MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The offseason is rarely a slow time for the Metro Jets, and this offseason is no exception.

This week, the organization has announced that veteran players Connor Hilliker, Trevor Naiman and Jackson Moleski have committed to in-state schools starting in the fall. Hilliker and Moleski will reunite as teammates at Central Michigan University and Naiman is headed to Rochester University.

Hilliker, Naiman and Moleski are all 2001 birth years as well and played for the MJDP team during the 2021-22 season.

For Hilliker, a Muskegon, Mich., native who spent last season with the MHC and this season with the MJDP, heading to CMU will be part of a family tradition.

“Central has the academic programs I am interested in, and it’s an up-and-coming hockey program looking to move up,” Hilliker said. “My father went to CMU and my sister will attend graduate school there. It’s also closer to home.”

A season ago, Hilliker posted six goals and 11 points in 41 games and this year, contributed two assists in 27 games before playing six games in the postseason.

“The on-ice practices and coaching were geared towards continued skills development,” said Hilliker. “The workouts at the MAT helped with hockey-specific strength and flexibility to keep us prepared physically throughout the season. Overall, playing for the Jets organization gave me the opportunity to continue with the sport I love at the school of my choice. Playing for the Jets has helped me grow as hockey player.”

“Connor is a hard-working power forward that CMU will enjoy having in the lineup,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “He is a pest to play against and does a great job keeping the game simple for his teammates. He came to the rink every day with a positive attitude and always brought effort in anything he did. His size and tenacity will be of service at CMU, and we wish him the best of luck.”

Naiman first joined the Jets organization in 2018-19 and in his time with the organization, played 121 total games and recorded seven goals and 11 points.

In committing to Rochester, he’ll be close to his home in Chesterfield, Mich.

“What appeals to me is that I’m excited to attend a school that has the program I want to pursue along with small classes for easier focus,” Naiman said. “The Jets helped develop my game a lot by breaking my bad habits and making new ones, and I feel like that has really improved my game.

“I want to thank the Jets coaching staff for everything they’ve done to help me move on to the next level.”

“Trevor is a great story because he came to us to seek opportunity in our program,” Quenneville said. “He played for the Jr. Jets organization way back and worked his way up to being in the junior program. His development was evident over the years and earned him the opportunity to be part of this environment. He got stronger every year and benefitted from this platform which in turn got him a college commitment. We wish him the best of luck.”

Another two-year player for the Jets, Moleski served as an alternate captain this season for the MJDP after starting out with the MHC a season ago.

Moleski will join Hilliker in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

“Central is a larger university so I’m excited to experience everything it has to offer,” Moleski said. “I also think the team is on the come-up and can be really good in the coming years.

“Playing for the Jets really helped me mature as a hockey player and as a person. Being able to train everyday was a huge benefit. I benefitted from the coaching and program which gave me a chance to play college hockey.”

The Grand Rapids, Mich., native tallied two goals and nine points in 42 games a year ago and added two goals and three points this season.

“Jackson is one of the most extreme benefactors from playing in our program,” said Quenneville. “It helped him not only grow on the ice but to mature and develop into the young man he is today. He put in the time and worked for everything he earned. Junior hockey was intimidating for him at first, but he learned the benefits of time management and dedication, which gave him the opportunity to be a leader with MJDP this year and ultimately a college opportunity. A great attitude, work ethic and second effort in his game will serve well at the college level.

“These are three young men that earned college opportunities by putting in the time and investing in themselves and the Jets. They now get to be student-athletes and deserve the opportunity. We wish them the best and look forward to announcing more commitments.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – All it took was one visit to Mount Clemens Ice Arena and Lucas Wiktorowski was sold.

A 2004-born Pinckney native and defenseman who played for Brighton High School last season, Wiktorowski recently signed with the Metro Jets for the 2022-23 USPHL season.

“I ended up signing with the Jets because the scouts and GM (Justin Quenneville) showed interest,” Wiktorowski said. “I got asked to come out and see the facility, level of play, and environment, and I was blown away.

