MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Seth Francois joined the Metro Jets for his first season of junior hockey in 2020-21, putting up 25 points in 41 games for the MJDP team.

Francois re-signed with the Jets this week for his final junior season, looking to improve on his numbers and round out his game while playing “whatever role the coaches and my teammates need.”

“I have always wanted to play hockey, and I see this as the best opportunity that I have to move to the next level,” said Francois, a 2001 birth year from the tiny Upper Peninsula town of Pelkie, Mich. “I was struggling with the idea of just going to work when I realized that I should really exhaust all of my opportunities for a future in hockey, so I figured I should just go with the best team. We made it to nationals last year and I would love to get there again with this group.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said with the unassuming Francois netting 11 goals with 14 assists last season, he’s betting on improved stats in 2021-22.

“We are excited to get Seth back for a myriad of reasons,” said Quenneville. “His character, work ethic and attitude is off the charts for his age. He is a team-first guy and will always be there for his teammates. He developed really well last year and was a staple in the lineup because of his role. I can tell you this, I know several teams and a couple others that have not seen him yet who will be looking over their shoulders. He’s a power forward that plays the game hard and nobody will be able to move him net front.

“He does a lot of little things well all over the ice, but his biggest attribute is his ability to run you over and apologize for it as he looks down on you. We look forward to helping him again this year and to field college opportunities.”

Francois, who turns 20 on August 15, said the Jets organization is successful on so many levels due to the individuals involved in the game for all the right reasons.

“The Jets are such an excellent organization because the coaches are willing to work with any of the guys no matter who you are or what your role is, the resources they provide are amazing, and the amount of exposure they give you is so worth it,” Francois said. “The gym they have is great and the locker room feels like home. The coaches will put in the work to get you to the places you want to go if you are willing to put in the work to get there.

“Last year, I improved on the things I thought I needed to work on, the things I didn’t know I needed to work on, and in doing so, the coaches allowed me to focus on making me a more rounded versatile hockey player, a better teammate, and a better person. The drills the coaches have you do help with everything from skating to control with the puck to improving your vision of the ice.”

With training camp coming up September 1, Francois said he’ll continue to work out and enjoy the weather in the U.P.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Joey Mocnik came to the Metro Jets last season simply looking to make a name for himself and develop his overall game.

He did both, and then some.

Mocnik, who turns 19 on August 13, led the MJDP team in scoring with 67 points on 28 goals and 39 assists in 42 games and added another five goals and seven points in six USPHL playoff games.

The Allen Park, Mich., native is looking to build on those numbers in 2021-22 after re-signing with the Jets this week.

“It really was a no-brainer for me on returning to the Jets,” said Mocnik. “They exceeded my expectations of junior hockey by far. My motivation to get back where we were at the end of the season is through the roof. Although it didn’t end how we wanted it, we are ready to prove we are the best team in the league.

“As a returning player, I want to be that guy that everyone looks up to like I did to some of the veterans last year, setting examples and working hard on and off the ice all throughout the entirety of the season.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville was enamored with Mocnik’s offense last season and knows that is just the tip of the iceberg.

“We knew ‘Moc’ had offensive ability and skill, but you never truly know which players transition well to junior hockey,” said Quenneville. “He came out of the gates flying and never looked back. He led our program in scoring and consistently found ways to get involved offensively. Yes, he scored some big goals, but more importantly, he brought passion and energy to the lineup every night. This kid loves to score in games and in practice.

“He’s an opportunistic player, but if teams give him an inch, he will make them pay. He was big part of the national run they had last year, and we look forward to seeing him continue to evolve his game on both sides of the puck while building on last year’s experience.”

In looking back on last season, Mocnik said his numbers were the result of many individuals.

“I’d like to dedicate my improvement last year to our coaching staff,” Mocnik said. “I really feel like my hockey sense exploded and my ability to be at the right place to create scoring chances was enhanced.”

Throughout the summer, Mocnik has been working on getting his weight up in order to be a more physical player and said he will continue running and training up until camp starts next month.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Cody Mastay’s play with the Metro Jets last season had many in the junior hockey world raising their eyebrows.

