Motor City Starts Humming up North
Published on January 11, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL) News Release
Hanging tough in the NAHL's tightly contested North Division, the Motor City Metal Jackets took another step in the right direction last weekend with two victories over the Marquette Rangers.
For the first-year Metal Jackets, it marked the first-ever weekend sweep in the program's history.
"That was an important weekend for our organization," said Metal Jackets head coach David Cole, whose team improved to 13-13-6 on the season. "Getting those divisional points in the standings is obviously huge this time of year, but to get that sweep meant a lot for our morale."
RJ Kleiman struck for two goals and an assist as the Metal Jackets skated to a 5-3 win on Friday. John Scorcia notched the game-winning marker, and goaltender Randy Willis turned back 26 shots between the pipes.
The next night, Eric Millisor connected for a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in the Metal Jackets' 3-2 victory over the Rangers. Petrus Sipila notched the other Motor City goal, and netminder Jason Torf made 33 saves.
"I think we've been playing better than our record indicates, so we figured it was just a matter of time for us to put some back-to-back wins together," said Cole, whose team has suffered five shootout losses this season. "We're competitive every night; perhaps we just needed a break here and there."
Kleiman, the Metal Jackets' leading scorer, has been a steady offensive force the entire season. The 19-year-old from Dewitt, Mich., who will skate in the upcoming Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, Mich., now has 14 goals for 31 points through 32 games this season.
"RJ is a very important part of what we're doing here," said Cole. "He's consistently one of our best players, with and without the puck."
Another Top Prospects selection, defenseman Mike Monfredo has also impressed. The 19-year-old from Shirley, N.Y., has 16 points (two goals) to his credit after 32 games and his plus-18 rating ranks sixth in the entire NAHL.
"Mike is one of the top defensemen in the league, no question," said Cole. "He's such a versatile player with so much potential."
The Jackets' goaltending tandem of Torf, an 18-year-old from Hermosa Beach, Calif., and Willis, a 20-year-old from Fond du Lac, Wis., is meeting expectations as well. Both hold save percentages of over .900.
"These two guys are playing well and the rest of the team has a lot of confidence playing in front of them," Cole said of his netminders. "They make all the saves they need to and some they shouldn't, and that's the sign of a good goaltender."
Forwards Steve Brancheau, a 19-year-old Top Prospects-bound player from River Rouge, Mich., and Cody Wydo, an 18-year-old from Allen Park, Mich., are also making timely contributions at both ends of the ice.
"This is a very tight-knit team that's been one of the most enjoyable groups I've ever been involved with," said Cole. "We've been fortunate to recruit and acquire athletes who are good people from good families."
In short time, the Metal Jackets, through the enthusiasm and support of team owner Kenji Yamada, have also been able to build a sound following off the ice.
"It's great to see the local community get behind us and everything we're doing, and we're certainly committed to their efforts as well," said Cole. "We've been able to establish a lot of positive relationships since we arrived, and that's only going to continue."
The Metal Jackets have two players committed to Division I schools to date in Brice Geoffrion (University of Alabama-Huntsville) and Patrick Sullivan (Canisius College). Cole expects more players to follow suit, especially with three players heading to Top Prospects.
"There's no question we have a number of student-athletes who have the capabilities of playing Division I hockey, and, if we continue to succeed as a team, those opportunities will come and the guys know that."
And Cole sees no reason why the wins can't keep coming.
"We're in a very competitive division, but I'm optimistic this group will continue to grow together, improve and compete every night," said the coach.
STANDINGS/LEADERS
STANDINGS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/standings.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527
LEADING SCORERS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527
LEADING GOALTENDERS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/goalieleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527
GOALS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527&sortby=g
ASSISTS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527&sortby=a
PLUS/MINUS
http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/scoringleaders.html?leagueid=164&seasonid=4527&sortby=plusminus
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
SHERWOOD/NAHL NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RJ Kleiman - Motor City Machine
Motor City forward RJ Kleiman struck for two goals and an assist as the Metal Jackets downed Marquette on Friday, 5-3. Held scoreless the night - a 3-2 victory over the Rangers - the 19-year-old from Dewitt, Mich., was a plus-1 for the weekend. He will represent the North Division at next week's Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.
