MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The Metro Jets have always had an incredible read on players on the east side of the state, and that reach has recently extended to Port Huron.

This season, forward Chad Noetzel will begin his junior hockey career with the USPHL’s Jets after playing at Port Huron Northern High School and last season for the Belle Tire 18U AAA team.

“Coach (Justin) Quenneville reached out to me, and I was interested in playing at the next level,” said Noetzel, a 2002 birth year. “I feel that I can use my speed and shot to help put points on the board. I also can use my instincts, such as quickness and awareness in the offensive zone, and a little bit of stubbornness to help draw penalties.”

Quenneville said he is looking forward to working with Noetzel this coming season.

“We were familiar with Chad and things aligned themselves over the summer to get him out with our guys,” said Quenneville. “It didn’t take more than a few skates to see that he was a player. He’s built like one, wants to learn, and will fit in just great here. Our environment is 100 percent invested in helping these players achieve their goals.

“We can help his game here and with his immediate skill set and abilities, he will only get better.”

Noetzel noted that since he has been around the Jets over the past month, the environment has been more than he expected.

“What appeals to me is everyone’s attitude towards each other is unlike any other team I have been with,” said Noetzel. “I love how bad everyone wants to win this year. It is very appealing to me when a coach invests his time and effort to make sure I can play at the next level. I talked to some players from last year and they said they had a better time playing for this team than any previous team they’ve played for.

“It’s just awesome to see everyone have the same overall goals as myself.”

Down the line, Noetzel wants to play in the last game of the 2021-22 season and see where it goes from there.

“A long-term goal for hockey is to definitely make money doing what I love,” Noetzel said. “I am also shooting for a scholarship to a college that has a high-level hockey program.”

The target is fully on the backs of the Metro Jets, who have won each Great Lakes Division title since the creation of the division in 2018. Teams have crept closer to the Jets since they led by more than 20 points in the first season.

The Jets obviously want to not only win another division title and – more importantly – move as players on to college hockey as possible, but they’d also like to return to Nationals and have a better showing than in 2021. A first-game loss set them behind right off the bat, and in the end, a return to the National Championship game after two years was out of reach. They will hit the ice with a chip on their shoulder when the games begin on Sept. 24.

The Toledo Cherokee showed they are serious about their game, from advancement to college to making noise at the Nationals. They were playing on the final round robin day with still a chance to advance to semifinals, so getting that taste has empowered them to keep up the progress that showed them advance from last in the division to third in 2019-20 to second last year.

Below, we profile all seven Premier Division teams.

Order is 2020-21 regular season finish.

Metro Jets

Season Opener: Friday, Sept. 24, at Columbus Mavericks

As mentioned, it has gotten tougher and tougher for the Jets to remain the leader of the Great Lakes Division as their competition continues to improve and put together ever-better seasons.

Ninth-year Jets Head Coach Justin Quenneville says his group is definitely up to the challenge of a four-peat as Great Lakes leaders.

“Overall, we are excited about our group. We are returning the majority of our forwards and overall core. We were a young team last year that bought in early and found success with a difficult schedule we created for them,” said Quenneville. “We were fortunate to win our division, but fell short at Nationals. That’s a taste nobody forgot and everyone is ready for Game 1.”

The maturity and speed has improved for the Jets, and not only do they return several Jets from last year, but they’ve also brought up eight players from their Metro Jets Development Program (MJDP) team out of the Midwest East that also played at Nationals, and even enjoyed more success in Virginia.

“Overall, the players look like they want March to start tomorrow. Our job is to get them to focus on our process and preparation. We will rely on our core group to lead the way early for our newcomers,” Quenneville added.

The list of returners is jaw-dropping “on paper” – All-Stars Matt Cole and Louis-Pierre Fortier for starters, along with Cody Mastay, Cristian Adragna, Ryan Messing, Anders Grongstad, Nick Ceccarini, Braydin Lewis, Will Augustine, Daniel Miscavish, Joey Mocnik, Kam Hellman, Austin Ieuter, Owen Limback, Tim Washburn, Patrick Hays “and more.”

“We have no excuses to not be tone setters out of the gates,” added Quenneville.

