Jets spoil home opener for Wolves 8-3
Last year, the Metro Jets put up a win every time it took the ice in NA3HL Regular Season play – 47 games, 47 wins.
If anybody is keeping track, the Jets grabbed number 48 on Friday (Sept. 8, 2017), picking up an 8-3 decision against the Lansing Wolves in the league’s season opener and the only game scheduled for the evening.
The Wolves made some history with the game, having moved from Battle Creek, where it was known as the West Michigan Wolves previously, but drew about as tough an opponent as you can find for its opening weekend at the Summit Sports and Ice Complex.
The Jets picked up where it left off last season, scoring three times in the first 13-minutes and carrying a 3-1 lead out of the opening period.
Lansing had the lead cut to a single goal in the opening minute of the second, but it was all Jets after that, Metro piling on another three before the end of the middle session for a 6-2 lead, peppering Will Ignatovich, 18, from Grand Rapids, MI with 28 middle session on its way to a 59-22 margin on the shot clock overall.
Inger Connor, 20, from Macomb, MI led the offensive charge with two goals and two assists for the Jets and Aaron Shahin, 20, from Orion, MI also scored twice. Griffin Sawyer, 19, from Trenton, MI and Kyle Gierman, 18, from Shelby Twp., MI both collected a goal and assist with other Metro goals scored by Garrett Wojcicki, 18, from Macomb, MI and Trevor Momot, 19, from New Baltimore, MI. Brian Tallieu, 19, from Davison, MI started in goal and played into the third period, stopping 15 of 17 shots for the Jets before Jacob McClelland, 18, from Ada, MI came in, handling 4 of 5 through the final 16:53.
Jacob Deratany, 18, from Macomb, MI and Blake Siewertsen, 18, from Kentwood, MI both picked up a goal and assist for the Wolves while Jay Dziegelewski, 17, from Casco, MI set up a pair and the other goal was scored by Michael Schramm, 18, from Holt, MI.
The same two teams are scheduled to tangle again on Saturday (Sept. 9) at Fraser Hockeyland, home of the Jets.
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About Author
jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.