"RJ had a great weekend for us," said Metal Jackets head coach David Cole. "He's a talented offensive player and has scored some big goals for us this season and we're hoping there's more to come."
HONORABLE MENTION: Janesville forward Pat Dalbec; Traverse City forward Garrett Thompson
SHERWOOD/NAHL SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Erik Higby - Topeka RoadRunners
Topeka forward Erik Higby potted two goals and three assists as the RoadRunners celebrated a two-game sweep over Texas. On Friday, the New Braunfels, Texas, native scored a goal and two assists in a 5-2 victory. The next night, the 20-year-old Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection notched the overtime game-winning marker and an assist as the RoadRunners downed the Tornado, 3-2.
"Erik has shown tremendous work ethic and it's really starting to pay dividends, statistically," said RoadRunners assistant coach R.J. Enga. "He's been able to continually get the job done at both ends of the ice."
HONORABLE MENTION: St. Louis defenseman Patrick Raley; Wichita Falls forwards Adam Kuhn and JT Osborn
SHERWOOD/NAHL CENTRAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Steve Zierke - Alexandria Blizzard
Alexandria forward Steve Zierke recorded a goal and five assists as the Blizzard skated to three victories. On Friday, the Brooklyn Park, Minn., native rang up two assists in a 5-2 win over North Iowa. The next night, the 19-year-old netted a goal as the Blizzard downed the Outlaws, 3-2. On Sunday, the Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection picked up three more assists in a 4-1 triumph over the Owatonna Express. Zierke was also a plus-4 on the weekend.
"Steve has really picked up his game lately," said Blizzard assistant coach Jeff Crouse. "He's a very skilled player who can skate and, when he uses his speed, he has the ability to take over a game."
SHERWOOD/NAHL WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jeff Jubinville - Wenatchee Wild
Wenatchee forward Jeff Jubinville connected for four goals and two assists as the Wild skated to a 2-1 record against Wichita Falls. On Wednesday, the Edmonton native put home the game-winning goal and an assist in a 4-3 victory. Two nights later, the 20-year-old recorded a hat trick, including the game-winning marker, as the Wild dropped the Wildcats, 6-1. A Bemidji State University recruit, Jubinville wrapped up his week with an assist in a 6-3 loss on Saturday. He was also a plus-2 on the weekend.
"Jeff had an excellent weekend," said Wild associate head coach Ryan McKelvie. "He played with a ton of energy and was one of the hardest workers on the ice in every game. He's a veteran player who led by example."
HONORABLE MENTION: Fairbanks forward Kyle Politz
SHERBROOK/NAHL GOALIE OF THE WEEK: Chris Kamal - Alexandria Blizzard
Alexandria goaltender Chris Kamal backstopped the Blizzard to three victories, turning aside 80 of 85 shots. On Friday, the Alpharetta, Ga., native made 28 saves in a 5-2 triumph over North Iowa. The next night, the 20-year-old stopped 23 shots as the Blizzard downed the Outlaws, 3-2. Kamal, a Sherwood/NAHL Top Prospects Tournament selection, made 29 saves in Alexandria's 4-1 win over the Owatonna Express on Sunday.
"When Chris plays, he gives us a chance to win every game," said Blizzard assistant coach Jeff Crouse. "He played very solid and kept things simple last weekend. We're looking forward to watching his improvement continue as the year goes on."
HONORABLE MENTION: Motor City's Jason Torf; St. Louis' Tyler Bruggeman; Topeka's Cooper Frederick; Wenatchee's Brandon Jaeger
AROUND THE NAHL
ALASKA AVALANCHE: In his only game of the weekend, forward Beau Walker (West Richland, Wash.) connected for a goal and an assist in the Avs' 5-4 loss to Fairbanks on Saturday.
