FRASER, Mich. – Brian Tallieu came to the Metro Jets three years ago not having any expectations or not knowing much about the organization.
Look ahead three years since then and the 20-year-old Davison native has improved in the crease in so many ways that he’s now a potential college hockey prospect.
“I didn’t know where I was going during the summer of 2016, but during that time, I was skating with the MAT and made an impression to the coaching staff of the Metro Jets,” said Tallieu. “I didn’t know much about the organization other than the prominent history of the development of the players. Got an invite to main camp and made the team and the rest is history.”
During his rookie season of 2016-17, Tallieu served in a backup role to current NCAA goaltenders Andrew Kormos and Jake Gwillim. Then last season, he and Kormos formed a formidable tandem, winning a national title last spring with Tallieu picking up the win in the semifinals in an overtime win over Granite City.
This season, Tallieu and fellow 1998 birth year Fredrik Meurling push each other on a daily basis.
“The first two seasons helped take my game to the next level by focusing on little details and learning more about the game of hockey itself,” Tallieu said. “Leading up into this year, all of the workouts, progression drills, small-area games and video sessions has made me take my game to another level.
“Playing with goalie beauts ‘Gwill,’ Kormos and Freddy has made me a more competitive goalie. Competing with the two best goalies my first year and still being able to play with one the following year made me more confident in my own game. Being able to play with Freddy this year has been a blessing, I hope he continues on his stellar season thus far, and I love battling with the kid every day. I am fortunate to play with stud goaltending and wouldn’t ask for anyone else to be a tandem with for the past couple seasons.”
Jets assistant coach and goaltending coach Randy Wilson is a big fan of Tallieu’s work ethic.
“As a coach, you’re always critiquing players’ performances in both games and practices,” said Wilson. “When Brian Tallieu came to our program three years ago, I could see that he had raw technical skill but needed to learn some positional disciplines and increase his play urgency. Now, 2 ½ years later, the difference in his game is noticeably significant. His positional understanding, instincts and decisions in game situations has matured exponentially. His work ethic, competitive approach and commitment to his trade as a goaltender have matured as well.
“With both ‘Tally’ and Freddy in net, we feel very confident in our goaltending and I have no doubts that Brian will secure interest from a number of NCAA and ACHA college programs.”
In reflecting on last season’s accomplishments, Tallieu wants to end his junior career on the same note.
“Winning the national championship last year hasn’t worn off yet, and I still get goosebumps thinking about it,” Tallieu said. “When we walked into Canlan Ice Sports Arena this year for a showcase, words can’t describe the feeling being with some of the guys from last year.
“This season, we are hoping to accomplish what we have done in the past and that is to continue to develop and turn it into success. The Metro Jets provide a culture to be a part of and when you buy into what we have to offer, it makes junior hockey a lot of fun when you have success every week.”
