FRASER, Mich. – Common sense is a quality Conner Graham exudes.

After finishing his second season with the Metro Jets in 2019-20, the 2000-born forward from Lake Orion, Mich., had options for the 2020-21 season, but only one checked all the boxes.

“I was in between going to school for this year and coming back all summer but when it came down to it, I knew that coming back another year, getting better, and a chance for an offer to attend a school and play college hockey was what I needed,” Graham said. “I think the coaching and everyone that helps with the organization is what makes it so prestigious. The setup and all the time we are capable of putting in on and off the ice as well as the work the coaches put in to get our names out there, talking to schools, and helping us get better along the way, this organization does it all.”

Last season, Graham averaged better than a point per game with 16 goals and 46 points in 44 games. He also added two goals and six points in three USPHL playoff games. His regular-season numbers nearly doubled his rookie year marks in 2018-19 of 10 goals and 24 points over 43 games.

“Honestly, my overall confidence as a centerman and player improved last year,” said Graham. “This year, being a third-year guy, I want to take the role of a leader and be a go-to guy on offense.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville loves the skill set Graham brings to the rink each day and feels he is a college hockey player in the making.

“’Grahamer’ is an elite player with high-end hockey IQ,” Quenneville said. “We have already had multiple NCAA schools ask about him before the season has even started. He will be highly recruited this year, no doubt. What makes him so valuable is his versatility as a player. He gets the game and makes necessary adjustments all over the ice. Not only does he make great plays offensively, he takes important faceoffs for us, can QB the power play for us up top or on the half wall and a big reason why players always want to play with him.

“We are excited to help him this year and he will be a valuable piece to our program again this year.”

Going into the upcoming season, Graham realizes that how last season ended with the COVID-19 outbreak left him “very unsatisfied.”

“It was sad working hard all year for nationals just for it to end after the first game,” Graham said. “Hoping to have that opportunity again and win it. The rest of this summer, I’m going to continue to work out off the ice, finish working my job, and then get on ice and start skating.”

FRASER, Mich. – Alec Lindecker is one of those players that is hard not to notice on the ice.

From his size to laying on big hits to scoring timely goals to being a team-first player, Lindecker made his mark early last season after joining the Metro Jets from the Tier II ranks.

The 2000 birth year from Romeo, Mich., will finish his junior career with the Jets in 2020-21 after recently re-signing with the USPHL club.

“This summer has been a lot different than most due to everything going on in the world, and I wasn’t really sure what I was doing whether I wanted to try to move back up to the Tier II level or come back,” Lindecker said. “After getting down to the pros and cons and unsure if most leagues were going to have a season or not, Metro was just a better fit and a smarter choice for the future. I’m excited to be back.

“Everything about this program is first class. The ownership, coaching, staff, volunteers, and the setup just speaks for itself. It’s a special spot to be and I am very thankful I have had the chance to experience it. No other program like it.”

Last year with the Jets, Lindecker registered 16 goals and 28 points in 37 games, earning increased ice time as the season wore on.

“Getting Alec back is huge because of his leadership and his on-ice presence,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “He became a big-time player for our club the second half of the year and his versatility will be paramount early in the season again this year. When he came from the NAHL, he committed to working on his game and noticeably improved his skill set and decision making as the season progressed. He also brings size, passion and experience to the table, a big reason why teams hate playing against us and why he will receive a lot of NCAA attention this season.”

Lindecker added that more than points, his game took a definitive turn last year.

“My biggest improvement was definitely figuring out my role and the player I am,” said Lindecker. “It was something that I told ‘Q’ at the beginning of the year, that I really wanted to focus more on being consistent night in and night out and not getting away from my game. He helped develop my game and really helped pinpoint my strong attributes.”

As a last-year junior player, Lindecker wants the season to be one to remember.

“I want to be the guy that my coaches can count on me in every situation, to be the guy to step up in big situations, to be a leader on and off the ice, someone the younger guys can look up to,” Lindecker said. “We have a lot of great leadership coming back and I’m excited to get started.

“The way last season ended, honestly, it was tough. It left a bad taste in my mouth. We had a special group last year and wanted to earn a ring. It’s unfortunate for the way things ended, especially for the graduating players. It’s sad, but now it’s time to look at the present. The boys are ready and hungry for a national championship. It’s going to be a fun year.