ALBERT LEA THUNDER: With last weekend off, the Thunder returns to action on Tuesday for a game against Owatonna followed by a two-game set against Marquette beginning on Friday.
ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD: Forward Alex Altenbernd (Moorhead, Minn.) put home three goals and an assist as the Blizzard rolled off three victories.
ALPENA ICEDIGGERS: Forward Ryan Timar (Novi, Mich.), an Air Force Academy recruit, scored both goals for the IceDiggers in their 7-2 loss to Traverse City on Saturday.
BISMARCK BOBCATS: Defenseman Sam Rendle (Grand Rapids, Minn.), a Bemidji State University recruit, picked up two assists, including one on Brett Bower's game-winning goal, in the Bobcats' 3-1 victory over Owatonna on Friday.
FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS: Forward Kyle Politz (Apple Valley, Minn.) connected for a goal and four assists as the Ice Dogs skated to a two-game sweep over Alaska. "Kyle is a pure skater who has game-changing speed," said head coach Josh Hauge. "He plays hard every night and is going to be a valuable asset to a college program next year."
JANESVILLE JETS: Forward Pat Dalbec (Superior, Wis.) struck for two goals as the Jets dropped a two-game set against St. Louis.
KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS: The Brown Bears, who haven't played since Dec. 19, will travel to Fairbanks this week for a three-game series beginning on Thursday.
MARQUETTE RANGERS: Forward Tanner Kero (Hancock, Mich.), a Michigan Tech University recruit, and defenseman Nate Taurence (Trenton, Mich.) each fashioned three-point weekends as the Rangers dropped a pair of games to Motor City.
MOTOR CITY METAL JACKETS: Goaltender Jason Torf (Hermosa Beach, Calif.) turned aside 33 shots in the Metal Jackets' 3-2 triumph over Marquette on Saturday.
NORTH IOWA OUTLAWS: Defenseman David Mylrea (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) rang up a goal and an assist in the Outlaws' 5-2 loss to Alexandria on Friday.
OWATONNA EXPRESS: Defenseman Jake Suter (Oregon, Wis.) potted the overtime game-winning goal in the Express' 3-2 victory over Bismarck on Saturday.
SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES: Off last weekend, the Jr. Blues return to action on Friday to begin a two-game series against South Division-leading Topeka.
ST. LOUIS BANDITS: Goaltender Tyler Bruggeman (Mankato, Minn.) backstopped the Bandits to a two-game sweep over Janseville, turning aside 42 of 46 shots.
TEXAS TORNADO: Forward James Howard (Canfield, Ohio) tallied a goal and an assist as the Tornado dropped two games to Topeka.
TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS: Goaltender Cooper Frederick (Tulsa, Okla.) made 40 saves in regulation and overtime as the RoadRunners bested the Tornado on Saturday, 3-2. "Cooper was very solid and made some big, timely saves," said assistant coach R.J. Enga.
TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS: Forward Garrett Thompson (Woodhaven, Mich.) tallied three goals in the North Stars' 7-2 win over Alpena on Saturday. "Garrett continues to be a leader, both on and off the ice," said head coach Anthony Palumbo. "He's been a big part of our success since coming back from Christmas break."
WENATCHEE WILD: In his only start last week, goaltender Brandon Jaeger (Champlin, Minn.) made 38 saves in the Wild's 6-1 victory over Wichita Falls on Friday.
WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS: Defenseman Zach Ledford (Folsom, Calif.), a Bentley University recruit, recorded three assists in the Wildcats' 6-3 victory over Wenatchee on Saturday.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, January 12
Albert Lea @ Owatonna, 7:00 pm
Thursday, January 14
Kenai River @ Fairbanks, 7:00 pm
Friday, January 15
Bismarck @ Alexandria, 7:00 pm
Traverse City @ Alpena, 7:00 pm
Motor City @ Janesville, 7:00 pm
Wichita Falls @ St. Louis, 7:05 pm
Springfield @ Topeka, 7:05 pm
Marquette @ Albert Lea, 7:30 pm
Kenai River @ Fairbanks, 7:30 pm
Owatonna @ North Iowa, 7:30 pm
Wenatchee @ Texas, 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 16
Marquette @ Albert Lea, 7:00 pm
Motor City @ Janesville, 7:00 pm
Wenatchee @ Texas, 7:00 pm
Wichita Falls @ St. Louis, 7:05 pm
Springfield @ Topeka, 7:05 pm
Alpena @ Traverse City, 7:05 pm
Alexandria @ Bismarck, 7:15 pm
Kenai River @ Fairbanks, 7:30 pm
Owatonna @ North Iowa, 7:30 pm
(all times local)
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
ALASKA AVALANCHE
Matt Friese - University of Alaska-Anchorage (WCHA) *
ALBERT LEA THUNDER
Joe Rogers - University of Notre Dame (CCHA)
ALEXANDRIA BLIZZARD
Jordan Gidaro - Western Michigan University (CCHA)
Bryce Ravndalen - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) #
Brett Wall - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
ALPENA ICEDIGGERS
Ryan Timar - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
BISMARCK BOBCATS
Jason Fabian - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Gavin Hartzog - University of Wisconsin (WCHA)
Sam Rendle - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Tony Turgeon - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) #
FAIRBANKS ICE DOGS
Michael Juola - Brown University (ECAC)
Jared Linnell - University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA) *
MARQUETTE RANGERS
Kevin Gravel - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) #
Nate Heng - University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA) #
Tanner Kero - Michigan Tech University (WCHA)
Garrett Ladd - Bemidji State University (CHA)
MOTOR CITY METAL JACKETS
Brice Geoffrion - University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA)
Patrick Sullivan - Canisius College (Atlantic Hockey)
OWATONNA EXPRESS
Mike Shibrowski - Colorado College (WCHA)
Ben Persian - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Jake Youso - University of Minnesota (WCHA)
SPRINGFIELD JR. BLUES
Jack Callahan - Quinnipiac University (ECAC) #
Randy Cure - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey)
Nick Curry - University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Hockey East)
Rob Dongara - Northeastern University (Hockey East) #
Trent Frey - Mercyhurst College (Atlantic Hockey)
CJ Groh - University of Alabama-Huntsville (CHA)
Jared Rickord - Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey)
ST. LOUIS BANDITS
Garrett Bartus - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)
Clinton Bourbonais - Yale University (ECAC) #
Michael Gunn - Michigan State University (CCHA)
Joe Kalisz - University of Alaska-Fairbanks (CCHA)
Daniel Olszewski - University of Denver (WCHA)
Brad Smith - Ohio State University (CCHA)
TOPEKA ROADRUNNERS
Kevin Ryan - Niagara University (CHA)
Cole Schneider - University of Connecticut (Atlantic Hockey)
TRAVERSE CITY NORTH STARS
Kelin Ainsworth - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
Kyle Jean - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
Andy Huff - Ferris State University (CCHA)
Tyler Marble - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
Dan Radke - Lake Superior State University (CCHA)
WENATCHEE WILD
Kyle Brodie - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Brandon Burrell - St. Cloud State University (WCHA)
Armand De Swardt - Cornell University (ECAC)
Nic Dowd - St. Cloud State University (WCHA) #
Jeff Jubinville - Bemidji State University (CHA)
Adam McKenzie - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Alex McLean - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
Mitch Torrel - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
WICHITA FALLS WILDCATS
Zach Ledford - Bentley University (Atlantic Hockey)
Aaron Quick - Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey)
# alumni
* for 2011-12 season
North American Hockey League Stories from January 11, 2010
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