Saginaw trades for Bulls' d-man Shaw

The Saginaw Spirit announced Monday that they have acquired overage defenseman Jason Shaw from the Belleville Bulls in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2013 OHL draft, a pick that was originally property of the Barrie Colts.

So far in 19 games with the Bulls this season, the Belleville, Ont., native has four assists.

Shaw began his OHL career with Niagara in the 2009-10 season, appearing in 17 games before briefly moving on to the QMJHL.

In 63 career games with Belleville, Shaw has recorded one goal and 20 assists for 21 points.

Shaw, the is younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks' forward and former OHL skater Andrew Shaw, is expected he will be in the lineup when the Spirit play host to the Plymouth Whalers tomorrow night.

Photo courtesy OHL Images

Parrott playing mature game in Hartland

Zack Parrott barely remembers the Detroit Red Wings winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1997-98.

That’s because the Hartland Hounds’ defenseman was only born in 1997, making him the youngest player on the Hounds’ roster and the youngest in all of the Midwest Junior Hockey League.

On the ice, one would hardly realize Parrott is but a sophomore in high school.

In two of his last three games, he has dropped the gloves and fared well. Then again, that’s part of Parrott’s game.

“I have always tried to play more physical and don't back down from anybody,” said Parrott. “I am not afraid to go in the corners or battle in front of the net. Really, I try to follow Nick Lidstrom's way of playing. He played solid every night and didn't try to get fancy – just a solid stay-home defenseman.”

Playing most nights against players up to five years his senior, Parrott is also used to that.

He played on the Howell High School junior varsity team (pictured) when he was in eighth grade and also skated with the JV squad during the 2011-12 season.

“I have always wanted to play for (Hartland coach) Randy (Montrose) and his coaches,” Parrott said. “When I went to tryouts, I felt I played well and when Randy offered me a spot on the Hounds, I thought it would be a great opportunity, so I happily accepted.

“I get along great with all of the guys on the team. They don't treat me any differently because of my age. Playing in this league with guys that are all older than I am forces me to play at my best every night to make up for my age.”

Parrott, who sees himself playing college hockey down the road, went on to say that being on the MWJHL’s top team record-wise has helped to shape him into a leader.

“Every teammate has taught me something different about playing at this level,” said Parrott. “We have great leadership in our captains, Jake Henrikson, Max Biggings and Jared Vincek, who always lead by example, but every player is a leader on this team.

“I am very proud to be a part of the Hounds. We are a strong team with lots of talented players. We have battled through this season so far and we need to keep working hard to get better every day.”

More transactions for Jr. K-Wings

The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings have announced a number of roster transactions that have been completed in the last couple days.

First, defenseman Sean Campbell has been traded to the Michigan Warriors for future considerations. Campbell, who has been in the NAHL the past two seasons, played in 15 games this season with Kalamazoo, but wasn’t able to register a point. He logged two penalty minutes and was a minus-1.

The season before, the East Lansing native skated in 36 contests and posted seven points on one goal and six assists. He was also plus-4 with 49 penalty minutes.

In a separate transaction, Kalamazoo has traded future considerations to the Port Huron Fighting Falcons to acquire defenseman Cole Pierce. The 19-year-old rookie defenseman from Grand Ledge dressed in 14 games for the Fighting Falcons and tallied one assist, was plus-2 and picked up two penalty minutes.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder adds to a blue line core that looks almost brand-new compared to how the season started after getting Mark Esshaki back from injury and acquiring Sam Johnson and Brendan Vetter through trades earlier in the season.

Lastly, Kalamazoo has released defenseman Kyle Ware.

Jets' goalie trio works well on, off the ice

The Metro Jets are familiar with the philosophy that defense wins games and to a greater extent, wins championships.

With the last line of defense starting in goal, the Jets have three very capable goaltenders this season that have all shown the ability to play at the North American 3 Hockey League level.

Luke DuBois, Austin Julvezan and Trevor Kalinowski are all rookies in the NA3HL, but all have earned wins for the Jets this season. What’s more is that the trio gets along off the ice and pushes each other on the ice.

Essentially, it’s a win-win situation for all three goalies.

