MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Compiling eye-popping numbers the past two seasons for the Metro Jets has led to a major opportunity for goaltender Daniel Miscavish.
Late last month, the Macomb, Mich., native committed to play and attend New England College, an NCAA Division III school in Henniker, N.H., that has seen its share of Jets players come through and play for the Pilgrims during recent years.
“I loved the location of the school and the outdoors up north in New Hampshire,” Miscavish said. “Just the amount of guys from the Jets that are currently there and plan on going there, it’s always nice to be somewhere you’re comfortable with, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Connor Inger, Trevor Momot, and Andrew Kormos, three Jets players who were part of the 2018 national championship team, finished their four years at NEC this past spring, while Jhuwon Davis and Anthony Cinato, two more players from the 2018 team, will be returning in the fall with Kam Hellman, Miscavish’s teammate the past two years, also heading to play for the Pilgrims.
Miscavish said it “feels great” in taking the next step in his hockey and academic careers.
“It shows me how I’ve progressed through my youth,” he said. “It truly does make it feel like this whole path for me was worth it. The steps it takes to get to the next level is never easy, but I’m glad it all worked out for me. I’m looking forward to getting back into the whole school setup which has been lacking for a couple years now, looking to get a business degree in management or administration. The change from only hockey to now school and hockey will be difficult, but I’m confident it will come easy to me.”
During his two seasons with the Jets, Miscavish, who was a USPHL All-Star both years, went a combined 29-1-5 with a 1.74 goals-against average, a .931 save percentage and five shutouts during the regular season. He also led both the MJDP and Jets teams to the past two USPHL National Tournaments, coming within one game of the semifinals in 2021 and going all the way to the title game this past March.
The Jets staff has seen Miscavish’s game blossom and both coach-GM Justin Quenneville and goaltending coach Randy Wilson are thrilled that he’s off to play in the NCAA ranks.
“We want to congratulate Danny on his commitment,” Quenneville said. “He garnered a lot of NCAA attention while playing here and deservingly so. His numbers were off the charts, he is big, aggressive, athletic, and can play the puck with the best of them. NEC is getting a great goalie and even better person. Not only does he compete every minute he is on the ice, but he does it with a smile. We wish Danny the best of luck and continued success.”
“It’s been great working with Danny the last few years and see him develop into the player he is now,” added Wilson. “Danny did a great job here and took advantage of the environment. We know his determination and success will translate to the NCAA level.”
Once he hits the ice with the Pilgrims, Miscavish said he’s planning to take the same approach he did with the Jets.
“I hope to always bring the same energy and play level that I did with the Jets, whether that’s playing the game or backing up,” Miscavish said. “I always took pride in always being ready no matter what my situation is and making everyone else he just as excited as I am to play the game. I want to continue to grow my game and keep playing good hockey.
“Playing for the Jets led to amazing development in my play, and the way this program was set up and how it’s run is truly first-class and makes it special to anyone playing there. The focus is on you to be a better version of yourself, on and off the ice. ‘Q’ and (Jets associate coach) Jamie (Lovell) know when to have fun but also know how to push you to become a better person and player. I also want to thank Randy for everything he has done for me.”
Miscavish said that even though he has committed to New England College, there is no way he came this far alone.
“I would like to thank everyone who’s been a part of my journey,” said Miscavish. “A big thank you to my entire family but a special thank you to my Nana and my Aunt Fran. They’ve been there every step of the way for the past two years and they never missed a game, whether that was watching it on HockeyTV or being there in person. They were also so supportive and seeing that made me want to play better and continue to make memories.”
Speaking of memories, Miscavish has many from the past two years, with one standing out above the rest.
“I’d have to say my favorite memory was during my first season with MJDP in that playoff series,” Miscavish said. “The energy in that building was something I never experienced and seeing all the other fellas from the program there made it special. That game led to us taking a trip to nationals and possibly the greatest locker room celebration of all time, the screaming of all of us, and the music blasting in the background.
“That still brings goosebumps to this day.”