Looking at newcomers, he’s excited about Alex Bedenko, Chad Noetzel, Jonathan Martin, Niko Murgic, Zane Rydel who “all look to be fitting in nicely and wanting to make an impact.”

It’s necessary as the Jets always “get the top lineup out of our opponent.”

“The Pittsburghs, Toledos and Columbuses are always tough opponents. Lake Erie will always play to every whistle and now Cincinnati looks to be adding talent to their lineup,” added Quenneville. “We need to be ready every game.”

Toledo Cherokee

Season Opener: Saturday, Sept. 25, vs. Columbus Mavericks

The Cherokee’s biggest year in 2020-21 saw them playing a meaningful game on the final day of round robin play at Nationals, but falling in a must-win situation. The Cherokee veterans know exactly what is needed to make it past that point and into the semifinals and potentially National Championship game.

“I really like the group we have put together for the upcoming season,” said Head Coach Kenny Miller. “We have a good mix of veterans and have added some other guys that have junior experience as well as some really good first-year junior players that will make an impact in our lineup this season. This year’s team is going to be an older team. Having so many returners, we feel like this will be a deeper roster than we had last season.”

Returning in net, All-Star Joey Cormier comes back to lead the team from the crease, after playing phenomenally at Nationals. “He was our team MVP down the stretch,” Miller added.

Bailey Byrd, another returning All-Star, led the Cherokee in scoring last year with a 24-36-60 line in just 36 regular season games. His absence from the playoffs and Nationals was an immediate crutch last year, so he hopes to stay healthy all year and lead them back there, so he can join in on the fun.

David Crandall has proven to be a two-way defenseman, “like having a fourth forward,” according to Miller. Additionally, Brandon Clark is expected put together a strong season.

Leading the whole way is the fourth-year USPHL veteran Bryce Davis, “who will continue to lead our team.” He leads the Cherokee in all-time USPHL games played with 120 and a full season could place him in the top 10 all-time in league history.

Newcomers Kieran Carlile and Vincent Servizzi are ‘01’s with junior experience, while ‘02’s Hunter Hatcher and Caleb Kneiding join an already powerful D-core.

“When you play the likes of Metro and Pittsburgh six or seven times, it’s always tough to get a win,” said Miller of the Great Lakes Division. “I expect some of the teams that didn’t have great win-loss records last year to be much-improved.”

Pittsburgh Vengeance

Season Opener: Friday, Oct. 1, at Columbus Mavericks

After the Jets, the Vengeance have the next best history in the Great Lakes Division, finishing second, second and third in the division’s three years in the USPHL Premier.

However, the Vengeance come into this season in a slightly different scenario, hiring a new Head Coach Steve Kruk a little later than most teams had their established staffs for the year. A lot of new players also sets the team up as younger than in past seasons.

“It’s going to be a process in building this team because we got a late start with the hiring of a new coach. Coach Steve Kruk is going to be a strong asset for the program going forward,” said General Manager Dave Dorsey. “We aren’t going to have the experience that we had last year because of a lot of younger guys in the lineup.”

Despite being a younger team overall, they do have some good building blocks back from the 2020-21 campaign.

Nick Tessier (‘02) returns to the forward lines after a 38-point season last year, while ‘01 Michael Rocco joined late in the season and was a point-per-game player and even better in the playoffs. In the back, third-year Vengeance Braden Hanna and second-year Shawn Donovan are ‘01’s who provide experience to the D-core.

Max Banoun, an ‘02 from New Jersey, is expected to provide “a strong season in goal,” after an accomplished Midget and prep career in prestigious leagues.

Dorsey predicts that Pittsburgh is included in a group of teams that will be hoping for swift progression of young rosters to compete in the standings with last year’s two leaders.

“I think Metro and Toledo will be very strong. The rest of the group will depend on the development of younger players,” added Dorsey.

Columbus Mavericks

Season Opener: Friday, Sept. 17, at Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones

From their inaugural season of 2019-20 to last year, the Mavericks literally tripled their win total, from seven to 21. They can’t triple it again in a 44-game season, but they certainly have a rising foundation to build upon and could end up being right up there with the aforementioned iron of the league in Year 3.

