FRASER, Mich. – After a couple games and practices with the Metro Jets in January, DeVon Fields quickly found his role on the blue line and found his passion again for hockey.

Today, the 1999 birth year from Detroit announced his commitment to attend and play college hockey next season at Adrian College, one of many Jets players from the 2019-20 season to commit to the next level.

Not too shabby for a player that had basically given up on the game last fall.

“Back in October, I was in a bad spot mentally,” Fields said. “I was dealing with a lot of injuries coming into the season (with the NAHL’s Austin Bruins) and one more concussion ultimately made me decide to hang up the skates and come home. After I did, I proceeded to have foot surgery and sit out a couple more months.

“I was lost for a while after that.”

A quick phone call changed everything.

“In my heart, I knew I wanted to get back to it and I reached out to my good buddy (and Jets forward) Nolan Turi to help me get in contact with ‘Q’ (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville),” said Fields. “I sure do wish I was with the Jets for a longer period. Everyone was welcoming, especially the boys, and they made it feel great playing there. They took me in with open arms and I’ll love that group forever.”

In nine games during the USPHL regular season, Fields tallied four goals and three assists for seven points, and then added two more assists in three playoff games before the coronavirus crisis wiped out the USPHL National Tournament.

Quenneville had been aware of Fields’ situation and kept tabs on him throughout the season. Once he signed with the Jets, it was full steam ahead.

“I was familiar with DeVon and his situation, and when we originally spoke, the goal was to give him an environment to play in where he would finish out his hockey career on his terms,” said Quenneville. “I knew that we could help generate a lot of interest from schools, and I am glad he found that passion to continue playing. He had a lot of college offers, but in the end, he felt that Adrian was the best fit for him and his goals after school.

“He is an elite player and young man. Everyone was impressed with his composure and strength on the ice. He had an immediate impact here when he arrived, and I can only imagine what he will do at the college level with a full offseason of training and no injuries. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing him find success, on and off the ice.”

Prior to Austin, Fields developed his game with the NAHL’s Topeka Roadrunners. Overall, the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder skated in 136 Tier II games with 12 goals among 40 points.

He said his short stint in Fraser reignited his love for hockey.

“During my time with Metro, I approached Coach Q for guidance with schools, and one of his suggestions was Adrian College,” said Fields. “After looking into it, I felt it was the best decision to make. I hope to bring my aggressive, hard-nosed hockey to Adrian and be an accountable D-man for the years I’m there.”

In the classroom, Fields is going to jump right into the Criminal Justice program with an eye on becoming an FBI agent down the road.

Truth be told, serving in the public safety sector has always been a dream for Fields.

“My father (also DeVon Fields) was a firefighter injured in the line of duty and I wanted to follow in his footsteps after my hockey career, but he didn’t want me to become a firefighter due to his injury,” explained Fields. “I’ve always had a spot in my heart for being a police officer. I love the chasing, I love protecting people, and I love being called on for saving lives.”

In choosing to head to Adrian, where Fields will reunite with this season’s Jets captain Brodie Thornton, he said it wasn’t all his doing that got him the chance to play college hockey.

“I have to thank all my coaches from the years before this one – Dominic Nieto (Farmington Hills Fire), Tyler Best (Victory Honda), Rob Krohl (Little Caesars), Steve Howard (Austin) and especially Coach Q,” Fields said. “Without their commitment toward every player they’ve had, I wouldn’t be the hockey player I am today. I thank my entire family and especially my pop. It’s been him and I for as long as I can remember and he’s my hero. He pushes me in every aspect of life, and I can’t appreciate him enough.”

Moving forward – or as forward as society can with all the coronavirus precautions in place – Fields says he’ll continue to work out at home and get his body to 110 percent.

“This summer, I plan to work out every day and play in the Eastside Elite Hockey League (run by former Jets defenseman Steven Oleksy) in Mt. Clemens and keep excelling in my athletics,” Fields said.

FRASER, Mich. – The past two seasons, Anthony Cinato has had a taste of playing in the NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference), the Tier II portion of the United States Premier Hockey League.

As an organization, the Jets had multiple NCDC and NAHL callups during the 2019-20 season.

Next season, the three-year Metro Jets forward and franchise all-time leading scorer has the chance to play in the NCDC on a full-time basis after recently signing a tender agreement with the Maine-based Twin City Thunder.

The 2000-born Cinato was called up to the Thunder last November and also played for the NCDC’s Boston Jr. Bruins in 2018-19.

“It was a great experience in Twin City last season,” said Cinato, a Warren, Mich., native. “The community out there is really involved, which is nice. I expect competition night in and night out.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed (by signing the tender), but that’s how it should be. I always try to bet on myself. I want to get stronger and better over the summer with Coach Jamie (Lovell) at the MAT and get myself ready to go for camp in August.”

In 2019-20, Cinato posted a team-best 83 points on 28 goals and 55 assists in 44 games while also serving as one of the Jets’ alternate captains. He took over the all-time team lead in points with a penalty shot goal on Feb. 22 at home against the Columbus Mavericks.

