MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Former Metro Jets forward Tyler German, after two seasons at the Tier II level, has committed to play NCAA Division III college hockey with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

A 2000-born native of Canton, Mich., German skated for the Jets during the 2018-19 season and was then named an alternate captain for the 2019-20 season before moving up to play for the Jamestown Rebels. He played the 2020-21 season for the Odessa Jackalopes, tallying seven goals and 21 points in 54 games. With the Rebels, German collected three goals and 11 points in 42 games.

“Tyler is a heart and soul type player with an outstanding work ethic,” said Jackalopes head coach Jason Fortier. “Tyler was loved by his teammates and was voted as co-MVP. His effort on a nightly basis and potential to be a top-tier college player is there.”

With the Jets in 2018-19, German compiled 12 goals and 22 points in 41 games before going for five goals and 13 points over 12 games the following season prior to getting the call to Jamestown.

“Metro played a huge role getting me into the NA, which led me into committing to Stevens Point,” German said. “Coach Q (Justin Quenneville) and (associate coach) Jamie (Lovell) have done an unbelievable job preparing all their players for the next level and I think the history of the Jets program really shows that as well. They supplied me all the tools I needed to better myself every day. I think my game grew tremendously with my time playing for the Jets because with an elite coaching staff, I was fortunate enough to play with 20 guys who wanted the best for each other every day we showed up to the rink.

“There’s not much more you can ask for than that.”

Quenneville said that seeing players like German earn NCAA opportunities has always been what the Jets program is all about.

“We would like to congratulate Ty on his commitment,” Quenneville said. “It’s been fun to watch him grow over the last few seasons and see him succeed. He is deserving of this opportunity, and it’s been fun to work with a player as driven and committed to getting better every day. When he returned for his second season here with the Jets, he put in the work in the offseason and was driven to come in and dominate.

“Make no mistake, Stevens Point is a high-end program, but they will be getting a high-end player. He is a versatile player who can play a lot of different ways and will continue to put in the work to bring his game to another level again, I am sure of it.”

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is located in Stevens Point, Wis., part of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Pointers are six-time national champions with their most recent titles coming in 2016 and 2019.

“Going into Stevens Point, I hope to be able to play wherever they need me to and to the best of my ability,” said German.

In the classroom, German is planning to major in Data Analytics.

At the end of the day, German noted that his start with the Jets provided a springboard to bigger opportunities at higher levels and wants to pass on that insight to future Metro players.

“My advice to incoming Jets players is to be ready to absorb every bit of information Q and Jamie give you because they don’t just make you a better hockey player they make you a better person as well,” German said. “Enjoy being a Jet and being at the rink every day. It’s definitely a privilege to throw on that jersey.”

Reference: [ https://www.metrojetshockey.com/news_article/show/1172876 ]

FRASER, Mich. – The MJDP rebounded from a 3-1 loss Saturday night to the Decatur Blaze with a dominant 6-2 win over the Blaze Sunday afternoon at Fraser Hockeyland.

The win, coupled with the Chicago Cougars’ loss Friday night to the Detroit Fighting Irish, earns the MJDP the Midwest Division championship for the 2020-21 season.

“We finally found the back of the net,” said Metro Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “Last night, we made the goalie look good and today, we got some dirty goals and got some net-front traffic. It gives these guys some confidence going into the break here.”

With the division wrapped up, the MJDP gets a first-round bye and will start the playoffs tentatively two weekends from now.

Even facing adversity after a 4-5-1 February record, the MJDP kept a positive mindset throughout the month.

“It’s good to end on a good note here,” said Jets forward Brayden Tayles, who serves as captain of the MJDP team. “Hopefully, we can keep our foot on the gas.”

“We’re ready for playoffs and we’re ready for who’s next,” added Jets defenseman Jake Aslanian. “We were slow this month, but we showed we can bounce back.”

In Sunday’s win, Tommy Purton (pictured front) and Nick Twombley each had a goal and an assist, Joey Mocnik and Aslanian posted two assists each, and Caden Fisher stopped 18 shots in goal.

Garrick Smith, Kam Hellman, Herman Ahokas and Seth Beagle added single goals in the win.

Saturday night, Hellman netted the lone goal (pictured below) and Daniel Miscavish made 22 saves in taking the loss between the pipes.

Stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com for all playoff updates, as well as to the Jets’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Once he was able to join the Metro Jets last season, Herman Ahokas made quite the impact with the MJDP team.

This season, the native of Linkoping, Sweden figures to have a bigger role on a full-time basis for the USPHL organization, having signed this week to return to the United States.

