FRASER, Mich. – Darin Kennedy came to the Metro Jets last season looking to take the next step in his development as a junior hockey player.

The 2002 birth year out of nearby Macomb did just that, collecting two goals and an assist in 25 games for the MJDP team and making strides on and off the ice.

This past week, he re-upped with the Jets for the upcoming 2020-21 USPHL season.

“I did not hesitate when presented an opportunity to re-sign with the Jets,” Kennedy said. “I have had numerous video sessions with the coaches, and we discussed my game play and areas that I can improve in. What I improved on most last year was having the confidence to make plays with the puck.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said watching Kennedy improve last season is what the Jets can provide to all their players. Having only turned 18 in April, the Metro staff is anxious to see what Kennedy’s second season brings to the table.

“’DK’ was one of our youngest players last season,” Quenneville said. “However, his maturity and desire to elevate his game was fun to work with. Our program is designed for players wanting to commit to the process. DK made great strides in his habits and consistency. The second half of the year was great to see him find success everywhere in his game. We look forward to continuing to work with Darin, both on and off the ice.”

After playing for another USPHL franchise during the 2018-19 season as a 16-year-old, Kennedy saw the benefits in playing for the Jets last year, another reason why re-signing for 2020-21 was an easy decision.

“As the season progressed, I saw what set us apart from other organizations,” said Kennedy. “We have an excellent coaching staff and a great facility (Fraser Hockeyland).”

With summer officially here, Kennedy wants to use as much time as possible to get ready for September.

“With our season ending in the playoffs, it left a bad feeling in my stomach,” said Kennedy. “I know that we should have gotten much farther. To be prepared for the upcoming season, I am sticking to a strict off-ice training regimen and diet. I am training and skating full time at the MAT. It’s great to be around the team like a family in the offseason.

“I have been treating the quarantine like an offseason. I am using this situation to my advantage in preparing for the upcoming season. Ever since gyms closed down, I have been working out at home.”

The United States Premier Hockey League has announced that the 2020 NCDC Detroit Combine has been postponed by just over a month to July 30-31, but still remaining at Fraser Hockeyland in Fraser, Mich.

This announcement has been made due to Michigan state restrictions on the opening of ice rink facilities. All those registered for the NCDC Detroit Combine remain registered for the new dates. There will be guaranteed attendance by at least six National Collegiate Development Conference teams.

A schedule will be posted at least two weeks prior to the event, as well as health guidelines and protocols, with team assignments being sent one week prior to the start of the event.

FRASER, Mich. – Cole Phillips came to the Metro Jets last season as a raw youngster oozing potential.

He wound up being one of the top defensemen on the MJDP team by season’s end.

Last week, the 2002 birth year from Dearborn Heights, Mich., signed with the Jets to return for his second season in Fraser.

“Metro is the place I need to be to keep progressing and accomplishing my goals,” Phillips said. “I know that there is no other place that can help me reach my full potential and get me to the next level more than Metro. If I had to pick one thing I improved on the most last year, it would be my IQ of the game as a whole. On the defensive side working with (Jets associate head coach) Jamie (Lovell) helped every aspect of my defensive game improve drastically.

“One thing I noticed as the season went on is that everything my coaches taught me transferred over into the games and helped me to excel.”

In 38 games last season, Phillips posted two goals and six points.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Phillips’ game took a turn for the better once he adjusted to junior hockey and gained immeasurable confidence.

“Cole was young and hungry to learn when he signed with us last year,” Quenneville said. “He had some adjustments to make early in the year, but he noticeably got stronger as the season progressed. He brings consistency every night from an effort standpoint and you know he will defend on the other side of the puck really well. What we liked the most out of Cole was his willingness to learn and how quickly he applied it in his game.

“He is hungry to continue to benefit from our environment and he will undoubtedly be an asset to this organization again this year. His versatility on the back end was an asset and we will look to build off that again early.”

In choosing to come back for a second season in Metro colors, Phillips noted how the Jets are more than just a junior hockey franchise.

“There is a multitude of reasons that make the Jets such a prestigious organization, but the biggest factor has to be the coaches,” Phillips said. “The Jets coaches are the best and they care more about their players than anyone I’ve ever played for. The second reason would be that not only are the Jets a team, but we’re a family and we’re there for each other, on and off the ice.”

At times during the 2019-20 season, Phillips said personal confidence was tough to come by, but he stuck to the process and picked himself up to wind up a valuable cog on the back end.

“I need to keep listening to my coaches and teammates and I found when I was struggling, they helped me push through and get better,” said Phillips said. “Also knowing that my team had faith in me and could rely on me gave me the confidence I needed to succeed. To improve on last season, I will continue to push myself every day to get better.