This coming season, Mastay intends to keep that trend going as he enters his final junior season after re-signing with the Jets earlier this week.

Maybe even more exciting for Mastay is the fact he’ll be teammate with his younger brother Devon, who signed with Metro during the spring.

“My thought process for deciding to come back was pretty easy,” said Mastay, a 2001-born forward from Westminster, Colo. “I knew I would be in great hands with the coaching staff and that I would develop even more under this program.

“My brother and I have never played together before so this would be the first time, and I’m extremely excited for it.”

Last season, Mastay averaged better than a point per game with 14 goals and 38 points in 35 games during the regular season before collecting three assists in four USPHL playoff games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville noted many times last season that Mastay was the best player on the ice during games. He’s banking on that being the case again in 2021-22.

“Cody is the consummate hockey player,” said Quenneville. “He did so many things well last year and it starts with his approach to the game. He cares about his development, he’s invested in learning every day, and he plays the right way all over the ice. He was arguably one of, if not the top faceoff player last season in the league and played a 200-foot game every night. His IQ is off the charts, he creates turnovers all over the ice and offensively, does all the little things to make his line hard to play against.

“Cody is one of several key pieces coming back from last year’s team and schools have already taken notice. Several NCAA programs have already expressed interest and he will get to wear that Jets logo one last year, which we are all excited about.”

Mastay said that seeing the Jets’ season end in March at the USPHL National Tournament “was definitely not the plan we all had in mind,” and wants to see it through this coming year.

“Yeah, that definitely gives me motivation to finish the correct way this year because I certainly haven’t forgot about last season,” said Mastay. “Looking back, I felt that I improved my all-around game, especially with my playmaking skills. The coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for my growth as a player. They continuously put me in situations during practice that happen every shift in games.

“As a returning player, I am determined to have a huge factor in leading this team on and off the ice so we can achieve the end goal we all have in mind.”

Currently working out in the Denver area, Mastay’s plans for the rest of the summer are to keep training on and off the ice until he and his brother make their way out to Mount Clemens shortly before training camp next month.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Daniel Miscavish posted incredible numbers last season as a rookie for the Metro Jets.

Playing for the MJDP team, the 2001-born Macomb, Mich., native went 15-1-5 with a 1.81 GAA, .930 save percentage and three shutouts.

Miscavish is looking to rack up bigger numbers this coming season after re-signing with the Jets last week.

“It was an easy decision to return to the Jets,” said Miscavish. “The way this program is ran is perfect for players, and it is a prime example of what I’m looking for as a hockey player. Obviously, last season didn’t end as it should have. We came in to nationals and we didn’t play our best hockey when it was needed. We came up one point short from that next step and that stays with you. We’re going to be hungrier than ever this season, and we all know what we can accomplish.

“It’s now about making sure it gets done.”

“Danny is coming off a big year and was one the league’s top performers,” added Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Deservingly, he was awarded with the all-star tag and was a big reason for his team’s success. He helped his team make a nationals run that came up short by one game to make the final four while going 2-0 in net. He is a competitor, battles for every play and most importantly, is a great teammate. Coaches love him because he is low maintenance, shows up every day wanting to be the best, and listens to instruction when needed. He will get even more NCAA interest like several of our commits got last year.”

Randy Wilson, the Jets’ goaltending instructor, said getting Miscavish back in the fold “is huge for us as an organization and will definitely solidify our goaltending with our Jets team.”

“Danny’s game as a goalie really blossomed last season,” Wilson said. “His game maturity and positional disciplines improved exponentially, and his competitive spirit proved a huge asset to our MJDP team.
I have no doubt that him coming back to play for our program again will undoubtedly lead to serious NCAA college team interest.”

Miscavish said his biggest improvement last season wasn’t in any of his movements to make a save, but rather in a more important area of his game.

“The biggest thing for me last year was simply thinking the game,” he said. “I started to understand how hockey should be played. The goalie side of things was all Randy. He showed me new things that seem small but make all the difference. The way he coaches makes me a better goaltender. The coaches expect the best from us every single day and that really goes a long way.”

