Metal Jackets ready for second half

The Motor City Metal Jackets have started the 2010-2011 season with an impressive 20-8-1 record in the NAHL's North Division.

The Metal Jackets ended the 2009-2010 season with a second round playoff loss to Traverse City and over the offseason has built a program that not only can compete, but can offer consistency every night.

The Metal Jackets' main focus has been on developing the defensive side of the game with the leadership from Mike Monfredo (fourth in league plus/minus) and finding the right mix in the net. The offensive power is a direct result of their defensive style with Cody Wydo, RJ Kleiman and Steve Brancheau all in the top five in league scoring. Special teams has been a key to their success with a league leading 27 percent efficiency on the power play with 56 goals scored.

"We continue to work hard enjoying honorable results from the first half of the season," Motor City coach-GM David Cole said. "Our veterans have set a solid example for our new players in a very encouraging athletic environment that continues to build. Our first-year team from last year set the table for this year's group with a never-give-up attitude and the second year's team continues with the same. Things get more difficult the second half of the year in the NAHL so the trend will hopefully continue. It is the objective of this 2010-11 team to continue to grow the Metal Jackets' tradition of hard work, physical and entertaining hockey."

The Metal Jackets are looking forward to the second half of the season as a new beginning. This is their first year in Trenton and attendance has been average, but overall the team has been working on increasing the visibility in the community.

“We had a very good start for our second season," team owner Kenji Yamada said. "Thanks to everyone in the organization, the team has been performing quite well on the ice, and all business, game operations, and other supporting activities have been exceeding my expectations. I strongly believe that this organization is growing with people surrounding us.

"We still have a long season to go, and I hope that we keep up the excellent performance on the ice, as well as how the entire organization keeps providing high-quality service to our customers. Buy a seat, you’ll only need the edge."