Metro's top line solidified by addition of McCaig

Matt McCaig has only been with the Metro Jets three weeks, but in that short span has impressed the team brass with his work ethic, on-ice performance and the potential to move on to college hockey.

In five games so far, the 20-year-old native of Lincoln Park has three goals and three assists and much of that has come since the Jets’ coaching staff put him on a line with veteran Steve Wiechec (Troy) and rookie Justin Vinson (Livonia).

“That’s been our best line lately,” Metro assistant coach Ryan Skop said. “Collectively, they’ve put a lot of pucks in the net.”

Skop also said that when McCaig arrived in Waterford, he’s brought a renewed sense of showing that hard work hopefully pays off.

“’Keg’ is a guy who’s here for a purpose – to improve his game and to move on,” said Skop. “Even though the team isn’t doing very well, he’s punching the clock and going to work everyday. He’s a real good guy for the others to watch and I wish we would have picked him up sooner than we did. Matt’s a great player in every zone, can mix it up or play a finesse game. He can do everything.”

Being 20, McCaig’s junior eligibility expires at the end of the season. That said, it doesn’t mean his hockey career is.

“I’m really hoping to move Matt on to an NCAA Division III team,” boasted Skop. “He’s got the talent, he’s got the grades and most of all, he’s got a great attitude. Any college would be lucky to have him.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Metro went .500 on their two-game homestand last weekend in beating Grand Rapids, 11-5, on Saturday night, but falling to Chicago Sunday afternoon, 10-4.

In topping Grand Rapids for the third time this year, Vinson had three goals and two assists, Brett Grech (Hartland) added a goal and four assists, McCaig chipped in two goals and two helpers and Metro captain Adam Novack (Rochester Hills) contributed two goals and an assist.

Brandon Nault (Madison Heights) scored twice for Metro, while Ryan Eby (Linden) potted the other.

In net, Andrew Corcoran earned his first win of the season with a 25-save performance.

Wiechec registered three assists and Matt Noe and David Williams (Bloomfield Hills) had two apiece. Chad Rutkowski (Harrison Township) tallied his first point with the Jets by drawing an assist on Novack's second goal.

Sunday, Chicago swept the season series from the Jets.

Corcoran stopped 48 shots in defeat and Vinson continued his torrid scoring pace with two more goals (power-play and shorthanded), giving him six in his last three games and nine on the season.

Williams also scored shorthanded and Paul Elezaj (Leonard), on the power play, added the Jets' other goals. Williams also had an assist on Elezaj's goal.

Metro (6-27-0-1) plays at Motor City tonight and hosts Queen City tomorrow night at 7:40 p.m. After the Queen City contest, just two more home games remain on the 2008-09 schedule.

JET FUEL

The Jets lead the Central States Hockey League with 11 shorthanded goals.

Defenseman Steve Lockwood (Clarkston) continues to be atop the CSHL penalty minute leader board with 187 penalty minutes.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Adam Davis, the younger brother of ex-Jets forward Aaron Davis, is coaching a midget team in Texas and has begun referring players to Metro. Aaron Davis (Dearborn Heights) played for the Jets in 1996-97 and is currently with the Rocky Mountain Rage of the Central Hockey League.

Photo by Walt Dmoch