“The team environment is what draws me to the program and its effort to help you get to the next level. The Jets family is something special, and I know they will push me to reach my full potential.”

Last year with Brighton, Wiktorowski posted six assists in 24 games.

“Lucas was committed since the first day he came out to one of our skates and is committed to putting in the work for next year,” Quenneville said. “He is excited to invest in himself with our platform here and we look forward to working with him. He is a steady defenseman who does a lot of little things well and willing to develop his skill set with us. He will fit in this environment very well.”

Wiktorowski believes he will be a major asset to the Jets next season.

“I feel I can bring a steady presence on defense and an ability to create opportunities on offense for the team,” he said. “I feel I am prepared for juniors by my youth days teaching me hard work and teaching me to consistently try to get better.

“My short-term goals are to become a threat on the back end this season and my long-term goal is to move up to the Tier II level.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Patrick Hays came to the Metro Jets in 2019 as a bit of an unknown quantity.

Three seasons later, he’s a college-level hockey player after recently committing to play for the first-year Purdue University Northwest program in Hammond, Ind.

This after the natural forward transitioned to playing defense in 2021-22.

“I’m really excited to commit to Purdue Northwest,” said Hays, a 2001 birth year from Centerville, Ohio. “It’s a dream come true, without a doubt. Being able to continue my hockey career is something I wasn’t sure was going to be possible at times. I’m really proud and happy to get this opportunity. Being a part of this foundation to create a team and be a part of this first recruiting class is really exciting. I have a lot of faith in what Coach (Nick) Tomczyk wants to build at Purdue and I want to be a part of that.

“The accounting program at Purdue seems to really great, and that was something that caught my attention. I hold myself pretty accountable when it comes to school, so I have high expectations for myself. It’ll be interesting but also exciting going from online classes to in-person classes. I hope to come in and make an impact right away, whether it’s on the ice or off the ice.”

Locally, Tomczyk was formerly involved with the Oakland and Rochester programs and was most recently the video coach for the NCAA Division I St. Cloud State University program.

Over three seasons with the Jets, including two years with the MJDP team, Hays registered 39 goals and 84 points in 116 regular-season games, adding another two goals and 11 points in 17 USPHL postseason games.

“Patrick is unique story,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “When I talked to him about coming to Michigan and playing here, he was excited about wearing the Jets logo and committing himself to developing. In fact, he moved here full-time and trained and skated in the offseason as well. Paddy did it all, he played center, wing, defense and learned all situations while here. Not only did he get stronger, but he bought in to the process and was a key contributor on and off the ice for the Jets. He came in here green and is leaving a complete player who can play up and down the lineup. He will be playing for a great coach, and I am happy he chose this opportunity.

“Like many of our players, he had several NCAA options and ultimately chose PNW to help create a culture with Coach Tomczyk. We wish them the best of luck.”

Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell echoed Quenneville’s sentiments.

“We always knew he had offensive instincts and skill but this past season, he really displayed his versatility and maturity,” Lovell said. “Being asked to go from forward to defense is not an easy thing for some, but Paddy made the transition seamlessly and throughout the season would make the switch back on multiple occasions. He became a leader in that regard, basically doing whatever the team needed to help it succeed, and ultimately made him a much more attractive player to colleges.

“Paddy’s leadership extended beyond the ice and team, as well, as he was an incredible ambassador for the Jets program helping out in the community with youth hockey programs, and other local businesses. We wish him all the best.”

Hays added that his time with Metro “really helped me develop my game tremendously.”

“I want to thank ‘Q,’ Jamie, our assistant coaches Tina (Ciraulo), Dan (Pszenyczny), Randy (Wilson), the whole staff and all of my past teammates for turning me into the player I am now,” Hays said. “Besides the hockey folks, I thank my family that has supported me nonstop leading up to this and Coach Tomczyk for giving me the opportunity to come play for him.

