MIDDLETON, Mass. – Nick Ceccarini’s goal with 20.4 seconds left in the third period pulled the Metro Jets into a 2-2 tie with the Florida Jr. Blades Saturday afternoon at the USPHL National Tournament at the Essex Sports Center.
Anthony Cinato also added a power-play goal at 16:08 of the first period to cut the Jr. Blades’ lead to 2-1.
“Credit to their goalie (Patrik Lietava) for standing on his head,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “We could have used some Wylie Posts on his net tonight, but that’s smart of him to knock the net off every shift. I guess we don’t penalize that anymore. But in the end, this was 100 percent on us not burying our chances and we will need to get more production to have success ahead, plain and simple. Can’t win if you can’t score.”
The Jets outshot Florida 71-12 with Fredrik Meurling (pictured) making 10 saves and Lietava stopping 69.
Tomas Brezina scored both goals for the Jr. Blades in the first period.
Round-robin play continues Sunday as the Jets play the Chicago Cougars at 8:15 a.m. and the Connecticut Nighthawks at 6:15 p.m.
All games at the national tournament will be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com.