“It was an easy decision,” said Ahokas, a 2001 birth year forward. “I want to see what can happen with even more time with this organization after just having spent two months there and learning as much as I did last season.

“With such a strong foundation, the club becomes a very attractive place to play for good players. And then good players attract good players. That’s why I think the Jets are such a successful club every year. All this makes it an even better feeling to put on that jersey.”

Last year, Ahokas collected six goals and 18 points in 18 games in the regular season and playoffs.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville sees a larger role for Ahokas in 2021-22.

“Unfortunately, Herman was not able to be with the team early in the season because of visa issues,” said Quenneville. “In the end when Herman arrived and started getting his game adjusted, he brought another dynamic to the group. Herman was a perfect fit here and in this environment. We are built to help hockey players invest in themselves and our environment provides players like him everything he wants.

“Herman is driven, he wants to improve his game every day and plays the game the right way. With his size, skill and shot, it was only a matter of time before he was rewarded. He will be a big part of this organization this year and we look forward to working with him again.”

Ahokas said that more than points on the scoresheet, his game went to another level last season with the Jets.

“Just adjusting to the American way to play made my view of the game wider,” Ahokas said. “I became better with things like being in the right spot where the puck will come and found myself more available for plays. With good drills and a lot of video clips, the Jets really gave me that help I needed.

“From my experience last year, I think I will be able to contribute by being calm with the puck and seeing different plays. I will also try to put myself in a spot where I can take advantage of my shot and also capitalize on it.”

Before heading back across the Atlantic Ocean, Ahokas has summer plans.

“Nothing special, really, just work and exercise,” said Ahokas. “I also want to spend some time at the golf course and also just rest between, preferably at the sea with some friends.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Tim Washburn suited up for the Metro Jets last season and quickly emerged as a leader on the MJDP squad.

One year later, the 2001-born Davison, Mich., native has re-upped with the Jets for his final season of junior hockey in 2021-22.

“Returning wasn’t really a long thought-out process,” Washburn said. “I enjoyed the year. Loved the coaches and players and ready to experience it again. Over the year, I really learned how to adapt and play with good players that have different styles to make a sturdy line and help our team win games.

“As one of the returning players, I want to show the younger players the depth this team and league have while providing them with a role model of worth ethic and discipline.”

During the 2020-21 season, Washburn recorded 19 goals and 39 points in 38 games, plus three goals and seven points in six USPHL playoff games.

“Tim re-signing is big news for a lot of reasons,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “He’s a pain to play against, he brings a level of intensity every shift that won’t be matched, and he has great instincts all over the ice. He quietly put up a point per game last year and scored some big goals, including playoffs. Not only is he strong on pucks, but he can make plays all over the ice. We look forward to working with him in his last year of junior and I know many schools will be excited to watch him play.”

Washburn also noted that the Jets organization is more than talented players on the ice.

“I think the Jets have a public face that shows helping out, whether it’s running little kids hockey camps or anything that involves our members giving back to the community,” he said.

This summer before heading to Mount Clemens Ice Arena, Washburn is going to work at a medical office, work out and keep skating to prepare for next season.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Mitch Forton is on the move again.

After leaving his Petoskey, Mich., home in the fall of 2019 and again in the fall of 2020 to play for the Metro Jets, Forton is now off to play college hockey at Indiana Tech University, starting with the fall of 2021.

The 2000 birth year forward noted that he’s not heading to Fort Wayne completely in the dark.

“Indiana Tech had some interest in me, and I knew that from my many college-oriented meetings I had with the Metro coaching staff,” said Forton. “It also ended up working to my advantage that my childhood friend’s dad is good friends with the DiCristofaro family, so there was a good connection there (Frank DiCristofaro is Indiana Tech’s head coach). Indiana Tech had a good nationals run and after they took care of business, there Coach Frank contacted me, and I decided to visit and liked it a lot.”

Over his two seasons with the Jets, Forton played 79 games for the MJDP team, compiling 33 goals and 63 points during the regular season and another 11 points in 10 USPHL playoff games. He also served as an alternate captain this past season.

More than points, Forton said his overall development is ultimately what led to his college hockey opportunity.

“The Metro Jets organization played a huge role in my development, both on and off the ice,” said Forton. “They facilitate a professional atmosphere from Square 1 and that transfers over onto the ice as well as in a public setting. Because of Metro’s outstanding focus on player development and the facilities they provide for their players, I am now ready to make an impact on the ice with the habits I developed there. I am also mentally equipped to handle the workload and stress of college learning environment, balance schooling and athletics in an efficient manner and handling any adversity that life throws my way.