“The season started off slow for us, but we pulled ourselves together and started playing like a team. We were rolling heading into playoffs and to lose in the second round was heartbreaking. To make next year the best year yet, we need to do everything we can to make sure that last year doesn’t repeat itself and we go all the way this year.”

Now, with the state opening up more and more as the days go by, Phillips knows he’s that much closer to the 2020-21 USPHL season.

“I can’t wait to get back on the ice,” Phillips said. “I’ve been eating healthy and working out, trying not to fall behind. The quarantine has been really hard, but I’ve been trying to just look ahead and I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice.”

FRASER, Mich. – Ronny Zamojski spent the 2019-20 season in the USPHL, gaining experience as a young forward with the Motor City Hockey Club.

For the 2020-21 season, the 2002 birth year from Clinton Township will play for the Metro Jets after recently committing to the team.

“Having a year of experience under my belt, I feel I can adapt quicker this season,” said Zamojski. “Coming into this season, I have the confidence and maturity to adjust quickly. I’m a lot stronger and faster due to the training I’ve put in during the offseason.”

Last season for Motor City, Zamojski posted a goal and five points in 21 games. He’s hoping to improve his overall game with the Jets.

“The Jets have a track record of developing players and advancing them to the highest levels of hockey,” Zamojski said. “I feel that the Jets organization is the best opportunity for me to develop and advance to the next level. Coach (Justin) Quenneville and Coach (Jamie) Lovell really took the time to talk to me and help me realize where I wanted to go with my hockey career. So for me, there was no other choice than to sign with the Metro Jets.

“The coaching staff is outstanding, the facilities are top notch, and it’s the best organization in the league. The atmosphere is great and welcoming with a great group of players.”

Quenneville wants to help Zamojski find his role with the Jets and bring out his untapped potential.

“Ronny reached out to us about an opportunity to play with the Jets and after more conversations, we felt he would fit great with our program,” said Quenneville. “He is hard working and eager to learn. We had a lot of success with our younger core last year in particular, and I don’t see why he wouldn’t benefit the same way. We are excited to work with him and helping him achieve his goals.”

Zamojski said his biggest asset on the ice is his play away from the puck.

“I will bring an outstanding work ethic to the team as well as a positive attitude,” said Zamojski. “I will be a great teammate. I am a two-way player with a ton of speed. I am a very aggressive forechecker, playmaker and an unselfish player.”

Still just 17 years old (he doesn’t turn 18 until August), Zamojski has already started planning his future, both on and off the ice.

“My short-term goal is to get developed, get experience, and have a great season with the Metro Jets,” Zamojski said. “Another short-term goal is to work as hard as I can to help the Metro Jets succeed. My long-term goals are to learn as much as I can from Coach Quenneville and Coach Lovell and play Tier II hockey and college hockey and to go to school for something in the medical field, exercise science and/or computers.”

FRASER, Mich. – Tommy Purton played several USPHL games against the Metro Jets at Fraser Hockeyland last season as a member of the Lansing Wolves.

Next season, he’ll be on the other side of the in-state rivalry after signing with the Jets last week.

“Having played against the Metro Jets, and in the Great Lakes Division overall, helped me understand the demands of junior hockey and what it will take to be successful,” said Purton, a 2001-born forward from Geneva, Ill. “That experience has prepared me to step into the Metro Jets organization and hopefully contribute to the team’s long winning tradition.

“In my mind, the Metro Jets are one of the best junior hockey programs in the country. After playing against them last year and seeing firsthand how the team played together, I knew this was a team I would love to play for.”

With Lansing in 2019-20, Purton tallied four goals and 15 points in 44 games. He’s looking to build off those numbers next year.

“After last season, I had two goals,” Purton said. “I knew I wanted to find a program that could help me develop into the best possible hockey player and find a program that had a track record of advancing players. I reached out to the staff and expressed my interest in playing for the Jets. The coaches were familiar with me from last season and told me the interest was mutual. They also told me they were excited to have me in their program and really wanted to help me develop my game.”

As Purton noted, Quenneville saw Purton play a number of times a year ago and felt if the opportunity presented itself that he’d be a good fit for Metro.

“We were familiar with Tommy and his game last year,” Quenneville said. “He was a pest for our guys to play against and his relentlessness was impressive. He is looking for an opportunity to come in and build off last years’ experience, and we look forward to helping him reach his goals. Not only do we feel Tommy can provide a valuable role in our organization, but we believe that he can take full advantage of our environment to get the most out of his game.”

The chance to develop and grow his game was the biggest appeal Purton saw in coming to Fraser.