“It’s a big year for me especially, and it’s exciting. Like I said, last year was a tough ending. Definitely want to make it a memorable year. Sealing it off with a national championship would be the perfect way to end my junior career. Other goals would to be to earn a NCAA commitment. I’m ready for the process this year and pumped to start piecing together my future. It’s an exciting year, for sure.”

FRASER, Mich. – Dylan Tegtmeyer moved away from his Fort Wayne, Ind., home last year to fine-tune his game with the Metro Jets with hopes in getting a college hockey opportunity.

He did – and now he’s heading back home to play for Indiana Tech University.

“Coach (Frank) DiCristofaro spoke with me at the showcase in Chicago,” said Tegtmeyer, a 1999 birth year forward who will join fellow Jets graduate Brady Hanson with the Warriors. “We had previously spoken before during my senior year of high school. I’m looking forward to joining the Indiana Tech hockey program and feel very fortunate to be going to such a high-quality program, which happens to be in Fort Wayne.

“It’s nice to go full circle and return to play in my hometown in front of my friends and family. I’d like to thank Coach Q (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) for guiding me through the college process and pointing me to the organization that fits me best. I’m unsure what role I will play at Tech, but whatever it is, I will embrace it and be the best I can at it.”

In the classroom, Tegtmeyer said he’s undecided on a major.

Last season with the MJDP, Tegtmeyer posted two goals and three points in 23 games. He missed significant time with a broken hand suffered in the season opener in Chicago that required surgery.

“It is certainly not the way I had envisioned my starting season with the Jets organization, and I was extremely disappointed,” Tegtmeyer. “However, you have to make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in, and so I continued with any training I was able to do throughout my recovery. I’m pleased with where I was able to end my season with the Jets, and grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a player with the team.”

“The Jets rounded out my game by helping me to refine and build upon areas with which I had struggled in the past. This includes systems and learning to use my frame in a more efficient way. They also gave me the tools on and off the ice to become a well-rounded, complete player.”

Quenneville was enamored with the way Tegtmeyer dealt with adversity throughout the season.

“It’s bittersweet to see Dylan commit to Indiana Tech after everything he has been through,” said Quenneville. “He had a not-so-pleasant experience with his first junior team out east two years ago, then opted to come play for us here and invest in himself. Unfortunately for him, he got hurt early, but at no point did he complain or lay down. He came to work every day and did everything he could to be more than ready when it was time. He is coachable, works hard every day, wants to better himself in every sense, and ultimately a big reason why he finished successfully here.

“He was approached by several schools and he took his time to navigate through the options. He picked a good one with ITU, and we wish him nothing but the best of luck.”

After his up-and-down season, Tegtmeyer was certainly not short on people to thank.

“I would like to thank the Jets coaching staff – Coach Q, (associate head coach) Jamie Lovell and (assistant coaches) Dan Pszenyczny and Randy Wilson – for helping me achieve my goal of playing college hockey,” said Tegtmeyer. “I’d like to thank my teammates for always pushing me to be better, and my family for their support and the sacrifices they’ve made for me to pursue my dream.

“I also want to say ‘thank you’ to my billet family Rob and Meagan Smoyer for opening up their home to me.”

Since the beginning of June, Tegtmeyer has been skating as much as possible at his home rink and continuing his off-ice training and conditioning workouts. He said he will also enjoy the rest of summer with family and friends and working at the rink as a hockey instructor.

FRASER, Mich. – Coming to the Metro Jets with three years of junior hockey experience under his belt, Jack Mueller figures to be an impact player when he takes his spot on the blue line in September.

As a 2000 birth year, the 2020-21 USPHL season will be Mueller’s last in junior hockey, but one that he feels could be the most rewarding.

“My advisor knows Coach Q (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) and both had been in contact with each other,” said Mueller, a native of Sandusky, Ohio. “I was able to skate with some of the guys and see firsthand how they operate. I plan on finishing a strong last year of juniors and using that momentum to play four solid years of college hockey.”

The Jets are coming off a season that saw players make nine NCAA commitments and 17 total college commitments. Mueller looks to join that list of players and take advantage of the Jets’ platform.

Last season, Mueller skated for two teams in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, putting up 11 assists in 49 games.

Quenneville has done his homework on Mueller and knows what he’s getting for the upcoming season.

“The hockey world is small, and we are fortunate that other great programs, coaches and hockey people are willing to guide players here because of our model,” said Quenneville. “We took the time to find out more about Jack and had several discussions about helping him get in front of more schools. Jack will not only benefit from this environment but will work to invest in himself this season. His junior experience will benefit him as he is a very driven player.