“I think that, overall, my seasons with the Jets were good seasons. I picked up a multitude of good habits on the ice, in the gym, and on the road my first year and then solidified their application more so in my second. Top that off with a strong national tournament showing for MJDP my second year, and I’d say that in the end as an individual and as a program, they were successful.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Forton join the team as a green junior player, but after two seasons, is ready to watch his excel in college.

“’Forts’ is a player who will be sorely missed,” Quenneville said. “You do not see many throwback players much these days and that was a big a reason why he garnered so much attention from colleges. He developed so much while he was here for his two years and is deserving of this opportunity. He plays the game the right way, he’s physical, he’s strong, he commits to the hard areas, and he played a huge role in the team success.

“What is most impressive with this young man is his maturity and mental toughness. Not only was he a leader, but he was a player coaches could count on night in night out to play the game needed to win. He gets it and we just wish we could clone him every year. The Jets organization would like to thank Mitch for his efforts here and wish him the best of luck at a top-notch program in ITU.”

After a summer of boating, jet skiing and working construction, Forton will leave for college with zero expectations.

“G.K. Chesterton once said, ‘Expect nothing and you’ll be gloriously surprised,’” said Forton. “I expect nothing to be given to me and everything to be earned. I have no preconceived notions of where I’ll fit, but I do know my strengths and I plan to work hard and let the coaches decide where I fit in best based on my work ethic and skill set.”

Forton plans on focusing on a Business Administration-Entrepreneurial Studies curriculum.

Coming from a family of 10 children (Mitch is ninth in line), Forton said family has always mattered when it came to hockey.

“I have to thank my mom and dad for pushing me to get into hockey as a kid and then supporting me when I decided to play junior hockey instead of head right to university,” Forton said. “They were the ones who dressed me when I didn’t want to go to practices and, ultimately, that turned into my love of for the sport. I have to thank Metro coaching staff – Justin (Quenneville), Jamie (Lovell), Randy (Wilson), Tina (Ciraulo), and Dan (Pszenyczny) – for developing my skill sets over the last two years and being positive role models in the two years I was there. I also would like to thank the staff at Petoskey Ice Arena for being good to me in the offseason as well.

“Each has played a huge part respectively in my development.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Nick Ceccarini came to the Metro Jets as a raw 16-year-old back in 2018 and after recently re-upping with the USPHL club for his final season of junior hockey, figures to be a prominent leader for the team in 2021-22.

Truth be told, Ceccarini is banking on his fourth season in Jets colors to be the best yet.

“Last year’s season did not end the way we wanted, and it left the boys and myself extremely frustrated,” said Ceccarini, a 2001 birth year out of Miller Place, N.Y., on Long Island. “We all battled all year to get to nationals and to have an end to the season the way we did was not satisfying. Going into this season, I would like to have the same mentality going into every game as if it’s my last and give every game my all. It takes sacrifices, some good and some bad, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to bring that ring back home this season.”

Ceccarini also said that being in Mount Clemens is the only place he wants to be for junior hockey. The Jets have been instrumental in Ceccarini earning NCDC call-ups in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

“As my last year in junior hockey, I felt it was best for me to come back to Metro because they have a coaching staff and an organization that has proven to be successful in preparing players and giving them all the right resources to move on to the next level, whether it’s college or to the next junior level,” Ceccarini said. “The Jets are such a prestigious organization. Everybody knows the Metro Jets as a top team in the USPHL as they have been having outstanding seasons over the past several years. This brings out teams’ best games every game they play as if it’s their Game 7, making every game very competitive.

“The Jets also have a staff and coaches that are extremely supportive and bring the best out of every player, on and off the ice.”

Ask Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville what he has seen out of Ceccarini since 2018 and he oozes with enthusiasm.

“It’s great news when a veteran player wants to re-sign,” Quenneville said. “’Cecc’ has been a versatile and consistent player each year. He does so many little plays on the ice people don’t necessarily see, but hockey people notice and note the high IQ. Where he lacks in size, he makes up in ability to be involved in every shift. The great thing about him is that we know he’ll get involved at some point in a game that will be importance for us offensively. He is one of the leading playoff scorers for a reason and that is because he continues to score big goals in big games.

“We look forward to helping achieve his goal to play NCAA like so many others in our program.”

In his three seasons with the Jets, Ceccarini, who was named an alternate captain in 2020-21, has registered 93 points on 43 goals and 50 assists, adding another 12 points (11 goals, assist) in 15 postseason games.