“The friendly competition is good,” said Julvezan. “I've always gotten along with my goalie partners, but playing with these guys is easy. We all support each other when it's not our game. We get along outside of the rink pretty well. These guys are just easy to be around and we always have a good time.”

“The competition between us three goalies is what I've enjoyed most this season,” added DuBois. “We push each other to be at our best and always stay positive no matter who is between the pipes on a given day.”

Kalinowski (pictured), who played at Lakeland High School last season and has seen the bulk of action thus far for Metro, currently leads the Jets with three wins, while DuBois and Julvezan have one apiece.

“I feel the season has gone fairly well,” said Kalinowski. “I’ve certainly learned a lot and still have more to learn from my coaches and my teammates. We all seem to be bonding very close to each other. I consider this year a big leap in the right direction for my hockey career, since I split last season with a senior on Lakeland’s varsity team.”

Julvezan played the 2011-12 season for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, going all the way to the Division I state semifinals before losing to Brighton High School and current Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks’ rookie goalie Christian Michalik.

“My season has gone well so far,” Julvezan said. “Going from a starter to rotating was hard to get used to at first, but I'm really starting to feel myself excel. The jump from where I played last season compared to the NA3 was minor. The speed of the game hasn't changed by much, but the shots are harder and more accurate. Before this season, I knew the NA3 had become a better level of play and had improved from what people used to perceive it as.”

During the 2011 NA3HL Entry Draft, DuBois was actually drafted by the Flint Jr. Generals, but chose to stay and play his senior season at Gabriel Richard High School. When the chance came up this season for him to join the Jets, there was no hesitation.

“I have had a decent season thus far and I have some things that I can work on, but I feel as if I've performed when given the opportunity,” DuBois said. “The jump to the NA3 was large compared to the level of my team last season, though I was used to the fast paced style of play from participating in the MDHL and other showcases. I don't really have any set goals for the season. I enjoy seeing our team win and would rather have my team win than have personal goals fulfilled. Before this season I was pretty familiar with the NA3 and have known (Jets assistant and goalie) coach (Randy) Wilson for quite awhile.”

Each goalie also said they hope to jump to the North American Hockey League next season with an eye on playing in college one day.

“I just want to take it as it comes,” Julvezan said.

 “I would just like to keep hockey a part of my life in any way possible,” added DuBois.

So who gets the start Saturday night against Flint? That is the $64,000 question.

Falcons' defender Auk MTU-bound

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons have announced the commitment of defenseman Mark Evan Auk to play NCAA Division I hockey at Michigan Tech University, a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Auk, a 17-year-old defenseman from Grosse Pointe Park, is currently in his first year with the Fighting Falcons after leading the University Liggett Knights to the Division 3 Michigan state high school hockey championship last year.

Auk ranks in the top 10 in scoring for all NAHL defensemen with two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 20 games.

“Mark Evan is just starting to develop into a top defenseman and Michigan Tech will be getting an excellent player and person when Mark Evan steps on that campus,” said Port Huron coach-GM Michael Gershon. “We have tried to make sure that he is playing two-way hockey, but his offensive abilities have shined through. He takes good care of the puck and continues to be a very pleasant surprise for us this season.”

Auk was named the Combat Hockey NAHL Defenseman of the Month back in September, where he recorded eight points from the blueline (two goals, six assists) in 10 games played during the month, helping the Fighting Falcons to first place in the North Division during the month.

“It has been the best year so far for me in hockey-wise and I have learned a lot in just the couple of months that I have been here,” said Auk. “At this level, mistakes can really cost you, so I have tried to make smart decisions with and without the puck. I think we have a smart and experienced team. We get better as the game goes along and I think that has played into our success thus far.”

Auk becomes the second player to commit to college this season for the Fighting Falcons after Ian Miller, who had previously committed to Lake Superior State.

D-man Cebalt a quiet force for Hounds

Garrett Cebalt is one of those quiet players for the Hartland Hounds that simply goes out, does his job on the back end and does it consistently.

An unsung hero for sure, but the 18-year-old from Milford is happy with his role and will continue to handle shut down duties as long as the Hounds keep winning.