“This year’s edition of the Mavericks will be a younger group that will play with energy and tenacity to make up for relative inexperience initially,” said Head Coach Nate Handrahan. “We have some veterans on the back end and in net that will lead our group. The most obvious [difference] is our youth, but second will be our size. We have a smaller club than we did last season, but we have good speed and skill.”

Ethan Bishara (‘02) is a second-year player who clicked at a point-per-game pace last year – but just didn’t have enough games to get as many points to help his team as he would have liked.

“I’m excited to see him healthy for a full year after he had nagging issues through last year,” said Handrahan.

Back on the defense, the team welcomes back ‘01 Eric Podgorny, whom the Mavs brought in via trade from Charlotte. He is joined as a veteran defenseman by ‘02 Nik Jozefiak, a Powell, Ohio product.

“Eric will log big minutes for us in all situations,” Handrahan added. “Nik played lots of minutes last year, and we are excited to see his progression.”

Former Cleveland Barons and Team Ohio player Carson Johnston (‘03) is one of the most exciting newcomers, along with fellow forwards and ‘04’s Colin Crowley and Tyler Isherwood.

In his divisional outlook, Handrahan sees a similar landscape as his Great Lakes coaching peers.

“I think Metro will be strong again as always and Toledo will be a threat. All our teams in our division are very solid and our newest addition Cincinnati will be no exception,” added Handrahan. “No nights off in the Great Lakes Division.”

Lake Erie Bighorns

Season Opener: Friday, Sept. 24, vs. Buffalo Stampede

The Bighorns are entering their third season and have fared well enough to finish fourth and fifth so far in their short existence. They certainly are hoping for a move upward in the standings as well as more opportunities for their players to advance to college hockey, with more on-ice success potentially resulting in more looks by the NCAA and ACHA ranks.

“We are very excited for our players this season. We have a very good mix of age and youth that will bring excitement to our lineup,” said General Manager Brian Ramm. “Our returning players will add the veteran presence necessary to be successful.

“We have increased size this season throughout the lineup,” he added. “This will help significantly in our divisional play as there are no easy or light opponents.”

Left wing Justice Sheltgen (‘01) is now a fourth-year USPHL veteran, and he’ll be looked at for production up front along with last year’s third-leading scorer Dom Conte (‘01), who put up 31 points after coming in already with ACHA experience at the University of Akron. Third-year junior Todd Smith (‘02) finished two points behind Conte last year and also makes his return.

Third-year USPHL player Brandon Lukomski (‘02) brings valuable experience as well. Nick Ramm (‘02) is another third-year USPHL player and is the only veteran for the team on D.

The Bighorns can’t wait to put Jack Ginocchi on the blue line, coming in with significant experience in the NOJHL, where he’ll join defensive newcomers Max Chagovets, Cam Costello, Stone Bumbarger and Sam Gonyaw.

Fast rookies Jayden Balcarczyk, Ricky Lias and Tate Olson “will add a lot of speed and look to get their junior careers going quickly,” added GM Brian Ramm.

“The Great Lakes Division is always the toughest night in and night out. There are no easy games or opponents, and it almost always produces two to four eams inside the top 20 teams in the entire USPHL footprint,” Ramm added. “I don’t think that is going to change this season.”

Wooster Oilers

Season Opener: Sat., Sept. 25, vs. Metro Jets

The Oilers are among those in the Great Lakes Division with long histories far preceding their time in the USPHL. However, the organization has been under new ownership since 2020 and are continuing to build from the ground up towards a realistic goal of becoming one of the Great Lakes’ top contenders.

“I like our group. We will be a hard working group that will be tough to play against every single night,” said second-year Head Coach Jordan Roemer, a member of the very first Oilers squad back in 2010-11. “One early observational difference from last year is that we are a group this year that won’t quit. We have begun creating and continuing to instill our culture, and so far every player has bought into the Wooster Oiler way.”

The Oilers kick off this season with a pair of veteran goalies continuing their 2020-21 battle for the crease, in Rob Holden, an ‘02 who is a former Lakewood High standout in Ohio, and former Strongsville goalie Luke Bell (‘01), who is now a third-year USPHL Premier veteran.

Rob’s twin brother Will Holden (a former Lakewood captain) is among the veteran leaders up front, along with ‘01 Michigander Nate Kniesteadt, who is the top returning scorer after posting 35 points in 39 games last year.