Wearing an ‘A’ last season, Ceccarini was recognized for his leadership qualities, on and off the ice. He wants to continue that aspect of his career this fall.

“This past year, I feel I learned what responsibility really was on the ice,” said Ceccarini. “Not just my role and where I have to be in certain scenarios, but also the off games where pucks just aren’t going my way. I’ve learned that simplifying my game and falling back to my good habits can be very beneficial. It could be in the close games where you need a dirty goal net-front or late in the period when you need to block that last shot. I’ve learned that relying on good habits and not panicking can lead to much better results.

“As a four-year guy, I would like to take on a role as a leader of the team, on and off the ice, whether it’s leading by example, physically working my hardest, or verbally to teammates.”

Before next season, Ceccarini has an agenda this offseason.

“My plans for the summer are really to be in the gym as much as I can and get on the ice as much as possible to be set and ready from Day 1 of the season,” said Ceccarini.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Owen Ott earned numerous accolades playing high school hockey for Riley High School in South Bend, Ind.

Riley team captain. Team Indiana captain. Riley High School MVP. Michiana High School Hockey League All-Conference. Indiana Academic All-State.

It was that success that the 2002 birth year forward hopes leads to more of the same this upcoming season with the Metro Jets after recently signing with the USPHL organization.

“After many well-established coaches spoke so highly of the Metro Jets program, I did some of my own research and reached out to Coach Q (Justin Quenneville),” said Ott, a native of La Porte, Ind. “After a few conversations on the phone and a road trip to Mount Clemens to skate for the team, I could not wait to sign my contract.

“The reputation of the team is outstanding. With a track record that speaks for itself, the Jets seem to provide an exceptional opportunity for career advancements.”

Ott is another incoming rookie that Quenneville is excited to see wear a Jets uniform in the fall.

“We initially heard about Owen through different contacts that saw him play,” Quenneville said. “A couple college coaches we work with helped push him to us and once we met, it was a no-brainer. He’s big, he’s strong, he works, and he wants to continue to develop. He had a lot of success in high school and was noticeably stronger than his competition. He knows he has to continue to invest in himself, and we look forward to working with him.”

Noting that he can bring “a strong, physical, offensive presence to the program,” Ott also added that he is “driven to win” and looks forward to helping the team achieve its goals, both on and off the ice.

Down the road, Ott wants to chase his dream of college hockey.

“That has also been a goal of mine, to play NCAA hockey,” Ott said. “The Jets place players every year at the NCAA level. I am also pursuing a career in business and marketing.”

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Alex Bedenko hopes to be the latest local talent to make an impact with the Metro Jets.

A late 2003-born winger from Macomb, Mich., Bedenko starred last season for the HoneyBaked 18U AAA team, the same team recent signee Devon Mastay played for as well.

Now, Bedenko will play closer to home with one of the USPHL’s powerhouse organizations.

“I met the coaches at a combine and went from there,” said Bedenko. “There is so much to like about the Jets program – the amount of exposure, the guys on the team are fun to be around, and the coaching staff has a goal in mind for each player’s future. They have proven to provide opportunities for so many players.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville feels Bedenko can be a difference maker in 2021-22.

“Alex impressed us at the combine, but we have kept an eye on him since last year,” Quenneville said. “He is ready for this opportunity and will fit right in with this environment. The initial variables in his game are evident. He has a strong skill set and a quick release. We look forward to helping him develop and take advantage of this opportunity. So far, I have been very impressed on and off the ice.”

Bedenko said his strengths on the ice include scoring goals, especially coming off the wing. It’s those traits he hopes will lead to higher levels of the game.

“I want to play Tier II eventually and then move on to play NCAA Division I college hockey,” Bedenko said.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – It’s only May, but the Metro Jets have already started signing players for the 2021-22 season.

Today, the Jets announced the signing of Devon Mastay, a 2003-born defenseman out of Westminster, Colo.

The brother of current Jets forward Cody Mastay, the younger Mastay skated the 2020-21 season with the HoneyBaked 18U AAA team.

“I signed with the Jets because I was scouted throughout the year, and I mostly have had interest in the team because of my brother Cody’s experience with the team,” Mastay said. “I feel that I can bring physicality and a strong defensive presence to the Jets. To me, one of the biggest appeals of the team is the development. I saw how the team developed over the season. The team growth was substantial, and I know that the coaching staff is top notch. I also know the Jets have an amazing culture within the program.”

Mastay won’t turn 18 until Oct. 24.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville is elated to get Mastay signed and secured for next season, the team’s first at Mount Clemens Ice Arena.

