FRASER, Mich. – Make that another NCAA commitment for the national champion Metro Jets.
After forward and leading scorer Connor Inger and standout goaltender Andrew Kormos committed to New England College during the 2017-18 season, forward Trevor Momot has added to the list with his recent commitment to Johnson and Wales University.
Momot played the past two seasons for the Jets, serving as an alternate captain in 2017-18 while compiling 10 goals and 42 points in 45 regular-season games. As a rookie in 2016-17, the New Baltimore, Mich., native recorded six goals and 23 points over 35 games for the Jets.
And now, the versatile Momot, who is a natural defenseman but will play forward in college after playing both for Metro, is off to Providence, R.I.
“The area is like no other,” said the 20-year-old Momot. “Downtown Providence is a beautiful place with a lot to do outside of the campus. JWU has my exact major (Sports Management) and the branch of it as well (International Sports Management) if I plan to become a soccer agent like I hope.
“Becoming a full-time college student will be very different. In junior hockey, you come home after practice and don’t know what to do with the rest of your day. Now that I will have classes, hockey and exploring Rhode Island, my plate is going to be full and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Johnson and Wales plays in the Commonwealth Coast Conference and the Wildcats went 5-19-1 overall last season (3-14-1 in conference play).
“We would like to wish Trevor nothing but the best of luck next year,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Trevor is a dynamic player who brought a lot of versatility to our lineup. He did a great job buying into stronger habits and took advantage of the development platform here. He had a lot of NCAA attention this season, but it’s great to see him be patient and make the decision for himself. Having the opportunity for him to join former Jets will also help him. JWU is getting a heck of a player and we look forward to continuing to watch him grow as a student-athlete.”
One positive aspect of going to JWU will be that Momot will go in already knowing two players in former Jets captain Graham Day (2014-17) and ex-Jets defenseman Jason Recchia (2015-17).
“Those guys are some of my favorite people I have ever met and it is going to be great,” Momot said. “I’ve been playing Fortnite and FIFA with ‘Dayzer’ the whole summer and our connection on the Xbox can translate to the ice.”
Momot added that he has lofty aspirations for the 2018-19 campaign.
“Coming in as a freshman, I plan on being a threat on the ice each shift I am out there,” said Momot. “It’s a big jump from junior hockey to NCAA. This offseason will be the ultimate test for me and how I treat my body throughout the summer. I want to come in and make an impact right away.
“My expectations academically wise are to get a 4.0, but I will settle for a 3.9. The classroom is very important to me. There’s a reason why it’s called ‘student-athlete.’ The student aspect always comes first. Going to class will be a new experience and I’m looking forward to building a relationship with my professors and classmates.”
In his two seasons with the Jets, Momot developed his game to be ready for the NCAA level. Off the ice, the sacrifices go deeper than practice, workouts and games.
“Playing for Metro is the reason why I am fortunate enough to be playing NCAA hockey,” said Momot. “My development over these two years was monumental in my career. If you came up to me before I came here and told me I’d be playing NCAA hockey, I’d say you’re crazy, but the belief in me from the whole organization is what set me up for success. I can’t thank Q, (assistant coach) Randy (Wilson), (assistant coach) Jamie (Lovell), (former associate coach) Steve (Kruk) and (owner-president) Pete (Cammick) enough for everything they have done for me. I have gained a band of brothers in the process as well. They pushed me day in and day out to be the best person on and off the ice I could possibly be.
“My mom and dad (Shannon and Kevin) have sacrificed a lot throughout my hockey career and they do all the work behind the scenes. Whether it was waking up at 5 a.m. for Mini Mite morning skates, buying me new equipment or supporting me at every game, I wouldn’t be here without them. What they do for me is unrepayable and they are just happy to watch me succeed. I am truly blessed to have both of them in my life.”
And best of all, what will Momot always remember from his time in Jets colors?
“We are national champions,” he said.
