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Jets set things straight on their home ice

JANESVILLE — The Janesville Jets were tired of getting pushed around at home.

Janesville’s North American Hockey League franchise had lost six of its last seven home games. It was time for the Jets to make statement in their house.

The Jets took out their frustration and regained face in front of the 587 fans with a 7-3 pounding of the North Division-leading Marquette. Mich., Rangers at the Janesville Ice Skating Center on Friday night.

The Jets scored their most goals in a game and improved to 26-20-5, while Marquette improves to 31-19-1. Both teams have clinched for the NAHL playoff berths.

From the opening face-off, the Jets skated with the authority of a landlord collecting overdue rent.

The Jets got into a couple of fights and did their fair share of bullying to make sure the Rangers knew they meant business.

Billy Mulligan set the tone for the Jets when he squared off with the Rangers’ Jimmy McCuker 4 minutes and 14 seconds into the first period. Both combatants were served fighting majors.

Dane Litke, the Jets’ coach, was happy to see his team come out with a little attitude in front of the hometown fans.

“It was something we kind of lacked for a long time,” Litke said. “It was probably one of the better efforts we got at home for a long time.’’

Mulligan came back to score the Jets’ first goal at 13:05 to even the score at 1-1. Chris Volonnino scored at 2:57 of the second period, and Derek Jacobson gave the Jets a 3-1 lead with an assist from Ross Mauermann, a Janesville Parker graduate.

Rui Encarnacao posted the statement goal of the night. He scored the Jets’ fourth goal, bowling goalkeeper Kevin Kissaw into the Rangers’ net to put Janesville ahead 4-1.

“I got a mini-breakaway and saw the goalie came out a little bit, and he came across. I kind of ran into him and grabbed my stick, and luckly (the puck) went through his five-hole.’’

Encarnacao said the Jets needed a strong game.

“We had to win at home. We’ve been having a tough here,” Encarnacaco said. “We definitely came out with a little grit and it worked.’’

Beside wanting to prove something at home, the Jets qualified for the playoffs after Alpena lost this week.

“With Alpena losing on Wednesday, that probably took a little pressure off the guys,” Litke said. “With the guys clinching a playoff spot, I just think the guys got tired of not giving an effort at home.’’

Larkin Jacobson put Janesville on top 5-1 with an assist from Pat Dalbec and Mauermann at 5:28, but the Jets were stung with back-to-back Marquette goals. Scott Henegar scored at 6:43, and Bain Kolb followed at 7:28.

“I wasn’t real excited about the two goals they scored after we got up 5-1,” Litke said. “But we responded to it the right way.’’

Jackson Bray scored at 12:08 and Kurt Akers scored at 12:38 to finish off the Rangers.

Janesville will face Marquette at 7 tonight to conclude the two-game series. The Jets will wrap up the regular home season with two games against the Motor City Metal Jackets on March 23 and 24.