MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Patrick Hays came to the Metro Jets in 2019 as a bit of an unknown quantity.
Three seasons later, he’s a college-level hockey player after recently committing to play for the first-year Purdue University Northwest program in Hammond, Ind.
This after the natural forward transitioned to playing defense in 2021-22.
“I’m really excited to commit to Purdue Northwest,” said Hays, a 2001 birth year from Centerville, Ohio. “It’s a dream come true, without a doubt. Being able to continue my hockey career is something I wasn’t sure was going to be possible at times. I’m really proud and happy to get this opportunity. Being a part of this foundation to create a team and be a part of this first recruiting class is really exciting. I have a lot of faith in what Coach (Nick) Tomczyk wants to build at Purdue and I want to be a part of that.
“The accounting program at Purdue seems to really great, and that was something that caught my attention. I hold myself pretty accountable when it comes to school, so I have high expectations for myself. It’ll be interesting but also exciting going from online classes to in-person classes. I hope to come in and make an impact right away, whether it’s on the ice or off the ice.”
Locally, Tomczyk was formerly involved with the Oakland and Rochester programs and was most recently the video coach for the NCAA Division I St. Cloud State University program.
Over three seasons with the Jets, including two years with the MJDP team, Hays registered 39 goals and 84 points in 116 regular-season games, adding another two goals and 11 points in 17 USPHL postseason games.
“Patrick is unique story,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “When I talked to him about coming to Michigan and playing here, he was excited about wearing the Jets logo and committing himself to developing. In fact, he moved here full-time and trained and skated in the offseason as well. Paddy did it all, he played center, wing, defense and learned all situations while here. Not only did he get stronger, but he bought in to the process and was a key contributor on and off the ice for the Jets. He came in here green and is leaving a complete player who can play up and down the lineup. He will be playing for a great coach, and I am happy he chose this opportunity.
“Like many of our players, he had several NCAA options and ultimately chose PNW to help create a culture with Coach Tomczyk. We wish them the best of luck.”
Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell echoed Quenneville’s sentiments.
“We always knew he had offensive instincts and skill but this past season, he really displayed his versatility and maturity,” Lovell said. “Being asked to go from forward to defense is not an easy thing for some, but Paddy made the transition seamlessly and throughout the season would make the switch back on multiple occasions. He became a leader in that regard, basically doing whatever the team needed to help it succeed, and ultimately made him a much more attractive player to colleges.
“Paddy’s leadership extended beyond the ice and team, as well, as he was an incredible ambassador for the Jets program helping out in the community with youth hockey programs, and other local businesses. We wish him all the best.”
Hays added that his time with Metro “really helped me develop my game tremendously.”
“I want to thank ‘Q,’ Jamie, our assistant coaches Tina (Ciraulo), Dan (Pszenyczny), Randy (Wilson), the whole staff and all of my past teammates for turning me into the player I am now,” Hays said. “Besides the hockey folks, I thank my family that has supported me nonstop leading up to this and Coach Tomczyk for giving me the opportunity to come play for him.
“I can’t pick one thing I’ll remember the most about being here. I loved being a part of the Jets and all the memories I created there. Metro will always have a special place in my heart.”