“We were impressed with his abilities and instincts on and off the puck. He does a lot of things well on the ice, and I know teams will have a hard time playing against him. We look forward to working with him and helping find the best college opportunity for him.”

Mueller noted that he couldn’t be happier signing with the Jets and is excited to see what lies ahead.

“The Jets are notorious for not only success during the season in the win column, but also in the ability to move players to the next level, whether it’s higher-level junior or college,” said Mueller. “Metro’s resume is beyond impressive for moving players to college. Scouts and coaches come to Metro looking for their next wave of talented players and good men.

“I have three prior years of junior experience along with an incredible urge to battle and compete to get better every day.”

Two fun and fast-paced days of hockey came to a close with the end of the 2020 NCDC Detroit Combine, which was held July 30-31 at Fraser Hockeyland in Fraser, Mich., home of the Metro Jets.

The Combine featured 160 players ranging in birth years from 2000 to 2004. The Combine, originally scheduled for April 12-13, was twice postponed due to Covid-19 concerns. The USPHL followed all state and federal health regulations in holding the event, with the utmost focus and priority being on the health of all attendees.

The Combine had representation from coaches with teams at all levels of the USPHL. There was also an informational session held featuring League Office personnel as well as the host team’s head coach and event organizer Justin Quenneville of the Metro Jets. Players and parents alike were introduced to and educated on the USPHL’s multi-tiered development model and its success in placing players in college hockey. Last year, more than 1,200 USPHL alumni were active in college hockey, with roughly 400 earning NCAA athletic and academic awards.

“It was very impressive, the level of talent was very good,” said Dave Peters, the NCDC Deputy Commissioner. “There was a lot of skill on the ice, a good pace to games, and it was a good opportunity for players at both the NCDC and Premier to evaluate players.

“The hosts have done an outstanding job, with all that’s going on with the pandemic, all the changes we’ve had to make, and with all the protocols and requirements that were put in. People are able to maintain social distancing, everybody has a mask on. We’ve had to change the dates and change the location of Chicago, but the League Office and the teams hosting have done a really good job of making the adjustments and making this work.”

“For me, it’s been fun being the host but it’s definitely a team effort,” said Quenneville. “From the League down, I really appreciate the support. I’m very fortunate to have a cast here to make this event very professional and very safe. It’s very fortunate that the League is willing to invest in coming out here and showcasing other options out here for players.”

The event had representatives from nearly half of the NCDC, as well as a large portion of the USPHL Premier. Cody Murphy is the head coach of the first-year Elmira Jr. Enforcers, and commented on how both 2020 Combines, including the aforementioned Chicago Combine (June 13-14 in Dyer, Ind.)

“It’s huge for us to see all the different prospects that come from here and a lot of guys who are sleepers,” he said. “We’re thankful that the USPHL puts on these Combines.”

“I love these Combines,” added Mike Stanaway, Head Coach of the New York Aviators. “It gives kids an opportunity to come in and really see what our league is all about and they get the opportunity to meet coaches from different divisions. From a coaching standpoint, it’s great. You’re getting a good cross-section of kids and the quality is fantastic here.”

FRASER, Mich. – Mitch Forton had a strong offensive season with the Metro Jets in 2019-20, and by re-signing with the club for the upcoming 2020-21 season, is banking on improving even more next year as he enters his final season of junior hockey eligibility.

Forton, a 2000 birth year from Petoskey, Mich., registered 16 goals and 23 points with the MJDP team last season and also picked up an assist in seven games with the Jets.

“There are a lot of factors that went into my decision to come back for a second year, but the primary one is the people in the program,” Forton said. “I invest in people and the Metro staff is one of the best I’ve come across in the hockey world. From top to bottom, they care about every player and their development and that type of attention can be rare. Not only is the staff phenomenal, but their mindset and effective methods for individual development attracts kids who want to buy in to the program and put in work to advance to the next level.

“As a second-year guy, I simply plan on bearing down and working to further my development. At the end of the day, an advancement to the next level is what a player is after and it’s hard to get that scholarship or contract without putting in work.”

The ninth of 10 kids, with one being older brother Kenny, who played for the Jets during the 2013-14 season, the younger Forton became enamored with the Jets from Day 1 last season.