Coming from high school hockey, Cebalt knew he would need to step his game up a notch and so far, he’s done just that.

“It's a pretty big jump going from high school to juniors,” Cebalt said. “All the players are better and faster, which means you have to be as well. Everything is different. There are more road trips, team bonding sessions, more games, the longer season, better teams and players.

“My expectations for this season are to improve myself as a player in all aspects of my game. Long term, I would like to keep playing hockey as long as I can, but right now, I want to focus on the good thing we have going in Hartland.”

Being one of the many local players on the team means Cebalt found his niche almost immediately on the team.

“Everyone gets along great,” said Cebalt. “I have seen no problems between anyone. We all seem like brothers on and off the ice.”

On the ice, Cebalt said his game is keeping it simple.

”I feel like I have a more defensive role on the team,” said Cebalt. “I just want to keep the puck out of our zone and make that good defensive play to stop a goal.”

So far, so good.

Jets' Palushaj making name for himself

Andrew Palushaj has some pretty good hockey bloodlines and has brought them to the Metro Jets this year after starting the season in the North American Hockey League.

The cousin of Aaron Palushaj, a former University of Michigan star with 41 games of NHL experience under his belt with the Montreal Canadiens, Andrew played 19 games last year with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes (pictured) after an All-State season in 2010-11 at Livonia Stevenson High School.

Making the jump to Junior A was an adjustment at first for Palushaj, but one he feels is now under control.

“I feel that the season has been going pretty good so far,” said the 19-year-old Livonia native. “We are starting to figure things out as a team and are becoming better everyday. It's a pretty big jump because the league has a faster pace and is a lot more physical. I would love to get the chance to play at the NAHL level again, but right now, I'm just working on my skills and trying to become a better hockey player each day I come to the rink.”

Palushaj even admitted that he sometimes gets mistaken for his cousin or asked if Aaron is his brother, but he doesn’t mind the attention at all.

“I think that what he accomplished is amazing and he made his dream a reality,” Andrew said of Aaron. “I would love to be able to get to where he is today. I give him a lot of credit for what he does. He shows that if you work hard enough that you can accomplish anything you want to and I am very proud of him and want nothing but the best for him as he continues his hockey career.”

Before coming to the Jets and the North American 3 Hockey League, Palushaj said he didn’t know a great deal about the team or the league. He said he has since realized that both provide great opportunities for advancing up the hockey ladder.

“I would love to win a championship with this team and I think we have a great set of guys and have the ability to do it if we work hard enough this season,” Palushaj said. “I didn't know that much about the league as a whole, but I knew the Jets had been known to move a lot of players on to higher levels and that made me want to be a part of this organization.”

Palushaj also gave props to Jets’ head coach Jason Cirone.

“I think coach Jason is a great guy and has a lot to offer to our team,” noted Palushaj. “He has a lot of hockey sense and a great hockey background. I think I can learn a lot from him that will help benefit me on and off the ice.”

Thinking towards the future, Palushaj has a game plan and one he hopes can fulfill to the highest degree.

“My short-term hockey goal would be to help benefit this team any way I can and keep scoring as much as I can,” said Palushaj. “My long-term goal would be to hopefully get a scholarship so I can keep playing.”

And with nine points in eight games this season, the Jets are banking on him providing offense and leadership that will trickle down to the rest of the players.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Flint Jr. Generals scored late in the third period to knot the game at 3-all, but the Jets eked out a 4-3 win in a shootout last Friday night at Lakeland Arena to extend their winning streak to three games.

Palushaj scored two goals for the Jets, while captain Matt Stirling had a goal and two assists and Mike Gambino a goal and an helper.

“The Flint game was an all-around great game,” Stirling said. “We played well in every area of the ice and stayed out of the penalty box to get the win. That is the way we should play every night and what it will take to win key games in this league.”

Flint led 2-1 after two periods before Palushaj and Stirling scored in the third to put the Jets ahead.

Nick Gnagni recorded the equalizer at 19:08 of the third with goalie Patrick Drazkowski on the bench for the extra attacker.

In the shootout, Metro goalie Austin Julvezan stopped three of the four Flint shooters and picked up his first win of the season. Julvezan made 24 saves in the game.

