/LEWIS CENTER, Ohio – The Metro Jets punched their ticket to the USPHL National Tournament Friday night with a 5-1 win over the Columbus Mavericks at the OhioHealth Chiller North, sweeping the best-of-three series.
Columbus scored first, with Brandon Edwards getting on the board and boosting the Mavericks to a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
In the second period, Conner Graham (pictured front) led the way offensively with two goals, while Cristian Adragna, Nick Ceccarini and Joey Johnson scored one each in a 7:22 span.
“I didn’t like our start, we just seemed a little off, and Columbus capitalized,” Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell said. “The series-clinching win is always the hardest one to get. You’re ending a team’s season and they’re not going to just lay down. We regrouped after the first period and came out with one of our best periods all year, and that ultimately made the difference in the game.”
Louis-Pierre Fortier made 22 saves in goal for the win.
“I definitely think we came out flat and not ready, but we came in after the first, regrouped, and came out playing our game,” Graham said. “A quick goal in the first shifted the momentum right away, and it just continued for four more. I think it’s huge to come into nationals on a winning streak and having the momentum of winning two straight.”
Alex Toth and Tyler Dorion combined to make 43 saves in the Columbus net.
The Jets now head to Hampton Roads, Va., next week to play in the USPHL National Tournament for the third straight year.
“I’m excited for this group, they’ve played well all season, but there’s more work to be done,” Lovell said. “We will enjoy it tonight but then refocus Monday as we prepare for the national tournament.”
At Fraser Hockeyland Friday night, Caden Fisher pitched a 29-save shutout as the MJDP evened its series with the Detroit Fighting Irish at 1-all with a 3-0 win (pictured below).
Patrick Hays and Nick Twombley each had a goal and an assist, while Kam Hellman also scored and Herman Ahokas contributed a pair of assists.
Detroit goalie Daniel McCarthy stopped 35 shots in suffering the defeat between the pipes.
The deciding Game 3 is Saturday night at Fraser with an 8 p.m. puck drop.
All USPHL games are streamed on HockeyTV.com.