In terms of new players, watch for “quick, creative” ‘03 forward Piercen Garcia, ‘02 Neil Adams – “a forward who takes pride in all areas of the game” – and ‘05 Jordan Huffman.

“Jordan is a young player that has a limitless offensive upside and is looking to get his feet wet in junior hockey,” added Roemer.

He’ll have a great trial by fire, as Roemer added that “every night you are playing a team with National Championship dreams.”

“Everyone knows about Metro and Toledo, but the other teams in our division have all had good summers and are top tier organizations,” said Roemer. “There will not be a single night off this season!”

Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones

Season Opener: Fri., Sept. 17, at Columbus Mavericks

The very first game in the Great Lakes Division for the 2021-22 season will be played by its newest member, the Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones, associated with the ECHL team known as the Cincinnati Cyclones.

They certainly know the tough division they’re getting into, and have come in with the tools that GM/Head Coach Jim Mitchell believes can put them right into the mix and potentially nullifying any new team growing pains.

“I’m pretty excited for this team. We have a great mix of USPHL veterans and new guys that are highly skilled. We feel we should be pretty competitive from the start,” said Mitchell. “I’m looking forward to seeing the veterans lead this team and watch the younger guys’ development this season. I think as the season goes, we will only get better and will be a team to watch out for in playoffs.”

He starts off with returning USPHL All-Star Drake Barnish, a 69-point scorer last year who already has 130 points in 130 career USPHL games. He is already in the top 20 all-time in games played and top 30 all-time in points.

Kyle Burke comes in as a USPHL All-Star defenseman,, scoring 22 points in 42 games last season.

Brendan Walk also has an impressive resume of 82 points in 68 USPHL games, including 35 points in 24 games last year. Joey Mattevi has posted 32 points in his 58-game USPHL career so far, while Quinton Line figures to be one of their strongest defensive blueliners. USPHL-experienced Blake Mitchell will line up for a goaltenders’ battle for crease time.

Watch out for Nathan Sunderhaus, who scored more than 400 points in four years for the Northern Kentucky Norsemen 18U program. Willie Seibel (‘04) is an exciting young player, and John Kostilidis (‘02) jumps onto the blue line with Burke and Line.

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Reference: [ https://www.metrojetshockey.com/news_article/show/1184610 ]

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — The Metro Jets have built a reputation in recent years of having a strong goaltending corps.

Rookie Freddy Soderberg, who has signed with the USPHL club ahead of the 2021-22 season, wants to join that elite group.

“The way the Jets develop players and how many players and goalies they move on to college and higher-level junior teams was a huge appeal to signing with the team,” said Soderberg, a 2002 birth year from Harrison Township, Mich. “(Jets goalie coach) Randy Wilson and Coach Q (Justin Quenneville) got in contact with me and I started skating with them. I was offered a contract and was happy to accept.”

Soderberg played the 2020-21 season with the Meijer Hockey Club 18U AAA team and has also played for HoneyBaked and at De La Salle Collegiate High School.

Quenneville is anxious to see where Soderberg will fit this season.

“We are excited to continue working with Freddy,” said Quenneville. “Randy has worked with him in the past, and we have good scouting on him over the last couple years. He is a competitive player who battles for every puck. He’s a smaller goalie but fights really well for positioning. He’s athletic and quick, and now it’s all about the work he will put in.

“We are confident he will continue to invest in himself and this environment.”

Soderberg wants to do all he can to earn playing time with the Jets.

“I feel like I can bring a new element and a competition to the team,” said Soderberg. “Not that there wasn’t one before, just different and a fun one. I feel the success I had last season will help that transition perfectly and keep me motivated for bigger things to come.”

Looking down the road, Soderberg sees himself improving daily to give himself further opportunities.

“My short-term goals are to play the most competitive and the best hockey available to me, whether that be with Metro or in college later on down the road,” Soderberg said. “I’m really excited for the challenges I’ll be facing this season.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Austin Ieuter is as intense a hockey player as you’ll find these days.

Last season, even after a win, Ieuter could be seen in the locker room going over the game in his head.

