By Dan Hardenbrook
Several new players and a new head coach made their debuts for the Manistique Emeralds Varsity Hockey team in their 2024-2025 season opener at the Little Bear West arena last Thursday. The new-look Emeralds, entering a new era, put up as tough of a fight as they could, ultimately falling to the Jeffers Jets 6-0.
The Jets used a massive shot on goal advantage to build up enough opportunities to take the win in the contest.
Opening night nerves played a factor for the Emeralds, and the Jets weren’t feeling it. They already had multiple games under their belts and were clearly the more comfortable team early in the game.
Sensing uncertainty on the Emeralds’ side, the Jets jumped out to an early lead scoring twice in the first five minutes to gain early control. They added a third goal late in the opening period, leading 3-0 at the first intermission. The Emeralds struggled to find early opportunities, getting out shot in the opening period 13-2, a theme that would continue throughout the night.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the Emeralds. They showed improvement and progress in the second period, offering a glimpse into what this team might become with more experience. Their effort never wavered, and with the Jets trying to impose their will, the Emeralds fought back in the second period. They stood up to big hits, and even delivered a few back of their own.
The Emeralds didn’t give up, and went toe-to-toe for the entire second period, keeping Jeffers off the board. The momentum continued early in the third, and the Emeralds even started to frustrate the Jets during one stretch where they tried to physically knock them out. A major penalty finally gave Jeffers the momentum they needed to turn things back in their favor, and three goals down the stretch silenced the Emeralds.
Jeffers finished the night with a 38-6 advantage in shots on goal. Manistique’s strength showed when they were short-handed, as they limited Jeffers to only one goal during four powerplay chances.
The Emeralds travel over Thanksgiving weekend to Big Rapids for the Big Rapids Thanksgiving Challenge. Games will be played at Ferris State University Saturday and Sunday.
