FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets roster for the 2019-20 season is coming together, with the team announcing today the re-signing of forwards Brayden Tayles and Matt Bleim.
Last season, Tayles recorded four goals and 13 points over 43 games, while Bleim rang up 22 goals and 50 points in 43 games.
“The decision to come back to the Metro Jets for another year was a quick and easy one for a number of reasons,” said Tayles, a 19-year-old product of Waterford. “I desire to move on and play hockey at a collegiate level. That being said, the Metro Jets organization is distinguished for moving players on to the next level and that makes it the best possible place for me to be. Also, my first year at Metro was by far the most fun I have had playing hockey at any organization. With fun, however, there is always a serious side to the game and as much as we had fun, we also put in a lot of serious work developing our skills. It was great being able to see my hard work translate to the ice and it makes it easy to want to come back for another year in hopes that I can see the same results.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw daily improvement out of Tayles last year and is banking on more of that in 2019-20.
“Brayden was a great story last year,” said Quenneville. “He came into our program completely green and willing to learn. He has everything coaches want out of the gates – a positive attitude, strong work ethic and character. He made significant improvements in his overall game as the season progressed, and by the second half of the year his production not only increased, but his value in important game situations did as well. He is continuing to put the work in the offseason and it has not gone unnoticed.
“We are excited to continue to help him achieve his goals and our organization is lucky to have his qualities and leadership back.”
Tayles can’t wait to throw back on the Jets jersey this fall.
“The Metro Jets have definitely earned a prestigious title,” Tayles said. “If you mention the organization to anybody, people automatically associate it with winning. Being a winning team is not something that was just given to the organization – it had to be earned. But that being said, it had to be earned, now it has to be maintained. Any organization can get lucky with a talented roster and be successful for one year, but very few can maintain success for consecutive years like the Metro Jets have. As years progress, rosters change, but despite this, winning has stayed constant with the Metro organization and I believe this is what makes it such a prestigious program.”
For next season, Tayles is looking to keep improving his skill set.
“I would like to just sharpen up my skills and eliminate my turnovers by making stronger plays on the blue lines and all over the ice,” said Tayles. “As a team, our goals are to win it all. After last year, some of the guys made it so close and I know they only have one thing on their mind for this upcoming year and that’s the championship.”
Bleim, a 20-year-old from Garden City, finished second in MJDP scoring and is amped to return to the Jets for his final junior season this fall.
“My thought process on coming back for my last year of juniors was pretty easy, especially when the coaching staff helps you every day becoming a better hockey player and a better person,” Bleim said. “Coming back to the Jets gives me the best opportunity to continue my hockey career and maximize my potential.”
Quenneville saw Bleim’s game steadily improve last season and will look for more of that in 2019-20.
“Bleim was a big-time player for this organization last year,” said Quenneville. “Everyone will notice his numbers, but behind that you’ll find a hard-working and dedicated hockey player. He plays hard on both sides of the puck and does whatever is asked of him. He got stronger as the season progressed and never looked back. This being his last year of junior hockey will bring a lot of attention from schools. We expect him to have another big year and are excited to have him back.”
As for what makes the Jets stand out from other organizations, Bleim said, “the Jets have it all.”
“They give you all the tools to succeed and it really helps,” he added. “The environment is awesome, and everyone wants to come in every day and try to get better.”
What can the Jets expect from the speedy forward next season?
“I just want to do my part and help contribute to the team,” said Bleim. “Hopefully, as a team, we can have another great season and get a chance to play for a national championship.”