It’s that intensity that the Metro Jets will get again this season after the stalwart defenseman re-signed with the USPHL club last month.

“Last year was phenomenal for me in a lot of ways,” said Ieuter, a 2002-born native of Midland, Mich. “I love playing the game and this is one of the best environments to be in as hockey player. That made it a very easy decision to come back this season.”

During the 2020-21 season, Ieuter produced four goals and 31 points in 44 regular-season games for the MJDP team, adding a goal and three points in six postseason games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Ieuter pick up his game exponentially last season and expects him to be much-improved this season.

“Austin was adamant about coming back and continuing where he left off,” said Quenneville. “His growth was significant from the start last season. As he matured and progressed through the up and downs of the grind, he did a great job of being consistent down the stretch. He was very good for us on the back with or without the puck. He brought a lot of energy and intensity every night, but once he started simplifying the game, he started seeing success on the stat sheet.

“He can be pain to play against because of his tenacity, but he can also make you pay offensively with his quick decision making. We look forward to working with him again this year and take off where he left off.”

Ieuter noted that buying in to the Jets’ system has allowed him to develop and grow as a player on the back end.

“Honestly, IQ, knowing situations on the ice and knowing when to simplify a play can make the game so much easier to play,” Ieuter said. “The coaching staff has helped me so much, not just on the ice but off the ice in ways that better me as a person, more than just in hockey. As a returner, I want to be able to come in right away and make an impact. Last year took a little adjusting transitioning into junior hockey.

“This year, I feel ready to come in and play the game the right way and show the newcomers on the team the simple, right way to play, just like the vets did last year for me.”

It may be a new year, but the end goal for Ieuter remains the same.

“The team goal and my personal goal is the same – win a national championship,” said Ieuter. “If we do that, we’ll have a successful season. Last year did not end how any of the boys wanted it to. I’m coming back for one reason and that’s to win a national championship.

“Anything other than that would be a failure.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Braydin Lewis was one of the youngest players with the Metro Jets last season and won’t turn 18 until the middle of October.

Still, the Fort Wayne, Ind., native made an impact in his rookie season on the Jets’ blue line and is back for another year after re-signing with the USPHL club earlier this month.

“It was a no-brainer to come back to the Jets after last season,” said Lewis. “The coaching staff’s goal is to see the players succeed and move up to the next level. The Jets give you every opportunity to be successful.

“Obviously, the way last season ended was not the way we wanted it to go. It left a bad taste in all the boys’ mouths and it’s a feeling we never want to have again. A lot of the boys are returning and with our new players, our goal all year will be getting that natty championship.”

Lewis tallied six goals and 14 assists for 20 points during the 2020-21 regular season and added a goal in four playoff games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville and associate head coach Jamie Lovell saw Lewis go from a young, raw talent to a more well-rounded player as last season wore on.

“Even though ‘Lewy’ was young last year, he impressed early,” Quenneville said. “When he is on his game, he is the top defenseman on the ice. He does a lot of little things well on both sides of the puck but more importantly, he’s difficult to play against. He shoots the puck like a pro and has a nice skill set under pressure. With the way he matured last year and the role he will continue to grow into, he has the potential to play this game a long time. We are excited to work with him again this year.”

“He’s in your face, tough, strong on the puck and in every battle,” added Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “He just makes life miserable for opposing forwards, but not only that, he can add offense with his ability to shoot a puck. Last year, he was one of the youngest defenseman we ever had at this level, but that didn’t hold him back. He was solid and showed flashes of being an all-around defenseman that will eat up minutes and play in every situation.”

Lewis noted how the Jets organization strives for success, on and off the ice, and he witnessed that firsthand last year.

“Coach Q and the rest of the coaching staff pushed keeping plays simple all last year,” Lewis said. “This helped me improve tremendously as a player. With the facility and opportunities we had last year, there was a lot of room to improve and all the boys took advantage of that.

“Since this year will be my second year with the Jets, I will be more of a leader this season. Still being a younger birth year but not the youngest like I was last year, leadership will be something I will try to accomplish.”

And with players reporting to Mount Clemens Ice Arena next week, Lewis recognizes the time to start getting in the right mindset is now.