Drazkowski finished with 32 saves in the Flint net, while Eddie Osowski had a goal and an assist.

The Jets (5-6-0-0) face the Michigan Mountain Cats on the road in Fraser this Saturday night before returning home Sunday afternoon to host the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks at 2:50 p.m.

“I expect for us to come out with four points as we need them to keep pace in our division,” said Stirling. “These teams are both talented and can be tough to play against if you don’t prepare all week for them. I expect Michigan to be aggressive all over the ice and to be able to keep pace with us for 60 minutes. Cleveland we have played before and know what kind of effort it will take to play them.

“Both games will be a challenge, but if we play how we know we can, we should come out with four points.”

JET STREAKS

Stirling’s 19 points are good for a sixth-place tie among NA3HL scoring leaders, while Doug Andrews’ 18 points puts him in an 11th-place tie.

Goaltender Trevor Kalinowski is in the top 10 for save percentage (.905) and goals-against average (2.81).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Jon Cooper coached the Jets to the 2002 Silver Cup Junior B national title and has seemingly won everywhere he has been since.

Cooper guided the St. Louis Bandits to consecutive NAHL titles, the Green Bay Gamblers to a United States Hockey League crown and last year, won an American Hockey League Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals, the top affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This season, Cooper is back with the Tampa Bay organization as head coach of the Syracuse Crunch after being rumored to make the jump to the NHL over the summer.

Photo by David Byerly/Odessa Jackalopes

Jr. K-Wings make slew of roster moves

The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings announced Tuesday a number of roster transactions that have been completed in the last 24 hours.

First, forward Nolan Culver has been traded to the Bay State Breakers of the Eastern Junior Hockey League for future considerations. Culver had seen action in 15 games during the season, in which he was able to post three goals and five assists for eight points while playing to a +4 rating. The 19-year-old Sylvania, Ohio native will head out to Rockland, Mass., to play with the Tier III Junior A team.

In a separate transaction, Kalamazoo has shipped Jacob McDowell to the Fresno Monsters (NAHL) for forward Mikhail Bushinski. Bushinski is a 20-year-old native of Woodbury, Minn., who was the leading scorer for the Monsters at the time of the trade. He is a two-year veteran of the NAHL and was fourth on the team in scoring last season (17 goals, 16 assists, 33 points). Bushinski also showed great durability last season as he was the only member of Fresno that played in all 60 regular-season games. He is set to make his debut on Saturday against the Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

 In yet another move, Kalamazoo traded future considerations to the Wenatchee Wild (NAHL) for defenseman Brendan Vetter, an 18-year-old defenseman who hails from Fon Du Lac, Wis. He, too, has a year of NAHL experience under his belt, but has only dressed in two games this year due to injury. In 55 career games, he has 14 points (14 assists) and is a career +9. He was a former teammate of Jr. K-Wing Sam Johnson and also played alongside Brett Beauvais at last year's NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the 18U Selects team.

Lastly, Kalamazoo has released defenseman Donovan Gardiner.

Muskegon's Foguth picks MSU Mavericks

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced that defenseman Carter Foguth has decided to play his college hockey for the Minnesota State Mavericks of the WCHA beginning in the 2013-14 season.

This season, Foguth currently has two points (goal, assist) in ten games with Lumberjacks.

The first two years with the team, Foguth accumulated eleven points (one goal and ten assists) in 89 games.

“I am very excited for being given the opportunity to play hockey at the college level; the coaching staff and players at the university made me feel welcome and right at home,” said Foguth. “It has been a long journey for my family and I and I am grateful to have received an immense amount of support from the Mervis family and the Muskegon Lumberjacks.”

Foguth was acquired by the Lumberjacks in free agency in July of 2010 and is in his third season with the team. Prior to coming to the Lumberjacks, Foguth spent the 2009-10 season with the Marquette Rangers of the NAHL, where he tallied nine points (one goal and eight assists) in 45 games.

Kalamazoo adds Swedish goalie Due-Boje

The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings have announced the addition of Swedish goaltender Marcus Due-Boje.