“The Jets are such a prestigious and successful organization because of the people and the facilities,” Forton said. “The intense focus on individual development along with the ice time players get and access to the MAT allows anyone who buys in the tools to progress their game. And that’s really the key; Metro can get players to buy in.

“The coaching staff harbors a vast base of hockey knowledge from their experience over the years playing and coaching in various leagues and that is evident to the players who come to play and experience a season with Metro or even in small conversations with the staff.”

Metro coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Forton’s game improve in leaps and bounds last year, and he expects more of the same this coming season.

“’Forts’ coming back is great news for us and bad for other teams,” Quenneville said. “This kid is coming in ready to take off from where he ended last season. He really developed his game from top to bottom. He plays really well in the hard areas, is not afraid to go to the net and offensively, can play with the best of them. I know he’s excited to get back at it here, but we are equally excited to get him back in our circle.

“He is a quiet leader, works hard at his game and will be a great role model for our younger guys. He will be another highly-scouted college player here and have several options to pick from.”

Forton said that daily improvement is the name of the game with the Jets.

“I think that my presence down low in the corners and in front of the net along with my decision making in those areas improved the most last season,” said Forton. “Decision making is definitely the biggest one because I had to break some bad habits that I had developed prior to coming to Metro, and that affected my play a lot. Metro definitely smoothed out some of those decision-making bumps.”

Heading into next year looking to finish on a high note, Forton is anxious to get going.

“Ending last season in the second round was not a great feeling,” said Forton. “It’s a feeling I’d rather avoid and all the more reason to step it up a notch as an individual as well as a team so we can continue the Metro tradition of excellency on and off the ice.”

The rest of this summer, Forton said he’ll be participating in a six-week hockey camp and roofing on weekends until the season starts.

FRASER, Mich. – It’s been said for many years that defense wins hockey games.

The Metro Jets won 75 of 88 regular-season games the past two seasons and made it to the USPHL National Tournament both years.

On the blue line, stalwart Brady Hanson emerged as a leader and reliable defenseman for the Jets, contributing to many of those victories.

It’s that skill and character that will see the 1999 birth year from Northville, Mich., play college hockey next season for Indiana Tech University.

“Coach (Frank) DiCristofaro watched me play at the USPHL Chicago Showcase last fall and he talked to me about Indiana Tech after one of the games,” Hanson said. “I went and visited the campus in early June and loved everything about the school and the hockey program.

“I’m going to bring a hard work ethic, on and off the ice. That will hopefully translate to making me and my teammates better.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said whenever Hanson is on the ice, he knows the defensive end of the rink is taken care of.

“We are excited for ‘Hanny’ and his decision to attend ITU,” Quenneville said. “They have a great coaching staff and very strong program every year on the ice. Hanny had several NCAA options and in the end, saw this opportunity as the best fit academically and on the ice. He is a competitive player and has done really well here the past two seasons. Notably on the other side of the puck is where we noticed the most improvement in his game.

“He did a great job being a hard player to play against every night and became reliable in many PK situations. He also possesses one of the hardest releases from the point which they will love there. We are happy for Brady and we wish him the best of luck.”

In the classroom at Indiana Tech, located in Fort Wayne, Hanson is looking at majoring in Fitness and Recreation or Exercise Science.

Last season with the Jets, Hanson notched seven goals and 19 points in 44 games before adding a goal and an assist in three playoff games. In 2018-19, he collected six goals and 14 points in 41 games with a goal plus a helper in seven playoff games.

“The coaches worked with me to help me make better decisions on the ice,” Hanson said. “The Jets were my favorite team I’ve ever played for. I had great teammates for those two years and the coaches were excellent.

“I would like to thank all of my coaches over the years that helped me to develop my game and I would also like to thank my parents for the sacrifices they made so that I can play hockey.”

This summer, Hanson said he has been working out three times a week and skating 3-4 times a week to get ready for the grind of college hockey.

“My family and I are planning to go up to Northern Michigan for a vacation prior to the start of the fall semester,” Hanson said. “Other than that, I’ll just continue to work out and skate to get ready.”

FRASER, Mich. – Trevor Granzow came to the Metro Jets prior to the 2017-18 season as a local player looking to develop his game and see where it could take him.

Almost three years later, the 1999 birth year from Ray Township, Mich., leaves the team with a national championship ring and a commitment to Liberty University.

The national title came in Granzow’s rookie year and the Liberty decision happened recently, though it had been in the works for some time.