“This season will be a successful one because of the way things ended last year,” said Lewis. “Even though we all worked our tails off last year, we know we will have to work even harder to get that accomplished.

“On a personal level, my mindset will be on that national championship ring all season long.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Alex Schaumburger proved to be a difference maker as a rookie last season with the Metro Jets.

Now with a year of junior hockey under his belt, the Canton, Mich., native wants to achieve great things in 2021-22 after recently re-signing with the Jets.

“Very hard not to come back when given the opportunity,” said Schaumburger, a forward who turns 19 on September 2. “Metro is the most fun and the most committed team to the process I’ve ever played on. Last year was very motivating and one of the reasons I’m continuing my hockey career.

“There is nothing like the hunt for a ring.”

During the 2020-21 season, Schaumburger posted 13 goals and 29 points in 36 games. He added one assist in three USPHL playoff games.

Stats aside, Schaumburger noted that other areas of his game took a step forward last season.

“My thinking for the game and my skill were two of the biggest areas I improved on,” Schaumburger said. “I came into Metro with a good amount of skill, but 100 percent of the credit goes to the coaches about my mindset for the game and how I think it. They also definitely helped out when it came to my skill and speed as well.

“As a returning player, I just want to be a good role model and have the same mindset as the vets did last year towards the rookies. Our vets last year were awesome, and I would like to be like one of them from a mindset perspective.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has Schaumburger down for another positive season coming up once the new year kicks off next month.

“We have been blessed with Schaumburger brothers over the years (Matt played on the 2017-18 national championship team),” said Quenneville. “Alex deciding to return is a big piece to the puzzle here, and I know he is excited to get started. He has been training and skating all summer like so many other Jets, and noticeably has a jump in stride. He brings a high-end skill set and vision to the lineup. ‘Schaumie’ does a great job of slowing the game down and extending offense in areas most players don’t see.

“He was a big part of last year’s success and another player eager to get back that we look forward to working with.”

Overall, Schaumburger knows what’s at stake this season.

“From a personal standpoint, this is my dream,” said Schaumburger. “I’m living a dream right now and I can’t end a dream with a nightmare. Winning is the only option. Beating the best is the only option. I feel like from a team standpoint, having that ‘losing isn’t an option’ mindset will help us out as well.

“We will win a ring this year.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – When Owen Limback joined the Metro Jets’ defense corps last season, he came in and brought a workmanlike attitude that was contagious to his teammates.

Now entering his final season of junior hockey, the 2001-born Alpena, Mich., native is back with the Jets and has his eyes on team success for the 2021-22 USPHL season.

“It was pretty clear for me why I decided to come back for next season,” said Limback, who recorded 11 assists in 28 games in 2020-21. “I was left with a bitter taste following last year’s finish and I got one more shot to prove that we are that team. Obviously, that’s not how you want your season to end, especially with such a great group of guys. You’re given every opportunity that you need to become better on and off the ice with the Metro Jets. This also gives me a chance to fulfill my goal of playing collegiate hockey with the staff teaching me qualities that I can use going onto that next level. As a returner, you see what it takes to get there and what it takes to go all the way.

“It’s ride or die time.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville knows what Limback is capable of, and he’s excited to get Limback back in Metro colors at Mount Clemens Ice Arena.

“Owen returning this year is a huge piece to the puzzle,” Quenneville said. “He brings experience, character and high hockey IQ to our ‘D’ corps. He does a lot of little things well on both sides of the puck and was quietly one of our most consistent defensemen on the ice every night. I know he is excited to return, and we look forward to continue to help his exposure to NCAA hockey.”

Limback said he learned last season how to slow down the game.

“My approach changed in thinking ahead of the play, where to go and what to do, making it easier on myself,” said Limback. “I also think many areas of my game took a step forward due to the staff. Film breakdown, game-like scenarios in practice, and just straight-up communication on what I can do better within each situation were huge to my development. The staff has a ton of knowledge on the game, and I want to soak up every piece of information possible.

“This season, I just want to be able to help my team out as much as possible. I want to help everyone around me so we can create a better team atmosphere, creating buddies that will last forever. If everyone is on the same page, it will translate into better performance on the ice.”

