DIMONDALE, Mich. – Anthony Cinato’s goal with 57 seconds left in overtime lifted the Metro Jets to a 2-1 win Friday night over the Lansing Wolves in both teams’ USPHL debut at the Summit Sports & Ice Complex.

Joey Bruce started the scoring for the Jets at 7:03 of the first period before Ryan Weaver tied the game for Lansing just 32 seconds into the third period.

“We were a little sloppy tonight with our plays and definitely need to get better,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “However, we did see some things that were positive and we will need to build off that quickly. Freddy (Meurling) was solid in his first game and we had some young guys show well. With five first-year guys in the back end tonight, I’m glad they were tested.  

“Even though we won the game, we know Lansing will be ready to go Sunday. This one is done and we focus on getting ready for them at home now.”

Meurling made 41 saves in goal, while Sean Finstrom stopped 38 in suffering the defeat for the Wolves.

“It feels really good, and well worth the win for what we have been doing in practice,” said Jets forward Brodie Thornton, who assisted on Cinato’s game winner. “The game today felt just like another typical playoff game – everyone wants that first win. We just hustled and worked hard from the little stuff to big plays.”

The two teams rematch Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. for the Jets’ home opener at Fraser Hockeyland. It’s also Family Night and all tickets are just $5 and available at the ticket booth inside the arena.

Streaming of the game will be available on www.HockeyTV.com. 

Photo/Jeff Lawler