The 19-year-old has an extensive resume, including representing Sweden at the U18 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament and the U17 World Hockey Challenge.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound netminder hasn’t had a taste of hockey in the states, aside from his brief stint in the USHL during the preseason with the Tri-City Storm.

While playing with Djurgarden J20 in Stockholm last season, Due-Boje appeared in 30 games, posting a goals-against average of 2.63 and a save percentage of .904.

Due-Boje is the son of Christian Due-Boje, a member of the Swedish team that won the gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Newcomer Sergott back home with Hounds

Trevor Sergott has come home to the Hartland Hounds.

After starting the season in the Eastern Junior Hockey League with the Bay State Breakers, Sergott wanted more of an opportunity and decided to return to the friendly confines of home where the Hounds were more than welcoming.

“I heard about the Hounds from some of my old teammates from Howell High School who now play on the Hounds,” said Sergott. “I also know (Hartland coach) Randy Montrose from playing for him (at Howell) my freshman and junior years, so I know what kinds of systems he runs and what to expect.

“I am no stranger in the Hounds locker room. I have played with the majority of the guys before and two of my teammates, Jake Henrikson and Scott Augustyn, have been my best friends throughout all of high school.”

And if the surname Sergott sounds familiar, it should.

Keith Sergott, Trevor’s father, is a longtime CCHA referee and worked the 2012 Frozen Four. He also played at Ferris State University in the 1980s.

The younger Sergott, who also played AAA hockey for Belle Tire and Victory Honda, wants to make a name for himself as well.

“I am an offensive defenseman who likes to rush the puck, but also loves to play physical,” said Sergott. “I play hard every game and always think of myself as being hard to play against. I don’t look for fights, but I will always protect my teammates and drop the gloves if necessary.”

“Trevor is a very exciting player,” said Montrose. “He loves to hit and opponents always take note when he’s on the ice. He is a very honest player and a very hard-working player. I have seen him develop immensely over the years and so far, he has made the transition to junior hockey a seamless one.”

Doing whatever it takes to help the Hounds get two points each night is the ultimate goal for Sergott and if some individual success results, it’ll be gravy.

“This season from a personal standpoint, I hope to talk to some Division III schools and hopefully, get some offers,” Sergott said. “From a team standpoint, I expect nothing less than a national championship.”

Britton adds size to Metro blue line

Derek Britton came to the Metro Jets by way of a trade from the Toledo Cherokee in late August and he has helped to solidify a blue line that was perhaps average at best coming into the season.

Britton has done more than just add depth to the Jets’ defense. He has brought a much-needed size factor (6-foot-4, 190 pounds) and usually is matched up with the opponent’s top line most nights.

For Britton, though, the trade back to his home state wasn’t something he requested, but was something he gladly accepted.

”The trade occurred because there were many obligations I had close to home,” said Britton, a 19-year-old Sterling Heights native. “I was enrolled in college courses, working full time and had an old car that couldn’t make the commute to Toledo. Although (Toledo) coach (Scott) Syring had wanted me on his team, he was willing to make the trade and encouraged me to keep playing hockey.

“I did not set out to be traded, but I knew it needed to be done if I wanted to keep playing. I feel lucky to have had two great coaches last year and this year who push to get the most out of me. It was nice that they put my best interests ahead of everything.”

In the deal, the Jets sent defenseman Zach Schlacht to the Cherokee.

Through 10 games, Britton feels he has found his role with the Jets and is fitting on with his new teammates.

“This Jets team has a mix of experienced and talented young players,” explained Britton. “It has been very easy to adjust because I have played with and against some of my teammates. I was also familiar with (Metro) coach (Jason) Cirone and his expectations from past tryouts and speaking with friends who have played for him. I feel I fit in well with this team by supporting our defensive line and providing leadership for the younger players. I try to teach them what I have learned from my past and teach them to work hard every shift.”

And if the old adage that states hard work pays off holds true, Britton will see it happen in Waterford first-hand.

”My personal target is to keep working hard to improve my skills to make it to college or the next level,” said Britton. “I will do this by defending our side of the ice in any situation. My main focus is to stop scoring chances against us by getting the puck to our forwards as fast as possible. I need to make sure I am in the right position at all times for positive results.

