HUDSON, N.H. – The Metro Jets are one of two remaining teams in the USPHL National Tournament.
After a dominant 8-1 win Monday afternoon over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights at Cyclones Arena, the Jets will play the Rockets Hockey Club Monday afternoon for the national championship.
The Rockets edged the Florida Eels 3-2 Monday afternoon in the second semifinal game.
“I don’t think anyone would have predicted the final score today, but we knew our group was ready for this game,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “We were relentless on the forecheck and created a lot of turnovers to create chances in the offensive zone. This time of year, you need everyone and it took two big net-front goals from big Seth Francois to get us going and break through on (Tade) Carman, who’s been one of the leagues best goalies all season and playoffs. We were just able to keep adding to our lead from there.
“But again, our goaltending has been a huge factor as well. Danny Miscavish made huge saves when we needed them. I’m glad we were able to give him such a big cushion to work with, even though he didn’t need it.”
Miscavish finished with 21 saves, only allowing a Colin Anna goal at 18:01 of the first period, while Carman was pulled after Chad Noetzel’s goal at 17:02 of the second period. Carman made 26 saves while Joseph Weise played the rest of the way and stopped 12 shots.
For the Jets, who had lost 3-1 to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the final game of pool play Saturday afternoon, Kam Hellman had a goal and two assists to go with Francois’ two goals, Dakota Kott’s three assists and a goal and an assist each from Andreas Fleutot and Alex Bedenko.
Josh German added two helpers and Noetzel and Jets captain Cody Mastay also scored in the win.
“We came here for one reason, and it’s time to refocus and get prepared for tomorrow,” Lovell said. “The Rockets are playing great hockey. It’s going to be a battle.”
Puck drop Tuesday at Cyclones Arena is set for 1 p.m.
All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.