“I was first introduced to Liberty at the first USPHL Showcase of the year in Chicago,” Granzow said. “I met with one of the coaches and he basically told me to keep in touch throughout the year and I did exactly that. Going away to school is going to be a new experience for me that I am excited to begin. I have been playing hockey since I was 3 and played for my local travel team all the way until I was 16 years old. I then came to the jets, which was also extremely close to home, so this will be the first time I am leaving the state to play for a different team, but I am extremely excited to begin this journey.”

Liberty is located in Lynchburg, Va., and is one of the largest Christian universities in the world.

“I really don’t know exactly what role I will be taking on when I get to Liberty, but whatever role that is, I hope they know that I will be the best player and person I can for that role,” said Granzow. “I will be majoring in cybersecurity and the amazing program they have at Liberty, along with the great hockey program, seemed like the perfect fit for me.”

In 2018-19, Granzow led the MJDP with 22 goals and 56 points in 44 games and this past season with the Jets, tallied 17 goals and 42 points over 43 games, in addition to four assists in three playoff games.

“The Jets basically turned me into the player I am currently,” said Granzow. “The last three years were the biggest years of my hockey development so far. The amount of things I learned, ranging from technique to certain skills to off-ice behavior and how I carry myself, is unmatched. The Jets do an outstanding job getting players ready for college, and I cannot thank the coaches, staff, and everyone involved there enough for the help along my journey to college.

“My three years at the Jets organization were the three greatest years of my life so far. Coming into juniors and winning a national championship my first year, and then the next year helping the new development program make it to the playoffs in its first year. But what still hurts is that I had to end my age-out year short due to COVID. At the end of the day, I feel for all the other age-out players around the world who had this happen to them their age-out year also, but I know that I need to now focus on my future at Liberty.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Granzow start his junior career as a project with potential and end it as a polished player ready for college hockey.

“We couldn’t be more excited for ‘Granny,’” said Quenneville. “He had several NCAA options and ultimately made the best choice for his education and hockey opportunities. Liberty is one of the top programs in the country and their environment is nothing short of the pro life. Academically, they are one of the top universities. A long time ago when I was coaching in the NAHL, my first captain was Ben Hughes who transitioned from playing for Liberty to coaching at Liberty. I am happy we were able to get him a high-end player like Trevor.

“Granny has grown so much since his first year here and took advantage of his opportunities. Every year he got stronger, more mature and developed into a high-end, two-way forward. Liberty is getting a great teammate, versatile player and someone who bring the values he learned here which will fit in great with their program. We wish him the best of luck and congratulate him on his commitment.”

Granzow noted that making a commitment like this is a “massive step” in not only his hockey career, but in life overall.

“My biggest thank yous go out to every single person that has been through the Jets organization,” said Granzow. “Coach Q, (associate head coach) Jamie Lovell, (assistant coaches) Randy Wilson and Dan Pszenyczny and (former assistant coach) Steve Kruk all had massive effects on turning me into the player I am now. Also, teammates like Griffin Sawyer, Connor Inger, Trevor Momot, just to name a few. I can go on and on about the guys older than me who taught me early how junior hockey works, and then when they went on to college, how college hockey works. Having friends like that is a true blessing and I can’t thank them enough for helping me along the way.

“I also want to thank (Jets director of communications and game-night announcer) Matt Mackinder. Everything he does and all the others do around the rink on game day and at practice is awesome and I’m going to miss hearing Matt’s voice after all the Jets goals at those home games.

“Lastly, I need to thank my family and friends outside of hockey. They also push me in the right direction all the time. Without my family’s support, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.”

With state restrictions changing due to the ongoing virus, Granzow can finally start to get ready for the 2020-21 season, something he has been looking forward to for a while.

“When COVID first put everyone into lockdown, there really wasn’t much I could do besides working out at home and running,” explained Granzow. “There was about two months or more straight where I didn’t even touch the ice. Now that we are skating again, I am getting back into my in-season shape and am excited to begin next season at Liberty.

“I have to head down to Virginia around mid-August, so this summer I am really just spending my last month or so with a few of my closest friends, and also staying in shape and skating at Fraser Hockeyland. This summer has been a new experience for all of us due to the virus, but I am not letting that phase my development and my transition into college hockey.”

FRASER, Mich. – After two seasons of junior hockey, including the 2019-20 campaign with the Metro Jets, Mitchell Hoon is off to play college hockey.

The 2001-born forward from Evansville, Ind., recently committed to stay in Michigan and play for Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.