“I can’t pick one thing I’ll remember the most about being here. I loved being a part of the Jets and all the memories I created there. Metro will always have a special place in my heart.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The college advancements are beginning to pile up for the Metro Jets.

On the heels of Jets captain Cody Mastay (NCAA D-III Arcadia University) and Kam Hellman (NCAA D-III New England College) recently deciding on their college destinations, one more Jets player will be playing hockey next season at the college level as Tim Washburn is heading to Indiana Tech University in the fall.

For Washburn, who skated two seasons with the Jets program, Indiana Tech has all that he is looking for, on and off the ice.

“Indiana Tech has a program that has remained a strong contender in this league for years and will continue to do so while boasting a gorgeous campus with lots of activities for their students,” said Washburn, a 2001-born forward out of Davison, Mich. “After making my commitment, it felt like I was really taking a step forward to the next part of my life, which was both relaxing and a little nerve-racking.”

Washburn is transferring in as a sophomore and living off campus but said he’s not too worried about not meeting people as “hockey is one of their biggest sports and I plan to be on campus studying or working out when I have the opportunities.”

“I have three years until I will earn my bachelor’s in Business Management-Administration,” he said. “After that degree is completed, I plan to get my master’s in a more specified business field.”

With the Jets this season, Washburn compiled eight goals and 20 points in 21 games, missing a chunk of the season with an injury, and added two goals and four assists in six postseason games. In 2020-21 with the MJDP team, Washburn chipped in 19 goals and 39 points over 38 games plus seven more points in six playoff games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Washburn is a prime example of a player coming to the Jets as a player with dreams to play college hockey to leaving as a solid college hockey-caliber player.

“Tim came in last year like he was shot out of a cannon,” said Quenneville. “He brings work ethic, energy, toughness and second effort more than your average player. It’s noticeable, it’s a concern for other teams and was a benefit for ours. ITU is not only getting a dynamic player who will go through a wall for his team but versatility within the lineup. He quietly put up a point per game at the junior level because of his abilities and played the game hard. He’s a Swiss army knife and ITU will get to benefit firsthand next season.

“More importantly, he’s a great kid who is driven, well spoken, polite and will represent your team off the ice like a pro. We would like to congratulate Tim on his decision and wish him the best of luck.”

Washburn said getting the chance to round out his game would have only been possible wearing the Jets uniform.

“Playing at Metro for these past two years gave me the opportunity to take steps forward as both a hockey player and a person,” Washburn said. “The conversations I was able to have with our coaching staff were irreplaceable in becoming the person and player I am today. Aside from the coaching staff at Metro, I would like to the thank the staff at the Mount Clemens Ice Arena. They were always very helpful with everything and made, not just my own, but the entire team’s experience this past year truly amazing.

“Playing with the Jets also gave me memories and lessons I’ll remember for the rest of my life, especially the bonds I built and will treasure during my time here with players and coaching staff alike. Those bonds and friendships that will last are the things I gained and treasure the most out of everything I experienced throughout my entire hockey career thus far.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Over the course of the 2021-22 season, Lukas Nies was invited to practice with the Metro Jets while playing his senior year of high school hockey for Birmingham Unified.

Last week, the 2004-born forward signed with the USPHL organization for the 2022-23 season.

“Practicing with the team, I really enjoyed that experience,” said Nies, a Birmingham, Mich., native. “I liked the speed of the game, and the coaching staff seems very invested in helping their players advance.”

During the 2021-22 season, Nies collected nine goals and 24 points in 25 games for the Kings.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville is excited to see how Nies’ game will adjust to junior hockey.

“We are excited about Lukas’ signing and I know he is as well,” said Quenneville. “We had him out to skate with us and both parties were able to get a sense of everything. He had a strong senior high school season and caught the eyes of many with his speed and skill set. We think he will transition well and benefit from our environment. We look forward to working with him and helping him reach his goals.”

Nies feels his game will fit with the systems the Jets run during games.

