FRASER, Mich. – Nick Ceccarini’s two goals were all the Metro Jets needed Sunday night in a 2-0 win over the Columbus Mavericks at Fraser Hockeyland.
Ceccarini scored in the second and third periods after the game was scoreless after 20 minutes.
“We got off to a bit of a slow start, but once we started to get momentum and tilting the ice, we got into penalty trouble and it took our momentum away,” Jets associate coach Dan Pszenyczny said. “When we keep things simple, moving the puck, using each other and making smart plays, we look great.”
Will Augustine finished with the 26-save shutout between the pipes for the Jets.
“Will was solid when he needed to be, and Ceccarini and (Cristian) Adragna helped get a big one for us in the second,” said Pszenyczny. “Overall, everyone pitched in as the game went on to ensure the big win.”
The Jets outshot the Mavericks 39-26.
In Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon, the MHC stayed with the Pittsburgh Vengeance for nearly the entire game but allowed a goal with 10 seconds left in the third period and fell 1-0, suffering the series sweep at the Alpha Ice Complex.
Ethan Ryan (pictured) finished with 48 saves as Pittsburgh outshot the Jets 49-14.
“Definitely a disappointing week for this group,” Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell said. “Not taking away anything from Pittsburgh, but I don’t think we made them earn the goals they scored. We made far too many mistakes when it came to managing the puck and recognizing situations during the game. We simply didn’t play to the standards that we expect in this program.
“This last game is especially a tough one to swallow, giving up a goal with 10 seconds to go in a 0-0 game, but we have to learn from it. Hats off to Ethan Ryan, who did his job and gave us a chance to win the game right down to the end. We wasted his effort, and it’s too bad.
“But whether you lose 9-1 or 1-0, they’re still the same when it comes to the standings, and each game provides a unique learning experience for each player and us as a staff. We will use these experiences and continue developing, making better players and young men, which is really what this is all about. We look forward to the challenge and the process.”
This week, the Jets travel to the Team Toledo IceHouse play the Toledo Cherokee Friday night at 7 p.m., while the MHC hosts the Wooster Oilers Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. at Fraser Hockeyland and the MJDP hosts the Motor City Hockey Club at Fraser Hockeyland Saturday night at 8 p.m.
All games will be streamed on HockeyTV.com.
