MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Adrian College is fast becoming a school known for having former Metro Jets players on the roster.
Chad Noetzel is the latest to commit to the Bulldogs, joining Alex Schaumburger, who committed earlier this offseason.
“When Adrian reached out at the end of our season, it was an obvious choice,” said Noetzel, a 20-year-old from Port Huron, Mich., who plans to major in Business at Adrian. “The beautiful campus, along with the amazing program they run, is a combination that is second to none. It is also very nice getting to spend these next few years with some familiar faces.”
Former Jets now with the Bulldogs include Matt Cruz, Conner Graham, Alec Lindecker, and Brodie Thornton.
“Without the Jets program, my game would be nowhere near what it is right now,” Noetzel said. “Coach (Justin) Quenneville and Coach (Jamie) Lovell taught me to trust in myself in certain situations, along with thinking faster while playing at such a high speed. Everything that they do is based around each player moving up to the next level. I hope to carry over my shot capability along with my vision for others on the ice. If I want to bring my most valuable part of my game with me, it will be my ability to score.”
In two seasons with the Jets, Noetzel recorded 56 goals and 119 points in 81 regular-season games, as well as six goals and 20 points in 14 USPHL postseason games.
Quenneville said Noetzel is a prime example of a player coming to the Jets looking to get better and buying in to the development aspect of the program.
“This is a great time of the year when we see young men like Chad make their decision on where to commit to school,” said Quenneville. “Chad had several NCAA options and ultimately chose a top program in Adrian because of a myriad of factors. He came here from AAA hockey with no real identity or guidance like so many others. Immediately, you could tell something was there and his offensive instincts were exciting to work with. We gave him the tools and opportunities to grow, and he took the ball and went running. Adrian is getting a high-end versatile player who knows what it takes to play a 200-foot game and keep opponents on their toes when he has the puck on his tape. His character and demeanor as a person is just as impressive. We wish Chad the best of luck at Adrian.”
Noetzel noted how suiting up for the Jets changed the trajectory of his future, on and off the ice.
“Becoming a part the Jets program has been the absolute best decision I have made for my hockey career,” added Noetzel. “Over the past two years, the development of my play has risen more than I could’ve ever imagined. But most importantly, there has been nothing but amazing memories that I will forever hold on to, not only with my teammates, but with every single person that was involved with our program.
“There are so many people that have been a part of this journey for me. Thank you to my amazing parents, previous teammates, coaches, the awesome Jets fans, and lastly, Braydin Lewis.”
With summertime looming, that means no time off for Noetzel.
“My plan for the summer is to get myself in the best shape of my life, along with getting ready to live on my own for the first time,” he said.
Stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com and all of the Jets’ social media pages for more offseason news!