Cinato said he knew at the start of the season that the mark was within reach.

“It was just a goal in the back of my head,” Cinato said. “I knew I was close but still not sure if I was capable of catching it. Our team was pretty special this year I had some really good linemates. Going into that last game, I knew we locked up first place (in the Great Lakes Division), so I know some of the boys were feeding me some extra chances.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Cinato came in raw as a 17-year-old and leaves as a well-polished veteran.

“’AC’ has improved his game consistently here and is deserving of all the offers and attention,” Quenneville said. “It’s a good problem to have, but one he took his time with and I am proud of how he handled it. He’s had multiple callups and felt that Twin City was the best option for him next season. They run a top-notch program and will be getting a top-notch player. I have known (Twin City coach) Dan Hodge for a long time, and he takes pride in his program. We know AC will continue to get more college opportunities and wish him the best of luck.

“This advancement is what this entire process is about, and AC will now bring his versatility and skill to the NCDC in the fall.”

In his rookie season of 2017-18, Cinato tallied 11 goals and 38 points in 42 games in helping the Jets to a national championship. Last season, the Jets again played in the national championship game and Cinato registered 23 goals and 46 points in 42 games. He also scored a goal for the Jr. Bruins.

Playing for the Jets has done wonders for Cinato’s overall development.

“The Jets are a first-class organization and I can’t thank them enough for the person and hockey player I am today,” said Cinato. “I thank our owner Pete Cammick for always supporting our team and Coach Q and Coach Jamie for giving me a chance to come play at Metro and making me a better person off the ice as well as on the ice.”

Now stuck at home heeding the state’s “stay home, stay safe” directive to curb the COVID-19 spread, Cinato said he is itching to get back on the ice.

“After the cancellation of USPHL Nationals, I just came home and has to dwell over it for a little bit,” said Cinato. “I’m just trying to eat right, stay healthy, and keep the same routine for the most part.”

The United States Premier Hockey League announced on March 24 that, due to the coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic, the originally scheduled NCDC Combine in Detroit (April 10-11) is postponed to a date to be determined.

The NCDC Combine in Chicago (May 1-2) is currently still on as planned, but the USPHL is monitoring this situation closely.

Please check back frequently to USPHL.com for updates.

FRASER, Mich. – With the offseason comes the annual time for Metro Jets players to start making their college commitments.

Last month, Jets captain Brodie Thornton got the ball rolling by deciding on Adrian College and today, veteran forward Justin Renzi gave the nod to NCAA Division III New England College, a school located in Henniker, N.H., that competes in the New England Hockey Conference.

Renzi, a 20-year-old Canton, Mich., native, said NEC has everything he was looking for in a college career.

“What appealed to me the most about NEC was, of course, the hockey being really good there but also the campus life and they have what I want to go into (business),” Renzi said. “I like how it’s a smaller school that takes pride in its sports.”

Once he arrives in Henniker, Renzi will join former Jets forwards Jhuwon Davis, Connor Inger and Trevor Momot and goaltender Andrew Kormos with the Pilgrims.

“It’s really nice that there are former Jets players there – that also made the decision easier to go to NEC,” said Renzi. “They all had nothing but great things to say about the campus, the hockey, and the brotherhood. With them being second- and third-year players, I can look up to them to help make the transition easier.

“I hope to be an impact player as a freshman. Going from playing juniors to the college level is a big jump, so it’s going to be a busy offseason getting ready for the next step. I’m very excited to play at NEC and help the team in any way I can.”

In the classroom, the NEC business curriculum is one that Renzi looks to take on with as much seriousness as his hockey career.

“I want to get into business when I am older so I’m going to study business and take the courses that go with that,” Renzi said. “Hopefully, one day I’ll own my own business – that would be really nice. I hope the transition will be easy getting back into schoolwork, but it’s all about just staying on task and time management.”

Renzi joined the Jets midway through the 2018-19 season and posted eight goals and 18 points in 26 games. This season, Renzi served as an alternate captain and recorded 17 goals and 48 points over 36 games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said he watched Renzi put in the work and is excited to see him earn an NCAA opportunity.

“’Renz’ is deserving of this opportunity and will be a great fit at NEC,” said Quenneville. “They have a great coaching staff and with several former Jets on the team, I know Justin will work hard to be a key part like those guys. He brings a lot of versatility to the table and that’s why he was being recruited by so many schools, but in the end, he knew NEC was the best fit. We wish him the best of luck next season.”

Playing for the Jets the past two seasons “has been amazing,” said Renzi, and helped him develop the skills needed to get noticed by NCAA schools.

“It’s ran like a pro program – workouts and skating in the morning and then video after,” said Renzi. “The Jets give you every tool you need to become a better player. I’ve got to thank Coach Q and (associate head coach) Jamie Lovell for shaping me into the player I am and giving me a chance to help lead this team. There are so many people to thank for helping me get to this point from former coaches, former teammates, my parents, basically my whole family, and all of my friends.