”From a team standpoint, we need to keep working hard in practice so the wins keep coming to make it to the finals. I know this is tough, but we can do it if we work hard and do our jobs on the ice. This can and will happen if we work together as a team.”

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

The Jets sat idle last weekend after sweeping the Quad City Jr. Flames Oct. 13-14 at Lakeland Arena.

Metro (4-6-0-0) hosts the Flint Jr. Generals Friday night at 7:50 p.m. at home in its lone game of the weekend.

“Flint is always a good team,” said Metro captain Matt Stirling. “We always seem to have close games with them and they always bring a good effort every time we play them. With one game this week, we need to leave it all out on the ice to get the two points.”

JET STREAKS

Through 10 games this season, forward Travis Hargett has scored six goals – equaling his total goal output his first two seasons when he played 76 games.

Forward Doug Andrews has recorded a point in all but one game this season. His 17 points are good for a sixth-place tie among league scoring leaders.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Dwight Parrish, a forward from the early days of the Jets’ franchise, retired from a long pro career in 2009 that saw stops in the American Hockey League, International Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and in England.

Parrish, a 40-year-old Southfield native, also skated four years at Ferris State University from 1992-96.

His No. 17 jersey was retired by the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Manchester (England) Phoenix in 2009.

Port Huron announces coaching change

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons have announced that head coach and general manager Steve Shannon has been relieved of his duties by the team effective immediately.

Assistant coach Michael Gershon has been named the interim head coach and general manager by owner/governor Maribeth Hayes.

Gershon (pictured) met with and informed the Port Huron players about the decision on Tuesday afternoon.

“For us moving forward, it is business as usual right now as we prepare for a big series this weekend against the Jamestown Ironmen,” said Gershon. “I think in order to maintain stability, we just need to focus on what we can control on the ice. The team is off to a good start and has been playing well, so we are looking forward to the series and focusing solely on that.”

Falcons' Miller commits to Lake Superior

The Port Huron Fighting Falcons have announced the commitment of forward Ian Miller to play next season at Lake Superior State University (CCHA).

Miller, a Fraser native, is currently in his third year with the Fighting Falcons after being acquired from the Michigan Warriors during the 2010-11 season. Miller had a breakout year in 2012, leading the team in goals (26) and was second in points (38).

Currently, Miller is second in scoring on the Falcons with eight points (three goals, five assists) in 14 games.

“I congratulate Ian Miller on his commitment to Lake Superior State," said Port Huron coach-GM Steve Shannon. "His hard work and dedication has paid off and I believe he will have a very fine college career.”

Miller is the first player to commit to college this season for the Fighting Falcons.

Jr. K-Wings' defender Beauvais picks BSU

The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings have announced that defenseman Brett Beauvais has committed to play college hockey at Bemidji State University (WCHA).

Beauvais, an 18-year-old playing in his second year in the NAHL, got himself initially noticed with a fantastic rookie year last season in which he played in all 60 regular season games, posting 20 points (four goals, 16 assists).

As the youngest player on the Kalamazoo roster, he made an immediate impact on the back end for the Jr. K-Wings. He was able to perform in special teams situations and was always a steady defenseman with great puck-moving ability. He was also a member of the NAHL’s Top Prospects Young Guns team.

Beauvais, a Summerside, PEI, native, also had a spectacular 2012 NAHL Showcase tournament in front of over 200 scouts from all levels, by producing five assists in four games for Kalamazoo. So far on the season, Beauvais has six points in nine games played.

“Brett has established himself as one of the top defenseman in the NAHL,” said Kalamazoo coach Marc Fakler. “Our organization is proud of Brett for achieving this tremendous opportunity. We look forward to Brett continuing the season as a leader of this team.”

Beauvais becomes the second Jr. K-Wing to already make a college commitment during the 2012-13 season, joining Robbie Payne, who will play at Northern Michigan University.

Photo courtesy NAHL

Jets' newcomer Campbell making mark

Aksel Campbell has gone from Colorado to Pittsburgh to Waterford in just over two months’ time.

One of the newest Metro Jets’ defensemen, Campbell is hoping his latest stop is his last this season.