“The Jets’ puck possession game makes the game fun to play and the opportunity to play with highly-skilled players who like to move the puck is extremely exciting,” said Purton. “I am also looking forward to seeing how much my game can grow working with the entire coaching staff. Their track record of developing players for the next level speaks for itself.”

Purton describes himself as a 200-foot forward who can skate and move the puck.

“Of course, I love to score, but I also take pride in the defensive side of the game,” said Purton. “Overall, I am looking to contribute in any way I can this season.”

As his game improves with the Jets, Purton is banking on his hard work paying off down the road for the team and individually.

“For my short-term goal, I want to help the Metro Jets win a national championship this year and am also hoping to get some opportunities to play at the Tier II level,” Purton said. “As for my long-term goals, I would like to play college hockey at some point down the road, at the highest level possible.”

A part-time student at Michigan State University, Purton wants to earn an opportunity to play NCAA hockey or ACHA hockey.

FRASER, Mich. – Kyle Gierman spent just one season with the Metro Jets, winning a national championship as a rookie defenseman during the 2017-18 season.

The past two seasons, the native of Shelby Township, Mich., skated for the Northeast Generals of the North American Hockey League, compiling 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 84 games with the Generals.

In his lone season in Jets colors, Gierman went for 11 goals and 37 points over 42 games and added a goal and five points in nine playoff games. He also played three games that season as a call-up with Northeast before signing a tender and playing full-time in 2018-19.

Next year, Gierman is off to play NCAA Division III hockey for Lawrence University, a school located in Appleton, Wisc., that plays in the NCHA.

“We are so happy for Kyle,” said Generals coach-GM Bryan Erikson. “He is such a great kid that came in and worked extremely hard. He has a tremendous amount of skill and acted like a fourth forward for us many times. His ability to jump in the rush and also get back and defend made us hard to play against any time he was on the ice.

“But what makes this so great is what an awesome young man Kyle is. Just a kid that always has a smile on his face and a willingness to get involved in the community at any time. Really proud of him and happy for Lawrence University.”

Former Jets forward Jake Drinkard (2014-16) played at Lawrence from 2016-20 and former Jets goaltender Brian Tallieu (2016-19) will be a sophomore with the Vikings next season.

FRASER, Mich. – As the top scorer and captain at Allen Park High School last season, Joey Mocnik knew he would have junior hockey options for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

This past week, the 2002 birth year and Allen Park, Mich., native signed with the USPHL’s Metro Jets.

“I was on the lookout for teams and when I crossed paths with Metro Jets, I felt that they were the team I was most comfortable with,” said Mocnik. “The Jets have a great history behind them that I want to be a part of.”

As a senior with the Jaguars in 2019-20, Mocnik averaged nearly two points per game with 25 goals and 47 points in just 24 games.

Overall in 74 varsity games with Allen Park, Mocnik rang up 48 goals among 90 points.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville is confident that offensive prowess can translate to the junior hockey level.

“We started the conversation early in the offseason with Joey about an opportunity to play here,” Quenneville said. “We liked his skill set, offensive vision and scoring touch, obviously, but in talking with him, you can tell he wants to commit to the process and invest in his game. We look forward to working with him and giving him the platform to come here to bring his game to the next level.”

Mocnik said he doesn’t have any set goals for next season, choosing to keep his aspirations simple.

“I’m really excited to get back on the ice,” he said. “I can’t wait to bring my skills to the team. I just want to develop skills and hockey knowledge.”

Long term, Mocnik wants to keep developing to get his game college hockey-ready.

FRASER, Mich. – Jackson Moleski is another player from the west side of the state that the Metro Jets feel can make a name for himself in the USPHL.

Moleski, a 2001 birth year forward from Grand Rapids, Mich., recently inked with the Jets for the upcoming 2020-21 season after finishing his high school career at Grandville High School in the spring.

Along with growing his game with Grandville, Moleski also served as an alternate captain during the 2019-20 season.

The Jets certainly took note of Moleski’s overall package, on and off the ice.

“(Jets coach-GM) Justin Quenneville reached out to me and comparing the Jets to the other options I had, it was the clear choice,” Moleski said. “The team’s track record in advancing players is top-notch as well as the coaching, facilities, and extra ice time – much better than most teams at any level.”

Quenneville sees Moleski as a raw talent that can excel in the Jets’ development platforms.

“We identified Jackson and a few other players from Grand Rapids that we felt would be a great fit here,” said Quenneville. “He comes from a respected program at Grandville and I know he is excited about the opportunity here. He has the right attitude and work ethic to come in here and take full advantage of our environment.

“He will have the same opportunity to work with our coaches and facilities to get the most out of his game. He has good size, takes pride in defending, and was a key player on the back end in high school. We look forward to working with Jackson this season.”

