MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – When Alec Lindecker was a late cut from a Tier II team in 2019, he quickly got in touch with the Metro Jets, signed with the USPHL club, and made an immediate impact.
Now, two seasons later, Lindecker is off to play college hockey at Adrian College, where he will join 2020-21 teammate and fellow forward Conner Graham and 2019-20 teammates Brodie Thornton and DeVon Fields.
“Around late December, early January, (Adrian coaches) Gary Astalos and Doug Raymond reached out to me, and we set up a visit and I had a great experience,” said Lindecker, a 2000 birth year from Romeo, Mich. “From the campus, to the locker room, to the rink, it was something I fell in love with. I talked to Brodie and Devo about Adrian and they had nothing but great things to say. It’ll be cool to play with those guys again for sure.”
In his two years in Jets colors, including the 2020-21 season as an alternate captain, Lindecker posted 32 goals and 69 points in 77 regular-season games, to go along with 224 penalty minutes. In eight playoff games, he added a goal and three assists.
“The last two years have improved my game tremendously from top to bottom,” Lindecker said. “’Q’ (Jets GM Justin Quenneville) and (associate coach) Jamie (Lovell) did a fantastic job to give me the tools and knowledge I need to up my game to the next level. From off-ice in the weight room to on the ice, they have been a great help to my game and I’m very thankful for that.
“My time with the Jets has been something to remember forever. Just thankful for the guys that welcomed me in mid-season last year, and thankful for the guys who were there for my last season. I have made some unbelievable memories and made life-lasting friendships. From the locker room to on-ice accomplishments, it’s been something I’ve been very proud to be a part of. It was a tough way to go out this year and something we thought would never happen, but overall, it’s been a blessing.”
Quenneville said he was able to help hone Lindecker’s strengths on the ice to make him a dominant junior player that was the true epitome of a teammate.
“’Lindy’ was monumental for us this season as a returning player,” said Quenneville. “We were a young team with a lot of talent and skill, but Lindy and our returning core did a great job getting our group to buy in early. He had some big games for us when we needed him. He brings versatility to the lineup and can play all situations. This year, he found the balance in his game to be a threat offensively and be extremely difficult to play against. I’m sure teams hated playing against him and I know Adrian will be getting a hard-nosed competitor in Alec.
“He is another one that had several NCAA options, but Adrian and Gary did a great job selling their program, and rightfully so. We wish him the best of luck and, hopefully, we can find another Lindecker-style player in the future because they are fun to work with.”
Now looking ahead to Adrian, where he will major in Business, Lindecker said there are new challenges awaiting that he is anxious to tackle.
“My goal is to make a positive impact right away,” said Lindecker. “I want to be a 200-foot, in-your-face physical player and produce offensively. Do whatever that needs to be done to win.”
Lindecker also acknowledged that moving up the hockey ladder is something he hasn’t done alone.
“I can’t thank Q, Jamie, and this organization enough for everything,” Lindecker said. “They have been such a positive impact in my life, and I am going to miss the time we had. The boys have been unreal the past two years, and the memories will last forever. The list can go on and on, met so many great people in junior hockey along the way. Just so happy I was a part of it.
“My mom and dad have been my No. 1 supporters since Day 1. The amount of money and time they sacrificed is something I can’t say thank you enough for. My sister, who was dragged out of school to go to every tournament and showcase, she’s been a real trooper as well. None of this would have been possible without them. I just hope they enjoyed the ride. Can’t thank them enough.”
Before he jaunts off to Adrian, Lindecker said the spring and summer months will be made up of training, working and golfing.
“Going to be getting ready for the season as always, plus getting ready for school this fall,” Lindecker said. “Also want to spend some time with friends and family, enjoy the warm weather, and get in lots of rounds of golf.”