Now prepping for Jets’ training camp at the beginning of next month, Miscavish has his eyes set on being a leader in 2021-22.

“As a returner this year, I just want the younger guys to see how lucky they are to be here,” said Miscavish. “Nothing really compares to what we do as a team. We are always having fun but at the same time, taking care of business. The situation we are in is perfect for building players and not everyone gets that opportunity.”

For the rest of summer, Miscavish will be finishing playing for the Michigan Athlete Training (MAT) team in the Eastside Elite Hockey League and working.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – After finishing his high school career in 2020 with Warren De La Salle, Nick Twombley decided to stay in Michigan to play junior hockey for the Metro Jets.

One year later, the Boca Raton, Fla., native has made the same decision and will again play for the Jets in 2021-22.

“When deciding to return to the Jets this year, it was a no-brainer for me,” said Twombley. “The Jets offer so much towards the development of my game, including the coaching, facilities, and a family-like environment.

“The Jets are truly a special program. I believe, especially in the USPHL, that nobody can offer what they bring to the table for a player. It is really just such a professionally ran program, and the Jets program as a whole is truly a family.”

Last year, the 2001-born forward recorded nine goals and 37 points in 44 games during the regular season and tacked on two goals and four points in six playoff games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Twombley’s game grow last season and knows the best is yet to come.

“’Twombs’ had a great first year last season,” Quenneville said. “Some players take a little longer to transition to the junior level, but his vision and IQ on the ice helped him find success as the season went on. He’s a great shoebox player that makes skilled plays in tight and provides another element of offense for his linemates. Guys love playing with him because of his vision, and we will be looking to him for leadership early in the season for the younger guys.”

Looking back on last year, Twombley was a key component of the MJDP team advancing deep into the USPHL National Tournament, and he attributes the Jets’ atmosphere for getting the most out of its players.

“Not only do I think I improved on my game as whole, including my skill and skating, but my decision making on the ice improved last year, especially moving up to the junior level,” Twombley said. “As a returning player, I wish to just be an example for young players coming in to the program on the ice and not only showing how the Jets play, but also how we carry ourselves away from the rink.”

For the rest of the summer days, Twombley will be working as an instructor at hockey camps and preparing for Metro’s training camp at Mount Clemens Ice Arena come September.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Robert Grasso will be one of the youngest players with the Metro Jets next season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t make an impact.

A native of Broomfield, Colo., Grasso is a 2004 birth year who spent the 2020-21 season playing 16U AAA for the USPHL’s Northern Cyclones organization.

He came to the USPHL Detroit Combine, hosted by the Jets in April at Mount Clemens Ice Arena, and signed with the club the following week.

“One thing that really appeals to me about playing for the Jets is the atmosphere and team-first mentality,” said Grasso, a talented forward. “The Jets are a very well-run program, and their philosophy is like no other. They focus on developing every player and I am excited about the opportunity to grow and improve.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Grasso has already bought in to the team’s model and can’t wait to see how the youngster will improve over the course of the 2021-22 season.

“Robert visited us again this summer to discuss an opportunity in our program,” explained Quenneville. “He had the opportunity to skate with us and meet some of the players. It was evident he would be a good fit here and we look forward to helping him develop. He skates well, plays hard, and brings energy all over the ice. Even at his age, you can see a lot of upside in his game. I don’t doubt he will take advantage of this environment and the opportunities we can help provide him.”

Grasso noted that he does what’s best for the overall team, something he has always strived to do on prior teams.

“I feel I can contribute to the team with my work ethic and being the best teammate I can be,” Grasso said. “I hope to earn the respect and trust of my teammates by always giving 100 percent effort, being a team player, and using my skills to help us be successful as a team.”

Looking ahead, Grasso has attainable and reasonable goals, and hopes the Jets can provide the springboard to becoming a more well-rounded player and person, at the rink and away from the rink.