“We are excited about signing Devon and look forward to helping him develop,” said Quenneville. “He will fit right in with this environment and get an opportunity to showcase himself to the country here. He has very good instincts on the back end and plays the game the right way on both sides of the puck.

“We believe he will transition well and put in the work to reach his goals. He comes from a good family and his work ethic is just like his brother Cody.”

Moving forward, Mastay said his goals in hockey are to play Tier II hockey at some point along with playing college hockey, earning a degree, and running his own business one day.

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Matt Cruz came to the Metro Jets three years ago as an above-average defenseman who was hoping to use hockey as a springboard to NCAA hockey.

Three years later, mission accomplished.

Last week, the 2000-born native of New Baltimore, Mich., committed to NCAA Division III New England College, a team that already boasts several Jets alumni in forwards Anthony Cinato, Jhuwon Davis, Connor Inger, Trevor Momot and Justin Renzi, in addition to goaltender Andrew Kormos.

“I’ve always been very interested in NEC, and it seemed like the place to be,” said Cruz, who served as the Jets’ captain this past season. “When Dakota Bell, NEC’s assistant coach, came and introduced himself to me at one of the USPHL Showcases this season, I was all in. Having past teammates of mine at NEC will make the transition that much easier and comfortable for me. I am very excited to reunite with them and get things rolling.

“I am very excited to get into NEC and work. My whole hockey life, I’ve been challenged and had to work for what I want, and I am ready to do that at this next level. I am ready to make a difference in any way I can.”

In the classroom, Cruz said he is looking to major in Business or Health Sciences.

Overall, Cruz said that he owes all of his success to the Jets and the organization’s well-documented development model.

“I owe all of my development to the Jets,” said Cruz. “I was a completely different player a few years ago. They transformed me into a well-rounded hockey player. They never spoke it, but basically what you put in during the season is what you’ll get out of it. They have all the resources to turn any player into a college hockey player, and I owe it all to them.

“My three years at the Jets were the best. Each year was very different and special in its own way. I went to China, twice winning bronze representing the USA with the Jets, had a shot at winning a national championship all three years, met some unbelievable people, and developed so much every year as a player. I am proud of what I accomplished, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville and associate coach Jamie Lovell said the Jets takes pride in developing good hockey players into great hockey players and even better citizens.

“’Cruzy’ came here really green, but the potential was always there,” Quenneville said. “He really turned a page after his first season with us when he fully committed to his game on both sides of the puck. He worked off the ice just as hard, and it showed each season. Not only was he captain of the Jets this year, but he was a huge reason for our program returning to nationals. He is deserving of this opportunity and NEC will be getting an offensive defenseman with a big shot that can skate with the best of them. We are fortunate that NCAA opportunities are available here, and now Cruzy will join many past Jets at one of top programs in the country. We wish him the best of luck.”

“I couldn’t be more excited for Cruzy,” added Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “Over the past three years, it has been a pleasure to watch him develop from a young defenseman with a lot of raw skill coming out of midget hockey, to watching him grow into the mature, all around ‘do everything well’ defenseman we saw by the end of his time here with us. He was the ultimate leader of this program both on and off the ice this past season. Had he not got injured at the end of the season, who knows what might have been? Maybe we’d be saying that he finished off his last season of junior hockey as a champion. He was that important to our group and it definitely hurt not having him at 100 percent during the playoffs.

“But he’s off to better things now, a new chapter, college hockey, and I don’t doubt that Matt will bring that same work ethic and talent to NEC next season. They’re very lucky to have him. Looking forward to working with him more this summer at The MAT to prepare him for training camp in the fall.”

Last season, Cruz recorded five goals and 26 points in 36 games for the Jets and totaled 26 goals and 70 points in 122 regular-season games, as well as three assists in 13 USPHL playoff games.

At the end of the day, Cruz knows reaching milestones is anything but an individual effort.

“I would like to thank everybody I’ve ever played with,” Cruz said. “I started my hockey career when I was about five years old and I’ve met some incredible people. I am forever grateful for the memories and experiences we shared together. I would also like to thank my entire family. Throughout all of my hockey career, they’ve always been there for me.

“I would especially like to thank my mom and dad. Without them and all of the tremendous sacrifices they made for me during my hockey career, I hope me committing to a prestigious school like NEC would be my way of saying ‘thank you’ for always believing in me.”

Over the summer, Cruz has plans to get in the gym to get bigger and stronger, continue skating as much as he can, and work in landscaping to keep busy away from the rink.