Acquired by the Jets from the Three Rivers Vengeance two weeks ago, Campbell has taken to Metro’s systems in a heartbeat and is excited at the potential the Jets have shown in his four games so far.

“I was very surprised by the trade from Pittsburgh, but I know that (Three Rivers) coach Brian (Cersosimo) is doing what he thinks is best for me and I have a lot of respect for him as a coach,” said Campbell, an 18-year-old native of Lone Tree, Colo. ”I didn’t realize I was going to be moving out until about the middle of last year. I hadn’t even looked into juniors until my last year of high school. It was a tough decision to move so far from home, but it has been worth it.”

Campbell played six games with the Vengeance after joining the team as a rookie this season. According to Jets’ coach Jason Cirone, Campbell has looked anything but like a rookie in his four games since the trade.

“Aksel has been fitting in really good for us,” said Cirone. “I thought our ‘D’ was a concern at the beginning of the year and now it’s starting to round itself out with the additions of (Brian) Ziola, (Josh) Hosking and Aksel. All these guys bring a dimension to our team that we really missed and lacked in the beginning.”

Campbell is the first Colorado native to suit up for the Jets since Jimmy Sanders in the early 2000s and Chance Thede, who went on to play in goal for Division I American International College, in the mid-1990s.

Campbell feels he can be an offensive defenseman for the Jets and said he likes moving the puck in the offensive zone from the point to try and create scoring chances for the forwards.

Getting acclimated with the Waterford area has been on Campbell’s agenda as well.

”Waterford is different than home, but there are still some similarities,” Campbell said. “I really like all the people out here and the cold winter is a lot like winter in Colorado.”

Now entrenched on Metro’s back end, Campbell wants to get down to business and help tack on a few more wins for the Jets.

”I’m going to strive for team success this season and try to grow as much as I can as a player,” explained Campbell. “I just have to keep working hard so I can try to move to the next level. “So far, everything with the Jets has been great and I have been getting along really well with all the guys. Coach Cirone has been great, too, I’m excited to see where we can take it as a team this year.”

Kerr making plays, getting into the grind

Thomas Kerr is the type of player fans notice right from the get-go.

Kerr, a forward with the Hartland Hounds, can score goals in bunches and he can rack up hits in bunches.

Or both.

So far this season for the Hounds, the 18-year-old Howell native is third on the team scoring list with 16 points on seven goals and nine assists.

“It’s hard to describe my game, but I’m an offensive player who is all about getting goals and making the plays,” said Kerr. “I like moving the puck and setting up plays, but I always will stand up for my team. I play an aggressively-natured game and am not scared to get into the grind as well.”

Kerr, who played at Howell High School for Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose, is comfortable in his Hartland surroundings.

“I know the type of coach Randy is and he always wants to see you improve and works hard to get his players to move on,” Kerr said. “If you give him 100 percent, he returns the favor. It was an easy transition for me because I’ve played for Randy and with all the boys before and I feel like I fit into the pace of juniors very well.

“This year, I hope to improve my game and give myself options to continue playing hockey at a higher junior level or in college. I just want to do as best I can for this team, work my hardest everyday and have no regrets when it comes to this season.”

As a big contributor to the 12-0-0 Hounds’ start, Kerr realizes this is still the start to what is shaping up to be a fun season.

 “On a team level, I have great expectations for this team and I know we are going to do great things this year,” said Kerr. “I don’t expect this team to have many losses and the ones we do have, I know the other team is going to have to earn every second of it. That’s how we’re coached and that’s how we want to play. Plain and simple.”

Hartland's Bodziak close to joining team

As each day goes by, Zak Bodziak is getting closer and closer to putting on a Hartland Hounds’ jersey and suiting up in a game.

It’s been a long time coming.

Bodziak injured his shoulder in a game last year with Davenport University and then decided to play for the Hounds this season. The 19-year-old forward was one of the first signings for Hartland coach Randy Montrose over the summer, but has been working instead at getting his shoulder to 100 percent.