“My short-term goal in hockey and life is to prove to myself that I am continuing to grow and improve as a player and person, on and off the ice,” said Grasso. “I believe I can do this by always having a positive attitude and never giving up. My long-term goal in hockey and life is to play hockey at the collegiate level and use my experiences and the skills I’ve gained as an athlete to help me be successful in my future career and life.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Ethan Ryan enters his third and final junior hockey season with the Metro Jets in 2021-22 aiming to be a leader for the younger players, especially the goaltenders.

A 2001 birth year from Howell, Mich., Ryan has seen marked improvement over his first two seasons with the USPHL club and looks for that to continue this fall at Mount Clemens Ice Arena.

“I’ve played with this program for two seasons now and developed my game so much,” said Ryan. “So much of that credit goes to our goalie coach, Randy Wilson, and the rest of the coaching staff. They have lots of knowledge of the game and know how to develop players, on and off the ice.”

During the 2019-20 season, Ryan went 7-3-2 with a 2.85 GAA and a .888 save percentage with two shutouts for the MJDP team. Last season, he finished 4-12-0 with a 4.74 GAA and a .895 save percentage as an older player on the very young MHC squad.

He has also earned a playoff win with the MJDP in 2020.

“We are excited for Ethan heading into this season,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “He has experience and has developed a lot over the last two seasons. He has the ability to stand on his head and steal games. Ethan comes to the rink every day and will out-work and out-battle you. He has already garnered college offers and just like other players in our program, more will come.”

“Working with him for the past two years has been very rewarding as he has matured as a young man and definitely increased and improved his positional understanding as a goalie,” Wilson added. “I have no doubt that with his competitive nature and work ethic, this coming season should produce some more interest from college hockey programs.”

Now back with the Jets, as well as training this summer with Wilson, Ryan is chomping at the bit to get the new season going.

“I think my maturity as a goalie and staying focused on stopping the puck will be a benefit to the team this year,” Ryan said. “I also want to be a good example of what the program can give to the newer players.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Patrick Hays is one of those players that came to the Metro Jets looking to get better and earn himself opportunities with effort, hard work and the right mindset.

Since he arrived in town in 2019, Hays has done just that, and recently re-signed with the USPHL team for his final junior hockey season in 2021-22.

“There wasn’t much of a thought process in deciding to come back,” said Hays, a 2001-born forward from Centerville, Ohio. “I knew heading into the summer I would be living in Michigan, training at the MAT and skating there also. I’ve learned so much and developed even more being here with the Jets that it doesn’t make sense to go anywhere else. They’ve really helped me develop in every aspect of the game and I’m starting to see all of that more and more in different situations, not just as a hockey player.”

During the 2019-20 season, Hays tallied 10 goals and 18 points in 36 games, adding four assists in four playoff games, before doubling those totals last year with 18 goals and 39 points over 39 games plus two goals and six points in the playoffs.

Last season, Hays and the MJDP team came within an eyelash of advancing to the semi-final elimination round of the USPHL National Tournament.

“Without a doubt, last season has given me more motivation to work harder,” said Hays. “We played one bad game and that ultimately cost us a potential national championship run. I don’t expect anything less than making it to a national championship game this next season.”

For Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville, he has seen Hays take enormous strides on the ice and in the gym and sees him potentially taking on a leadership role this upcoming season.

“Watching ‘Haysy’ continue to develop and grow has been rewarding,” said Quenneville. “He has put in the work and dedicated himself to the process. He is a sponge to information and wants to come to the rink every day with an eager mindset. His production last year doubled, but more importantly, he matured and continued to evolve his game on both sides of the puck. He will be a big piece again this year and I know he’s excited to get started.”

Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell echoes Quenneville’s comments.

“Our program prides itself in having good quality people within it, and Patty epitomizes that,” Lovell said. “He’s been a leader both on and off the ice during his time here. He plays in all situations, and we expect him to continue to grow as a hockey player and be a big part of our team’s offense. I know he’s excited for his final year of junior hockey, and we’re excited for him to see where it will take him.”

Hays set realistic goals for the 2021-22 season, one of which is continuing to be a leader for Metro.

