HUDSON, N.H. – The Metro Jets scored three late goals in the third period to erase a 1-0 deficit and down the Toledo Cherokee 3-1 Sunday afternoon in the USPHL national quarterfinals at Cyclones Arena.
With the win, the Jets advance to the semifinals Monday at noon, taking on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights at noon from Cyclones Arena.
Toledo had taken a 1-0 lead 3:17 into the second period on a Gavin Uckele goal before Tim Washburn tied it at 17:54 of the third and Cristian Adragna put the Jets ahead 50 seconds later.
“That was a heck of a hockey game,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “Have to congratulate Toledo. They played an incredible game, but we felt like we were getting the better chances and that it would only be a matter of time until we get one past (Toledo goalie Nick) Bernstein. Sometimes you need a bounce, and we finally got ours late in the game, but we are not in that position at the end without the play of Will Augustine, who has been incredible all week and in the playoffs.
“We will enjoy this moment right now for a second, but it’s time to refocus and get prepared for tomorrow. We have a rematch with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the semifinal, and they’re coming off a similar emotional win (2-1 in overtime over the Minnesota Blue Ox). They’re a fantastic team. They’ve been the best all season, well coached, don’t make many mistakes, and they have great goaltending. It’s going to be a battle.
“This is the best time of year.”
Adragna added an empty-net goal and Augustine finished with 30 saves.
Bernstein stopped 42 for the Cherokee.
All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.