“I think I can bring a good offensive presence to the team,” said Nies. “Throughout the years, I’ve always had speed as my main factor to my game and I think that can help make this transition to juniors.”

Looking ahead, Nies has attainable aspirations he is hoping the Jets can help him reach.

“My short-term goal is to improve my defensive awareness,” Nies said. “My long-term goal is to be able to move on to college hockey after juniors.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Both the Metro Jets and MJDP teams enjoyed successful seasons in the USPHL in 2021-22.

The Jets ran the table in the Great Lakes Division and won their eighth straight division title and finished second overall in the 64-team USPHL during the regular season. After sweeping Pittsburgh in the playoffs, the Jets advanced to the national tournament, playing in the championship final for the fifth time in seven seasons.

For the young MJDP squad, with the majority of the players junior hockey rookies, the team surprised during the regular season, taking over first place in the Midwest East Division for long stretches and eliminating both Decatur and Fort Wayne in playoff series that went the full three games. The MJDP also made it to the national tournament for the second season in a row.

Needless to say, the 2021-22 campaign was one to remember.

“We were fortunate to see success on the ice again this year with both teams going to USPHL Nationals and the Jets losing a close one in the national championship game final, but we had a lot of other success including many college commitments and NAHL/NCDC opportunities for our guys,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Winning the division an eighth straight year was incredible and setting a new streak record in the USPHL was fun as well. We also had a lot of success at home with amazing support throughout with our Jr. Jets players always there to cheer our guys. We had some amazing games in front of some packed stands this year which was great to see after a year of empty rinks. It’s always an honor to walk into the rink with that Jets logo on. There is always a target on our back and our players buy into the model every year.

“We are fortunate to have a great staff, support system and facility to allow us to focus on giving our players the best platform to succeed.”

During the season, which saw the Jets start the season 20-0 to tie a USPHL record for fastest start to the season, fourth-year Jets goaltender pitched his 12th career shutout to sit first in the USPHL record books, while fellow fourth-year standout Nick Ceccarini set the USPHL career games played when he skated in his 172nd game late in the season.

In addition, the team had several Tier II call-ups, including second-year forward Matt Cole, who earned a spot with the NCDC’s Twin City Thunder.

Freddy Soderberg was one of many bright spots for the MJDP, notching six shutouts while playing consistent in goal behind high-end forwards Carson Finney, Austin Combs and Steven Miller.

For the graduating Jets players, this season was chock-full of memories.

“My favorite moment this season was winning our (nationals) quarterfinal game against Toledo,” said second-year forward Cristian Adragna. “Coming back in those last three minutes and giving ourselves a chance to keep competing to play in the semis and then the finals was amazing. That organization hasn’t always been very fond of myself over there and getting the final two goals felt nice. At the end of the day, though, it’s just hockey and it’s something I will never forget and I’m glad I was able to do it with my family on the ice right there with me.”

Patrick Hays, who spent two seasons up front for the MJDP before transitioning to defense this season for the Jets, said his favorite memories are all with his teammates.

“Walking down the steps at Mount Clemens Ice Arena and seeing the little kids in the lobby and the stands and rink packed for the first home game stands out so much to me,” said Hays. “I’ll always remember the road trips with the guys.”

This season, the Jets had a unique three-goalie rotation of Augustine, Louis-Pierre Fortier and Daniel Miscavish.

Miscavish played for the MJDP a year ago before making the move to the Jets this season.

“My favorite memory? Definitely beating Toledo at home to clinch the division title,” Miscavish said. “Awesome to be a part of the eight-year streak and made it a lot more special that it was Toledo, too.”

In looking at the one of the league’s youngest rosters this season with the MJDP, second-year forward Nick Twombley emerged as veteran leader for that group.

“I would say my favorite memory of the season was the playoff series against Fort Wayne,” said Twombley. “It was such a roller coaster winning that first game, then losing the second one 8-0, then getting that last win to send us to nationals in Fort Wayne’s rink. That one really stands out because for us, the last two years that team was one of our rivals I would say being an in-division opponent and being an underdog in that series when people thought we didn’t have much of a chance.

