FRASER, Mich. – Most players on the Metro Jets are Michigan natives.
This season, two players are from New York – rookie forward Ryan Messing (Hamburg) and third-year forward Nick Ceccarini (Miller Place).
Messing joined the Jets mostly in part as he needed a change of scenery from what he had experienced the past two seasons playing juniors in a Canadian league.
“I wound up with the Jets late September after waiting out this unexpected offseason because of the coronavirus,” said Messing, who grew up in the Buffalo suburbs. “I was constantly in contact with my advisor getting updates and speaking with various teams. I’m very glad he mentioned the Jets to me because I knew everything this organization had to offer, and I knew it would be a great fit.
“I told him right away that I wanted to be a part of this program. I couldn’t be happier at how these past two months have gone. I came from an organization that was used to losing, and I was itching to be on a team on the opposite end of that spectrum. Our team clicked right off the bat, and I know that this group can make it all the way.”
Mutually, Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has been elated with what Messing has brought to Fraser Hockeyland this season.
“We always talk about how small the hockey world is and although we didn’t know much about ‘Mess,’ I knew his advisor through mutual hockey friends and built dialogue about his situation,” Quenneville said. “We felt that he would be a perfect fit here with his background and he came recommended from good hockey people. Dave Cole is good buddies with Jason Cirone who not only is part of the Jets family, but a good friend of mine and a tough competitor when we played against each other.
“Now Ryan gets to come to a program that will invest in him and his goals because of the good guidance in his circle. He has been a great addition here and is showing his versatility more every week. He has a strong skill set, plays with an edge, and been involved in some big plays when we needed it. Even more, he’s passionate and wants to learn. We look forward to continue helping him on and off the ice and excited about his continued progress here.”
Messing, a 2001 birth year with six goals and 14 points in 16 games this season, continued to beam about the Jets, saying “everything in terms of player development and the facilities couldn’t be better.”
“Although, the main reason I came to the Metro Jets was because everything the coaching staff had to offer,” Messing said. “They are truly player-first and bring out the best in their players. I knew how great of a group they were, and I truly wanted to be a part of it.
“I feel that I bring a strong skill set to the team, along with a lot of heart. I can play any position up front and wanted to have a versatile role on this team. I want to be a leader on and off the ice as well.”
Going forward, Messing has attainable goals in mind.
“I’ve always wanted to play at the collegiate level, but before that, I want to advance to the next level in junior hockey,” said Messing. “There’s no better program for both of those goals than the Metro Jets. I haven’t made up my mind on a career path, but I do know for sure that I want to play hockey for as long as my body lets me.”
