FRASER, Mich. – First impressions are everything.
Just ask Jake Aslanian.
The 18-year-old Trenton native and Wyandotte Roosevelt graduate attended a handful of Metro Jets skates last summer and came away with a positive vibe.
Turns out, the feeling was mutual.
“I liked how they ran the skates and I also heard the coaching staff was great and the team had a good reputation of winning and how it was a fun place to play,” said Aslanian. “From there, I was invited to attend main camp and then offered a spot to play on the team.
“I didn’t know much about the Jets before coming, but I did know that two Trenton natives – Andrew Sawyer and last year’s captain, Griffin Sawyer – played there and had successful seasons. I also knew they were good with advancing players to the next level and having winning records in the past.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville likes Aslanian’s blend of size, youth and the want to learn more on a daily basis to become a solid junior hockey two-way player.
“Jake has been a solid player for the MJDP Team this year,” Quenneville said. “He has really impressed us with his versatility having the ability to play forward and defense. Everyone notices his size on the ice, but Jake has shown he has a decent skill set and vision. He has come a long way matching the pace of play, and when he is moving his feet and getting involved in the play, he can create space for himself out there.
“He’s getting the opportunity to play a lot at a young age and the goal is to continue to see him develop. There are a lot of jobs out there for two-way players.”
Aslanian is looking forward to getting back to games this weekend with the MJDP Team in Boston at the USPHL Winter Showcase.
“I feel this season is going well, but it could always be better,” Aslanian said. “We have our ups and downs as every team does, but I feel like if we just get back in the groove that we will be a very dangerous team to play against come this second half of the season. As a team, we feel like if we work our hardest, we can take on anything that is put in front of us as long as we work hard and keep our minds in it.”
Moving forward, Aslanian is hoping his experience with the Jets can lead to more opportunities.
“This season, I hope to become a better and smarter hockey player and I hope to have a successful season and make it far in the playoffs,” said Aslanian. “My long-term goals for hockey are to get a college scholarship and to play college hockey. With that, I hope to go to school and get a degree in Criminal Justice.
“The Jets organization can provide a lot to players — they treat every player right and provide a place to work out and skate every day and advance players every year. They also provide a great positive community where everyone gets along, which makes everyone want to be there and give it their all.”