“Most of the other good times during the season were just on road trips. Hanging out with the boys in the hotel room and during meals is the stuff I will really miss.”

So far, two more age-outs in Jets forward Kam Hellman (NCAA Division III New England College) and captain Cody Mastay (NCAA D-III Arcadia University) have committed to colleges for next season, with plenty to be announced soon.

“The hockey season never stops for us,” said Quenneville. “As much as we enjoyed this past season, the offseason continues with more of our guys about to announce college commitments, and with more exciting signings for the 2022-23 season. Between the USPHL NCDC Combine, tryouts, training and planning, this phase of the year is a different kind of grind. We also have some exciting stuff planned for next year.

“We look forward to all of it and can’t wait to get back on the ice.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Colorado native Cody Mastay came east three years ago to play AAA hockey in the Detroit area.

Prior to the 2020-21 season, Mastay signed with the USPHL’s Metro Jets and this season, served as the team’s captain, leading the team to its fifth national championship game in seven seasons.

For the 2022-23 season, the Westminster, Colo., product will continue his journey east at NCAA Division III Arcadia University, playing for Knights coach Vincent Pietrangelo, himself a former Jets player during the 2009-10 season. He’ll also join former Jets defenseman Justin Song (2018-21) on the Arcadia roster.

Arcadia, located in Philadelphia, plays in the competitive UCHC (United Collegiate Hockey Conference).

“What appealed to me the most about Arcadia was their hockey program and their physical therapy program,” Mastay said. “It’s also very exciting to reunite with ‘Songer’ and play for a former Jet, Coach Pietrangelo. I’m really excited to make my commitment to Arcadia. I’ve always dreamed of having the opportunity to play at the NCAA level, and I hope to fit in smoothly as a freshman next year with my new team.

“I’m expecting a challenging academic route through college, as I am going down a pre-PT track at Arcadia. It will be an adjustment to get back into the swing of school for sure, but I have taken college classes through my junior career so I’m not too worried.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville and associate head coach Jamie Lovell knew when Mastay arrived in 2020 that he was a special player with a skill set tailor-made for junior hockey and college hockey.

“Cody is a consummate player and leader,” said Quenneville. “Even in his rookie year last season, it was evident he would find success here and beyond because of his character and work ethic. We can’t say enough about him and his role he played here with the Jets. It was an easy sell to colleges and a big a reason he had so many NCAA options. Arcadia was an easy decision for him because of the hockey program and academics. They will be getting a player that will do it all for them and add that winning pedigree in the locker room. Coach Vinny does a great job with his players and will love to work with Cody. We wish him the best of luck and will be watching his success at the NCAA level.”

“Cody is the epitome of what our program is all about,” added Lovell. “We look for good character people, and then develop them into better hockey players. From the first time Cody stepped on the ice with us two years ago, we knew he was a ‘hockey player’ and would be a leader both on and off the ice. He did not disappoint, and I know that he will have the same impact when he steps foot on the campus and ice for Arcadia.

“They are getting a player who can play in every situation and take every key faceoff, and I don’t doubt he can fit right in next season with that program.”

During the 2020-21 season, Mastay collected 14 goals and 38 points in 35 games during the regular season, adding three assists in four postseason games. This season, Mastay went for 16 goals and 49 points in 43 regular-season games with three goals and seven points in eight playoff games.

“Playing for Metro has meant so much to my development to be able to play college hockey,” said Mastay. “I have grown so much as a person and player at Metro. I can’t thank my coaches and teammates enough for pushing me every day. For good reason, the Jets are the best program in the country and why so many players get opportunities from here.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for making this all possible. I would also like to thank my parents (Bruce and Maggie) and family (including brother Devon, a defenseman for the Jets) for everything they have sacrificed for me to chase my dream of college hockey.”

In aging out of junior hockey, Mastay said his two years with the Jets will never be forgotten.