Enjoying the last bit of summer before reporting to camp September 1, Limback said he has been spending time working and with friends and family as he gets prepared for the upcoming season “looking forward to see what’s in store for us this year.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – After playing his rookie season in the USPHL last year, Zane Rydel is readying himself for a homecoming of sorts in 2021-22.

Last week, Rydel signed with the Jets and will be back in his home state to finish off his junior hockey career.

During the 2020-21 season, Rydel tallied six goals and 14 points in 41 regular-season games for the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, playing away from his Gregory, Mich., residence for the first time. He added one assist in four playoff games for the Riverkings.

“I think I matured because of the independence I had living away from home,” said Rydel, a 2001 birth year forward. “Due to the level of play and the competition, playing against older and stronger players helped to develop my game and my confidence as a player grew.”

Rydel added that he has long known about the Jets and the environment surrounding the club.

“I got to know (Jets assistant coach) Randy Wilson over the past few years, and Randy has said a lot of positive things about the Jets organization and sparked my interest in them,” Rydel said. “The team is also close to home and that is a big plus for me entering my last year of junior hockey.

“One thing that has really stood out to me about the Jets is the advancement of players. They are a big-name organization in the junior world. The coaches and staff really put the team and players first.  Along with my hard work and determination, I believe they can help me achieve my dreams of becoming a college athlete. I feel I can bring a lot of energy to the team this year with my style of play and physicality. It seemed to make a big impact during my last season.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said bringing in Rydel will be win-win for all involved.

“Bringing in a veteran player like Zane will add another dynamic to our lineup,” said Quenneville. “He is a big, physical power forward with experience and is coming from a top organization in our league whose players are well coached. He plays the game hard, creates room for his linemates, and will be a difficult player to defend against. More importantly, we look forward to helping reach his goals of playing at the college level. I know he is excited to get started and put on a Jets jersey, and so are we.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Rydel said his short-term goal in hockey is to give it his all, day in day out, on and off the ice. His long-term goal is to play college hockey and get an education.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Ryan Messing came to the Metro Jets last season after two prior junior hockey seasons in a Canadian league.

The adjustment period was brief and Messing wound up potting 16 goals along with 25 assists for 41 points in 42 regular-season games. He added five assists in five USPHL playoff games to wrap the 2020-21 season.

Last week, the Hamburg, N.Y., native signed back with the Jets for his final season of junior hockey.

“Everything that the Metro Jets have to offer is very appealing to a player,” said Messing, who turns 20 on September 8. “Last season, we had great success, but we were all left with a sour taste on the bus ride home from nationals. We have some unfinished business to take care of this season.

“The ending to last season hurt. We had a phenomenal group of hockey players, and we came up just short. It wasn’t good enough, and that has motivated me, along with the other returners as well, to get the job done this year.”

After spending 2018-20 with a junior team in Buffalo, just miles from his home, Messing came to the Jets a year ago looking to round out his skill set. Not only did he accomplish that, but he added some intangibles to his game.

“One of the most important skills I learned last year was working through the middle of the ice, always being an option for a breakout and becoming a reliable center not just in the offensive zone, but all over the ice,” explained Messing. “I was also introduced into a culture that the Metro Jets have had going for a long time now, and that’s a winning culture. I wouldn’t have improved like I did last year if it wasn’t for all the amazing coaches that Metro has, and that is a major reason on why I have decided to come back.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Messing turn a corner last season and knows that this coming year, college coaches will be competing for Messing’s services a year from now.

“Ryan was a big piece of the success our team had last year,” Quenneville said. “He has a noticeable skill set in the offensive zone but did a lot of good things all over the ice including his versatility on special teams. He is a passionate player that can help our younger core understand the value of preparation and execution. We look forward to helping reach his goal of playing NCAA hockey next year like so many others have done here with the Jets.”

“It’s exciting to think that we get another year to work with Ryan Messing,” added Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “We saw a great deal of growth last season in his maturity as a player and as person, and we fully expect him now to take the reins and be a leader on this team. He was one of our key players last season offensively, but he also brings a level of compete that is hard to match from his opponents. That type of leadership is what colleges will be looking for as he heads into his last season of junior hockey.”

With the start to the upcoming season right around the corner, Messing said “it’s the most exciting time of the year.”