Moleski said his game is focused on hockey’s intangibles.

“My biggest assets are my intensity, work ethic, grit, and playing a 200-foot game,” said Moleski. “I believe I am also strong on the PK.”

Looking ahead, Moleski has a goal to play Tier II hockey and, if possible, NCAA hockey.

“I want to try to play hockey at the highest level I can,” he said.

School-wise, Moleski is interested in studying history or environmental science.

FRASER, Mich. – Derek Dreher is a prime example of the old adage that hard work pays off.

A healthy scratch for much of the first half of the 2019-20 season for the Metro Jets, Dreher started to earn his spot on the MJDP team’s blue line and by the end of the year, was a key component on the back end.

“The process from being sat out a few games to being a relied-on player towards the end of the year and putting up points had to do with the work that I had put in every day at practice to better myself,” said Decker, a 2002 birth year out of Deckerville, Mich. “I knew that if I stayed motivated that I would get my chance in the lineup and improve on what I needed to. My confidence to make plays improved the most I think last year, whether that was joining a rush or making the smart and simple plays.”

Last season, Dreher put up two goals and nine points in 39 games during the regular season before going for a goal and a pair of helpers in four USPHL playoff games.

He’s hoping those numbers will be greater in 2020-21 after recently re-signing with the Jets.

“The decision to come back to the Jets was a no-brainer for me,” Dreher said. “The facilities and the coaching staff really helped to improve my game last year, and I hope to continue that track into next season.

“The facility and staff that we get the chance to work with is what I believe one of the best in the USPHL. The success of the Jets is really shown with the amount of college and NCAA offers produced every year.”

Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell saw Dreher’s game progress steadily a season ago and is eager to see how that translates to the 2020-21 campaign.

“Derek Dreher is the reason I enjoy coaching at this level,” said Lovell. “To see the progression in the ‘big man’ from training camp to the tough end to our season in the playoffs was remarkable and so rewarding as a coach. Derek was a sponge and all he did was come to the rink with an attitude to listen, learn and work, day in and day out.

“He went from being a player that was in and out of the lineup in the first month to being a key player down the stretch and in the playoffs, playing in every situation and contributing offensively. I can’t wait to see what we can do with him this coming season. I don’t think we have even scratched the surface of his potential.”

As last season ended in the playoffs for Dreher and the MJDP team, that has only made everyone hungrier for the upcoming year.

“Not being able to be on the ice for weeks has me looking forward to getting back on the ice every day,” Dreher said. “During the stay-at-home order, I have been working out six days of the week with Coach Jamie’s program, with some shooting and stick handling every other day. This summer, I plan on being on the ice as much as possible as soon as the arenas open up.”

FRASER, Mich. – After a successful high school career with East Grand Rapids, Tate Potteiger is eager to make the jump to junior hockey with the Metro Jets.

Potteiger, a 2002 birth year goaltender, recently signed with the USPHL club with an eye on being an impact player in the fall.

“(Jets assistant coach and goalie coach) Randy Wilson reached out to me after the Trenton showcase last season and said he wanted me to play for the Jets,” said Potteiger. “After working with my coaches, I decided to sign with the team.”

“Over the past two years, I’ve been able to watch Tate play several times and even attended one of his practices,” added Wilson. “I was able to get a good read on his technical ability as well as his competitiveness. After meeting with Tate and discussing his future goals in hockey and interest in playing junior, I determined that he would be a great fit for our program.

“Not only is he a skilled goaltender, his competitiveness and character I believe will flourish through our Jets platform. He exhibits the maturity and work ethic that will no doubt contribute to reaching his goal to play college hockey. I am looking forward to working with Tate to further his goaltending development and am excited to see where his game goes.”

Potteiger, who posted a 2.30 GAA and a .924 save percentage last year, said he did his research on the Jets and came away impressed.

“The amount of players that move on to NCAA hockey is astounding, and that really got me pumped to play for the Jets,” Potteiger said. “Logan Davis is a buddy of mine that plays for the Jets and he loves it, so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Stats aside, Potteiger will also bring swagger to Fraser.

“I am a very competitive person,” said Potteiger. “I want to win and succeed at everything that I do. That is something that I take pride in, along with my athleticism and always being on my angles. I just want to have a solid season with the Jets and play in every game that I can.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville sees a positive experience ahead for Potteiger.

“We are looking forward to working with Tate and for him to take advantage of our program,” Quenneville said. “We have had a lot of success with goalies that buy in to the process here with the Jets. Randy did a great job finding Tate and I know he is excited to work with him and all our goalies. In the end, Tate will have all the opportunities here to develop and succeed.”