“The one thing I will remember the most about my seasons with the Jets is the brotherhood,” Mastay said. “I have made so many great memories and lifelong friends over the past two seasons. The saying really is true, ‘once a Jet, always a Jet.’”

HUDSON, N.H. – The Metro Jets came up short in their bid for a USPHL national championship, falling 3-2 Tuesday afternoon to the Rockets Hockey Club in the title game at Cyclones Arena.

Anders Grongstad opened the scoring for the Jets at 8:10 of the first period, only to see the Rockets score the next three.

Dakota Kott made it 3-2 at 13:07 of the third period but the Jets could not find the equalizer.

In goal, Will Augustine finished with 32 saves for the Jets.

Stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com and all the team’s social media pages for all the offseason news heading into the 2022-23 season!

HUDSON, N.H. – The Metro Jets are one of two remaining teams in the USPHL National Tournament.

After a dominant 8-1 win Monday afternoon over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights at Cyclones Arena, the Jets will play the Rockets Hockey Club Monday afternoon for the national championship.

The Rockets edged the Florida Eels 3-2 Monday afternoon in the second semifinal game.

“I don’t think anyone would have predicted the final score today, but we knew our group was ready for this game,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “We were relentless on the forecheck and created a lot of turnovers to create chances in the offensive zone. This time of year, you need everyone and it took two big net-front goals from big Seth Francois to get us going and break through on (Tade) Carman, who’s been one of the leagues best goalies all season and playoffs. We were just able to keep adding to our lead from there.

“But again, our goaltending has been a huge factor as well. Danny Miscavish made huge saves when we needed them. I’m glad we were able to give him such a big cushion to work with, even though he didn’t need it.”

Miscavish finished with 21 saves, only allowing a Colin Anna goal at 18:01 of the first period, while Carman was pulled after Chad Noetzel’s goal at 17:02 of the second period. Carman made 26 saves while Joseph Weise played the rest of the way and stopped 12 shots.

For the Jets, who had lost 3-1 to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the final game of pool play Saturday afternoon, Kam Hellman had a goal and two assists to go with Francois’ two goals, Dakota Kott’s three assists and a goal and an assist each from Andreas Fleutot and Alex Bedenko.

Josh German added two helpers and Noetzel and Jets captain Cody Mastay also scored in the win.

“We came here for one reason, and it’s time to refocus and get prepared for tomorrow,” Lovell said. “The Rockets are playing great hockey. It’s going to be a battle.”

Puck drop Tuesday at Cyclones Arena is set for 1 p.m.

All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.

HUDSON, N.H. – The Metro Jets scored three late goals in the third period to erase a 1-0 deficit and down the Toledo Cherokee 3-1 Sunday afternoon in the USPHL national quarterfinals at Cyclones Arena.

With the win, the Jets advance to the semifinals Monday at noon, taking on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights at noon from Cyclones Arena.

Toledo had taken a 1-0 lead 3:17 into the second period on a Gavin Uckele goal before Tim Washburn tied it at 17:54 of the third and Cristian Adragna put the Jets ahead 50 seconds later.

“That was a heck of a hockey game,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “Have to congratulate Toledo. They played an incredible game, but we felt like we were getting the better chances and that it would only be a matter of time until we get one past (Toledo goalie Nick) Bernstein. Sometimes you need a bounce, and we finally got ours late in the game, but we are not in that position at the end without the play of Will Augustine, who has been incredible all week and in the playoffs.

“We will enjoy this moment right now for a second, but it’s time to refocus and get prepared for tomorrow. We have a rematch with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the semifinal, and they’re coming off a similar emotional win (2-1 in overtime over the Minnesota Blue Ox). They’re a fantastic team. They’ve been the best all season, well coached, don’t make many mistakes, and they have great goaltending. It’s going to be a battle.

“This is the best time of year.”

Adragna added an empty-net goal and Augustine finished with 30 saves.

Bernstein stopped 42 for the Cherokee.

All USPHL games are available on HockeyTV.com.