“I haven't been doing much rehab, but more along the lines of getting in the gym and trying to strengthen the muscle to prevent future injury,” said Bodziak, a Hartland native. ”The shoulder is feeling a lot better. I am starting not to feel major soreness after I lift, so hopefully that means it will be strong for me all season. My standards are set high just like anybody else, so we will just have to wait to see what happens.”

Not being on the ice has been a difficult task for Bodziak to face. He shouldn’t have to wait much longer as he believes doctors will clear him to play towards the end of October or at the beginning of November.

“I believe since I have decided to come back and play, watching from the sidelines is not something I can do,” Bodziak said. “It is almost as if I have to been on the ice to be satisfied. I have realized hockey means a lot to me and I can't not play.”

With the Hounds storming out of the gates in the inaugural Midwest Junior Hockey League season to the tune of a perfect 9-0-0 record thus far, Bodziak is pumped to join a team that he felt would be successful back in August.

”I feel the Hounds already have a lot of offensive power and I am hoping I can add to that,” said Bodziak. “I also want to contribute to defensive-zone coverage. The only thing I am going to try to do is play my best for the team and hopefully by playing my best, something will come out of it.”

Hargett making points count for Jets

Travis Hargett is hoping the third season with the Metro Jets is the charm.

So far, it has been for the 18-year-old Clarkston native as he has been scoring more than he did his first two years and has seen his ice time increase.

“Personally, I think that this year I have made huge strides in my game in my hockey sense and my ability to score,” noted Hargett, who has five goals and an assist through eight games. “I've been playing a lot more and having the confidence knowing that (Metro coach) Jason (Cirone) trusts me enough to put me on the ice in certain situations, like when we pull our goalie. I would say that so far this year in eight games, I am happy with the way I have played, but I still know that I can do better.”

Off the ice, Hargett has become much more acclimated to the lifestyle of playing junior hockey in the North American 3 Hockey League.

 “I know what to expect when I come to practice during the week and the difference between an early-week skate and a practice right before an important weekend,” said Hargett.

In his rookie season of 2010-11, Hargett posted just seven points and last year, he had 15 points. He is on pace to record greater numbers this season and part of that notion is how offensively-gifted the Jets seem to be this season.

”At camp this year, I knew right away that our team wouldn't have a problem putting the puck in the net,” said Hargett. “Scoring goals has not been an issue for us this year, just as it wasn’t last year. With our team, it’s being consistently defensively sound for the whole game.”

Playing mostly on a forward line this season with Alex Holm and Jeff Monfils, Hargett said the trio “plays together really well.”

“I love those guys and we usually know where the other two are on the ice and we make some really good plays,” explained Hargett. “We have a lot of fun together in the locker room and off the ice, too.”

On the ice lately, the Jets have not had too much fun as the team is embroiled in a six-game losing streak that began after a season-opening sweep at home of Battle Creek. Hargett isn’t ready to push the panic button, nor does he plan on it.

”The main thing to keep the guys focused is definitely knowing that it’s not an eight-game season,” said Hargett. “We have 40 more games and I know we will be OK and things will come around. We just need to keep working hard and keep our heads up.”

Taking his own advice is also something Hargett plans on doing to help further his career and get the Jets some more notches in the win column.

”This year I want to play my best, plain and simple,” Hargett said. “I will go where the road takes me and would consider both staying in junior hockey or playing in college.”

Photo courtesy Andy Grossman/Detailed Images

Saginaw obtains OA Sutch from Colts

The Saginaw Spirit announced this week that the team has completed a deal with the Barrie Colts, obtaining overage forward Gregg Sutch from for the Spirit’s fifth-round pick in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection.

The Newmarket, Ont., native has appeared in 213 OHL games after being the Sarnia Sting’s first-round selection (11th overall) in 2008. Sutch has recorded 27 goals, and 45 assists for 72 points along with 276 penalty minutes while suiting up for the Sting, Mississauga Majors and Colts in his OHL career.

Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, Sutch is now a free agent in terms of his NHL status.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward has Memorial Cup experience going back to his days in Mississauga when the Majors hosted the event in 2011.

Sutch’s arrival brings the Spirit’s overage player number to four as he joins Garret Ross, Carlos Amestoy and Brandon Archibald.

Photo courtesy CHL Images