“I had an old teammate of mine, Brandon Rozema, who plays at Aquinas, and he talked highly of it,” said Hoon. “I went to a few of their games and really liked the team. I ended up contacting one of the coaches, who knew ‘Q’ (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) and we found a good fit for both sides.

“I hope to get regular minutes and learn from the older guys the way to play college hockey and how to win as a team.”

Aquinas head coach Jordan Permoda loves what Hoon brings to the table.

“We’re thrilled to have Mitchell,” Permoda said. “He’s coming to us from a historically well-run organization that is known for player development and we look forward to him continuing that development with AQ. I know Mitch is excited to have made his decision, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the room.”

In the classroom, Hoon intends to pursue business and accounting.

Quenneville said seeing Hoon buy in to the Jets’ platforms last season meant college hockey would be in his future.

“We would like to congratulate Mitchell on his commitment,” Quenneville said. “He was given an opportunity to play college hockey next year that he couldn’t turn down and that is the ultimate goal here. Mitchell took advantage of his opportunities with us and he came here wanting to learn. He was fortunate to get a lot of playing time and situational chances which will serve him well against older players next year.”

Hoon noted how last season’s development in Fraser was the biggest key to obtaining the opportunity to skate for Aquinas.

“Training every day in the nicest facilities with the best coaches and teammates makes it very easy to want to get better,” said Hoon. “Every day, I learned more about my game and was pushed to try things that were hard for me. It really helped my game accelerate to the next level.

“I would say last season was the best hockey season I’ve had so far. I learned a lot about hockey, life, and how to be professional. We didn’t end up with the results we wanted, but we had a great group and it helped me get to where I wanted to go.”

On the ice with the MJDP in 2019-20, Hoon tallied 16 goals and 30 points in 41 games.

He’s hoping to replicate those numbers next season in college, but at the end of the day, it’s all about humility for Hoon in talking about his far-reaching support system.

“The list goes on when it comes to people to thank, but it’s mostly Q and (Jets associate head coach) Jamie Lovel who helped me every day,” Hoon said. “Even when the season was over, I had regular talks with Q to help me as a player and as a person. Also, Bo Cheesman, who I skated with growing up, he helped me carry myself off the ice and connect me with the right people. My parents have always been my biggest supporters, and I know this is a decision we are all happy and proud of.”

This summer, Hoon said he’s tried to stay busy, enjoying fishing and playing golf most days.

“My plans are to skate and work out like I would during the season with the Jets,” Hoon said. “I also plan to make a trip up north to skate with the boys and work out at the MAT. My biggest plan is to tour Aquinas and hopefully play golf with some of the guys while I’m up there.”

FRASER, Mich. – When Zach Rais joined the Metro Jets last season, he did so with previous USPHL junior hockey experience, playing the 2018-19 season for the Lansing Wolves.

After compiling 10 goals and 25 points in 42 games this past season, the 1999 birth year from Livonia, Mich., will stay in Michigan for the foreseeable future with his recent commitment to play college hockey for Lawrence Tech University.

“Lawrence Tech talked to me at a couple of showcases and games this year and talking with my parents, it’s a really good school for me to go to for hockey and the education,” Rais said. “The Jets really helped me find my game in front of and around the net and helped me with the defensive side of the puck. The coaches really helped turn me into a power forward.”

“I hope to make an impact this year with LTU and help the team on the ice.”

Academically, Rais is looking at majoring in Business Finance.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville noted how Rais came to Fraser last season ready to put in the work to earn a college hockey opportunity and did precisely that.

“Zach was a key player for us in many situations,” Quenneville said. “He was a valuable net-front presence and played a hard 200-foot game every night. His physicality was paramount for us at times and the guys loved how he played with a chip on his shoulder. He chipped in some big goals for us at times when games were tight. Zach had several school options for this upcoming fall, and we are happy he made the choice that was a best fit for him. We wish him the best of luck.”

While still staying active and gearing up for the jump to college hockey, Rais took time to reflect on those that helped him realize his hockey milestones.

“I have to thank my mom my dad and my siblings for helping achieve my dreams,” said Rais. “All the early-morning practices and late nights driving to and from the rink, I have to thank them. From my hockey family, I have to thank my teammates, my old coaches, Q and (Jets associate head coach) Jamie Lovell and (Jets assistant coaches) Dan Pszenyczny and Randy Wilson and all my Jets teammates for the hard work they did to help me achieve my dreams this year.”