SOUTHGATE, Mich. – The MJDP finished off a solid weekend with a thrilling 5-4 win over the Detroit Fighting Irish Sunday night at the Southgate Civic Center Ice Arena.
Robert Grasso’s second goal of the game with 3:17 to play stood as the game-winner. Newcomer Royal St-Cyr had tied the game for the MJDP 1:15 into the third period.
“It was an emotional game,” said Metro Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “Both teams were undisciplined, and it was hard to get any type of flow going. We let them back into the game with penalties and mental mistakes and then when they took the lead in the first shift of the third, we could have easily broken down, but we didn’t. We responded.
“It’s all about attitude, and mindset and I think we displayed strong character tonight to get the much-needed two points.”
Tommy Purton and Ethan Smith also scored, while Freddy Soderberg made 35 saves to get the win in goal as the Fighting Irish outshot the MJDP 39-35.
Sam Westerberg and Carson Finney each posted three assists in the win.
“Our game as a whole was a physically- and mentally-challenging game,” said Grasso (pictured front). “That being said, I was fortunate to put the puck in the net after the chance by Finney and giving it another chance after the pass from ‘Blanks’ (Alex Blankenship) for the game winner. It feels good developing my game over the course of the season and getting back into the scoring column.”
Saturday night, Ethan Ryan pitched a nine-save shutout as the MJDP picked up a 3-0 win over the Motor City Hockey Club.
Purton had a goal and an assist in the victory, Finney tacked on two more assists, and Grasso and Westerberg each scored.
The MJDP outshot Motor City 50-9 in the game.
“These two wins are big for our team’s confidence going into the rest of the season,” Grasso said. “It’s playoff hockey now and a great opportunity for our group to be consistent and contest each team we play for the rest of the season.”
The Jets next host the Toledo Cherokee Saturday at 4:30 p.m. from Mount Clemens Ice Arena as part of a double header with the MJDP, who host the Decatur Blaze for the first of two at 7:30 p.m. The series finale is Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.
