FRASER, Mich. – Anthony Cinato joined the Metro Jets last season as the first of a handful of players to have once suited up for the Jr. Jets youth program.
And as a 17-year-old, Cinato fit right in, tallying 11 goals and 38 points as the Jets roared to a Fraser Cup national championship.
The Warren native also captured a national championship with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies in 2016-17 and always had eyes on doing the same at the junior hockey level.
“From afar, I’ve always seen the success the Jets have had, from going 47-0 (in 2016-17) and many call-ups. I went to the pre-draft camp in 2017 and ‘Q’ (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) offered me a spot and has been a great resource and coach for me. My high school also helped me achieve my goal by rearranging classes for me to be able to play for the Jets.
“Last season was a terrific year for me putting up 38 points and I loved coming to the rink every day with great teammates and coaches. I’ve been lucky enough to win three national championships but winning in juniors is something special and never will wear off, especially with the group we had.”
Quenneville is ecstatic at the progress Cinato has made at the junior level.
“AC made tremendous strides last season and is continuing this season,” said Quenneville. “He took the next step in investing in himself this summer to get stronger and it shows. If he continues to build on his fundamentals off the ice, it will pay off for him on the ice.”
This season, Cinato, who turns 19 in January, is playing on a forward line with two other former Jr. Jets in Brodie Thornton and Jaylen Dziegelewski.
Through 14 games, Cinato has registered seven goals and 12 points, including the overtime game-winner on opening night in Lansing.
“Our line is working very well because we’re not only linemates but best friends off the ice as well,” Cinato said. “This season, the boys have been great since Day 1. We have really all bonded and I hope to repeat a national championship with this group. Personally, my goal is to be a great teammate and move on to the next level when that time is right.”
Cinato added that the Jets program, now in its 30th season of operation, is arguably the most successful junior hockey franchise in all of Michigan.
“The Jets organization is first-class from all the facilities we have to work with from the MAT (Michigan Athletic Training), working with (Jets associate coach) Jamie Lovell to the ice time we have daily,” said Cinato. “Just the history of winning and moving people on to the next level and or college is pretty amazing to see and be a part of.”
