FRASER, Mich. – Nolan Turi came to the Metro Jets this season with two years’ experience at the Tier II level, but he felt the Jets’ development platform would give him more opportunities in the long term.
So far this season, all the 20-year-old Canton native has done is score 10 goals and 32 points in 21 games thus far, good for second in team scoring.
“I am not someone to talk about myself or my skill set, but all I know is that I’ve developed in many aspects of my game and I’ve learned things that benefit my game,” Turi said. “Lately, the team has come closer together and we know this is the hockey that everyone expects to see from the Metro Jets.
“I’m not an Ovechkin or Crosby, but I think I have brought speed and size to this team.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Turi has been a pleasant surprise this season.
“We have known Nolan since his Compuware days and although he had the opportunity to play in the NAHL and in Canada the last two years, he came here for the reason to develop and be exposed to more colleges,” said Quenneville. “He has come a long way from the beginning of the season and noticeably got stronger in several areas of his game. His decision and playmaking output have increased significantly and has been rewarded for it on the stat sheet. He has a good frame, good feet, and strong skill set that is drawing a lot of college attention.
“We are looking for him to continue to build on his opportunities and eventually have to make the hard decision of what program is the best fit for him next year. Scouts continue to approach us with interest in him, and we will continue to work with him on his goals.”
Turi said he had known about the Jets organization for many years as his good friend Jhuwon Davis played for the team from 2017-19.
“Jhuwon told me nothing but good things about this program, so at the end of the summer, I decided that this was the best option for me,” said Turi. “The environment I’m in when I’m here is something I love about this team. I’m very grateful the team has many things at our disposal to help us better our game.”
Tallying a hat trick last Saturday night at home against the Columbus Mavericks, Turi wants to keep the momentum going not only this year, but in seasons to come.
“It’s my last year for junior hockey but I am seeking a career after college,” Turi said. “I want to play all my four years for a college and, hopefully, end up at a higher level.”