“Last season, I think I improved on my maturity the most, learning and understanding more situations in a game and what they mean to your team, and also maturing in the sense of a leader and just making sure I had a positive attitude and lead by example,” Hays added. “For this next season, I want to fill a role as a leader, showing new guys the ropes and continuing to bring a positive attitude every day.

“I feel if I’m working hard on and off the ice other guys will follow and want to get better, day in and day out.”

The rest of August will see Hays continuing to work out and skate at the MAT, in addition to working at his part-time jobs.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Joey Carpenter showed the Metro Jets last season that he is a well-rounded team player.

The 2002-born Waterford, Mich., native could score, stand up for teammates, put in time in the gym, you name it.

Now, he’s back for a second season with the Jets, signing to once again put on the Metro colors in 2021-22.

“We had a fantastic season last year,” said Carpenter. “Our guys had great chemistry and we all worked hard on and off the ice. That is a team that I want to be a part of.

“When I came to the Jets, on the first day I was put right into the training routine. (Jets assistant coach) Jamie (Lovell) helped me get a grasp how to train like a real athlete and on the ice, Coach Q (Justin Quenneville) brought all the training we use upstairs at the MAT into action with the amount of time on the ice and time in the gym. We will always out-train any other program.”

During the 2020-21 season, Carpenter racked up eight goals and 17 points over 26 games.

“Last year, I feel I became a much smarter hockey player,” Carpenter said. “With the training we do on the ice, I was forced to adapt and be a smarter player. Coach Q and Jamie formed our practices on being able to make the right decision in every moment.”

Quenneville saw Carpenter turn a corner last season and is banking on more progress this coming year.

“’Carpy’ really impressed us last season with how he evolved his game in so many areas,” said Quenneville. “More importantly, he did a lot of things you can’t measure on the stat sheet. He is very gifted offensively and does a lot of good things all over the ice. We look forward to using him in all situations this year and help him continue to achieve success on and off the ice. We have some really good pieces coming in this year but retaining players like ‘Carpy’ will only help our program out of the gates and continue to be a difficult team to play against.”

As a second-year player, Carpenter feels he can improve his game in many areas.

“I would like to fill a leadership role on the team and bring our guys together when we most need it,” Carpenter said. “I feel if I worked harder than everyone on the team, it would bring up the pace in practice and it would translate to games.”

The dog days of summer approaching, Carpenter said he has been non-stop preparing for next season.

“For the rest of the summer, I am focusing on the gym and my training to be the best player I can be for the Jets,” said Carpenter.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Kade Bacon is entering his last season of junior hockey and hopes his season with the Metro Jets will be an experience he’ll use to keep playing hockey well past this season.

After playing more than 130 games in other junior leagues, including a season in the USPHL back in 2019-20, the 20-year-old defenseman has signed with the Jets for the 2021-22 campaign.

The 6-foot-5 Bacon was born in Grand Blanc, Mich., and lived in Linden, Mich., up until 11 years ago when his family moved to Wyoming. He’s now banking on a solid season back in his home state.

“I was excited when I connected with (Jets coach-GM) Justin Quenneville about mutual interest,” Bacon said. “The Jets are a well-known junior program and with all the success of the program, I knew this is where I wanted to be. The things that appealed me the most were the college advancements and how successful the team does every single season, on and off the ice.”

Quenneville and the Jets staff have known about Bacon for quite a few years and when the opportunity presented itself for Bacon to skate for the Jets, Quenneville made the move to get Bacon signed.

“We are excited about signing Kade,” Quenneville said. “He is invested in getting the most of his last junior season and willing to put in the work. Not only does he have junior experience, but he brings size and steadiness on the back end. We look forward to working with him full time and helping him get more college exposure.”

What can the Jets expect from Bacon once he touches down in Mount Clemens?

“I feel I can bring a very strong defensive game and be someone that can be relied on to be a calm and confident player,” said Bacon. “I will use what I’ve learned the last few seasons of junior hockey to make this year the best.

“My biggest goal right now is to be able to get more college opportunities and keep playing as long as possible.”