MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – River Lewis played his youth hockey in his home state of Arizona before a season at the renowned Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school in Minnesota.
The past two seasons, the Chandler, Ariz., native has developed his game with the USPHL’s Metro Jets organization to be ready for the grind of college hockey.
Last week, Lewis took another giant step, committing to NCAA Division III Anna Maria College, a school located in Paxton, Mass., about 55 miles west of Boston.
“This opportunity presented itself to me a little bit after the season ended,” said Lewis. “I am looking forward to just getting started, building a bond with my new teammates like I had with the boys at Metro, and just taking advantage of all the opportunities Anna Maria provides.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said this is a deserved opportunity for Lewis.
“River had an opportunity to make his NCAA commitment because of his versatility as a player and taking advantage of our platform,” said Quenneville. “He had a great two years here starting with our MJDP program and playing for the Jets last season. He’s big, strong, has a big shot, and can play forward or ‘D.’ Anna Maria is getting a player with great potential and a quality young man. We wish River the best of luck.”
Over his two seasons in Mount Clemens, Lewis registered 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 64 games, consistently improving his skill set on a daily basis.
“The Jets really helped me in many ways,” Lewis said. “The organization helped me understand my role as a player and as a teammate as well as helping me mentally and providing me with everything a player needs to develop and improve their game.”
In making a milestone, life-changing decision such as this one, Lewis knows it was far from a one-man show.
“I have to thank my entire my family; they all helped me get to this point,” said Lewis. “I also want to thank Coach Q, Jamie, Howie, Danny, and all my past coaches who have helped me become the player I am today, my teammates for pushing me every single day, and lastly and most importantly, I want to thank God.”
