whole game,” said Metro defenseman Braydin Lewis. “The boys came through with some clutch goals to get us the two points.
“We’ve been staying focused by just getting the work done on and off the ice and getting better every day, which is the main goal. The coaching staff has been top notch by getting us games when teams are unable to play due to COVID and keeping us motivated through these times.”
Kevin Johnston scored twice for Chicago and Danny Mannarino notched one.
The Jets next play on the road Tuesday against the Wooster Oilers. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. at the Alice Noble Ice Arena.
In other action, the MHC plays in Wooster Sunday at 2:45 p.m. and the MJDP plays in Fort Wayne against the Spacemen Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. from the SportONE/Parkview Icehouse.
All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.
