Manistique senior Carter Deatsman (white jersey) looks to make a play with the puck on Nov. 21, 2024 at Little Bear West Arena in Manistique. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

MANISTIQUE — A tough, physical hockey game ended with Manistique on the wrong side of the scoreboard as it dropped its season opener 6-0 to Jeffers here Thursday.

The Jets found their way into the scoring column less than 90 seconds into the game on a goal by Max Nordstrom coming of an assist by Brogan Turner. Moments later the Jets would find the back of the net again on a goal by sophomore Noah Randall off the assist from Brit Heinonen to put the Jets up 2-0.

“I was happy with how our guys came out ready to play,” Jets coach Aaron Helminen said. “It was a very physical came and I’m happy with how our guys kept the composure throughout.”

With 1:59 to go in the first period Heinonen found the back of the net on a unassisted goal to extend the Jets lead to 3-0.

The two teams skated to a scoreless second period. However, the Emeralds had their chances. With 5:49 to go in the period, Carter LaVigne fired a shot that was gloved by Jets goalie Kasen Helminen to keep the Emeralds scoreless. Moments later Emeralds freshman Luke Luebkert fired a shot on goal but Kasen Helminen again came up with a big save for the Jets.

“I was really happy with the fight from our kids in the second period,” Emeralds coach Mike Evink said.” They put in a lot of effort and intensity during that period.”

The third period began with Luebkert being sent to the penalty box for a five-minute major for contact to the head.

Moments later the Jets scored on the power play as senior Ethan Anderson found the back of the net off of assists by Nordstrom and Blake Heltunen, who had three assists on the night.

With 1:50 to go in the game senior Cody Turner found the net for the Jets to extend the lead to 5-0 off the assist by Heltunen.

Moments later Brit Heinonen found the back of the net for his second goal of the game off the assist by Heltunen.

The Jets put 34 shots on goal to only five for the Emeralds.

“I think my kids kind of got tired in that third period,” Evink said. “It’s our first game of the season but we can’t give up that many open scoring opportunities.

The Emeralds return to action today as they host Petoskey at 3 p.m.