“I plan on taking a leadership role this season, and I have to give thanks to our leaders last year for showing me how successful junior team’s leaders should be,” said Messing. “There will be tons of time for fun this year, but on the ice, it’s business. We are here to play hockey, and no one should take that for granted.”

Before returning to the Detroit area, Messing is anxious to enjoy the last little bit of summer.

“My plans for the rest of the summer aren’t anything exciting, just getting the last few rounds of golf in with the buddies, working, and training,” Messing said. “I’m beyond excited for what this next year will bring. Can’t wait to get things started at the new home in Mount Clemens.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Watch any Metro Jets game from last season and chances are Cristian Adragna is one of the most noticeable players on the ice.

Adragna is competitive by nature and will bring that character of his game back to the Jets after re-signing with the USPHL club last week for the 2021-22 season, his final season of junior hockey.

“My thought process for coming back this season was, honestly, very easy,” said Adragna. “From the first day I met the coaching staff before the start of the 2020-21 season, it was evident that they truly want to put each and every player in the best position for them to succeed not only in hockey but, more importantly, in life.

“With me personally, seeing all those values in a coaching staff and organization as a whole makes my job easier to just trust them and the process and that’s what I’ve been doing so far. They seek the best out of you and after spending a year with them, there’s no reason I wouldn’t give them my best every day of the season.”

During the 2020-21 campaign, the 2001-born native of Rochester Hills, Mich., compiled 16 goals and 39 points in 41 regular-season games to go along with four goals in five playoff games.

“The way we finished off last season was just heartbreaking, and there is not really much more I can say about what happened,” Adragna said. “The chase for the national championship gives me goosebumps as it is, and after last season, I know that it’s a mission for me now. Knowing myself as a competitor, I hate losing more than I love winning. Given this is my age-out year, that only leaves us with one choice.

“Just win, baby.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Adragna’s compete level is off the charts and that his attitude is contagious.

“Cristian committed to returning early in the offseason, and he noticeably was driven all summer to continue to get stronger and work on his game,” Quenneville said. “He had a great year and garnered a lot of attention from scouts with his game. His sheer power and strength on the ice keeps his opponents on their heels every shift. His chemistry with Cody Mastay and Matt Cole (drafted by NAHL’s Jamestown Rebels) made them one of the most consistent lines every night. With Cody and ‘Drags’ returning, we are instantly a tougher team to play against because of their leadership and commitment.

“Drags is one of few players in junior hockey that has to tone down his physicality at times because referees will punish him for hitting too hard. He reminds me of former Jets forward Reggie Millette (played on 2018 national championship team, also an NCAA Division I American International College commit) who played the game hard every shift. We look forward to helping him field even more NCAA offers this year, and we know he is excited to get back on the ice with the team here shortly.”

Metro associate coach Jamie Lovell said Adragna is “a dynamic player at this level.”

“Drags is so strong on the puck and when you combine that with his speed, he’s almost impossible to defend,” said Lovell. “He’s an absolute horse. He was getting a lot of attention last season from schools, so now going into his last year of junior hockey, it’s exciting to see what we can do for him. Ultimately, it will be up to him, though. I know he has trained hard this offseason and he looks prepared to take on a leadership role with our group.”

Over the course of the 2020-21 season, Adragna said he improved on every aspect of his game.

“From strength, shooting the puck, maturity, and overall knowledge of the game, I owe everything to the coaches,” he said. “The way they go about things and teach you the game makes everything easier on us. They put so much time into this to make us the best players we can be and get exposure.

“As a returner this season, I want to take on a leadership role for the team, both on and off the ice. I remember my first season and the leaders I had, and I only hope I can emulate what they did for us to our group this season. With the year of experience I had, I hope that I can be that guy that both my teammates and coaching staff can trust and rely on in key moments.”

The summer’s end fast approaching, Adragna plans to continue what he’s been doing all summer long.

“For the rest of the summer, I plan to keep continuing my workouts at the MAT as well as the MAT skates,” said Adragna. “I’m very excited for the season to get going and see some new faces and some familiar ones. I’m just excited to see what everyone has to bring to the table in the coming weeks.

“All the returners want to end the season on the right note this time and leaving with some hardware from the national tournament sounds like a good way to do so.”