“All of the support from everyone makes playing the game 10 times more fun and keeps pushing you.”

Going forward, Renzi is pumped to have his next four years planned out and ready to go.

“My short-term goals for hockey are to keep on improving my game every day, keep living a healthy lifestyle that will allow me to play the game at a high level, and keep taking life one day at a time and making sure I’m taking the most out of it as I can,” Renzi said. “I’m excited for the next four years and am looking forward to building a brotherhood and competing in NCAA hockey.

“Playing hockey is something I want to do for as long as I can. Long term, I would like to continue to play after college, just taking it one step at a time.”

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The USPHL announced Thursday its decision to suspend Premier and Elite National Championships effective immediately.

The decision was unanimously made by the USPHL Board of Directors with the best interest of USPHL players and staff in mind.

Prior to the announcement, the Metro Jets fell 2-1 to the Minnesota Moose, despite outshooting the Moose 58-22.

Jets captain Brodie Thornton scored the lone goal and Will Augustine made 20 saves in goal.

“It’s an unfortunate result for us,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “We didn’t capitalize on our chances and there were several. Our guys know that wasn’t our cleanest game and we didn’t manage the puck well at times. We need to just focus on playing a complete, 60-minute game and step up when we get our chances.”

Reference: [ https://www.metrojetshockey.com/news_article/show/1095193 ]

FRASER, Mich. – For the sixth consecutive season, the Metro Jets will play for a junior hockey national championship.

Fresh off a dominant sweep last weekend over the Lake Erie Bighorns, the Jets will make the trek to North Andover, Mass., to partake in the USPHL National Championship Tournament on the campus of Merrimack College.

The Jets will open with three round-robin games – Thursday at 1 p.m. against the Minnesota Moose, Friday at 6 p.m. against the Utica Jr. Comets and then Friday at 6 p.m. against the Hampton Roads Whalers in a rematch of the 2019 national championship final.

“These games are all tough and every game is like a Game 7,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “This is a very competitive league and every team is coming into this to win, so we are preparing accordingly.”

During the regular season, the Jets went 36-7-1, finishing first in the Great Lakes Division and earning a first-round playoff bye.

Then last weekend on home ice at Fraser Hockeyland, Metro defeated Lake Erie 5-0 Friday and 10-1 on Saturday.

From a player’s perspective, the Jets are confident going into suburban Boston.

“The boys are excited,” Jets forward Cam Conover said. “We’re ready to get there and we know we have a lot of work ahead of us. We’re not satisfied just getting there. It’s time to get back to work.”

The Jets will be in Boston without defenseman Garrett Johnson, who broke his femur in a car accident last Saturday night after the game. He is recovering after surgery, however, and will be able to play college hockey next season.

All games at USPHL Nationals will be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com with live updates on the USPHL app.

FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets are moving on to play for a national championship for the sixth year in a row after sweeping the Lake Erie Bighorns with a 10-1 win Saturday afternoon at Fraser Hockeyland.

The Jets will now head to suburban Boston to play in the USPHL National Championship Tournament that runs March 12-16.

Saturday, Conner Graham scored twice and added two assists, while Justin Renzi went for a goal and three assists and Nolan Turi added a goal and two assists to back Machus Turner’s 16 saves in goal.

“We definitely came out with a purpose today,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “Obviously, closing out games is always the hardest, but I thought we managed the puck well and made good decisions overall to put ourselves in a situation to succeed.”

Jets captain Brodie Thornton, Anthony Cinato and Jesper Svadang all had a goal and an assist to go along with single goals from Brady Hanson, Nick Ceccarini and Alec Lindecker.

Garrett Johnson chipped in with three assists and Devon Fields (pictured) added two helpers.

Lake Erie tied the game 1-1 on a goal by William Carr midway through the first period, but then the Jets rattled off nine unanswered goals.

Bighorns goalie Hunter Meyette made 48 saves.

Also Saturday night on the road at the Decatur Civic Center, the Decatur Blaze survived a three-goal third period from the MJDP and escaped with a 5-4 win to also qualify for USPHL Nationals in Boston.

Jake Aslanian registered a hat trick for the MJDP, Garrick Smith also scored, and Patrick Hays tacked on two assists.

In goal, Ethan Ryan finished with 22 saves.

“It’s unfortunate for the season to end the way it did,” Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell said. “I don’t think we played at our best this series. We had our opportunities in both games but just couldn’t find the back of the net at the right time.

“I’m proud of how this group battled back right to the last second of Game 2 but we needed that type of desperation the entire series and not just this last period. This is playoffs and we had a young group this season. Hopefully, they use this experience and learn from it.”

The MJDP outshot the Blaze 44-27.

“I’ve said this before – only one team gets to win their last game every season,” Lovell said. “Every other team experiences the sting that comes from losing. Yes, it would have been great to have both teams from this program move on to contend at the national tournament, but this young team exceeded expectations and shortly, they will understand that this season was a big step in the right direction in terms of their development as hockey players and as people.

“It’s been a pleasure as a coach to be a part of a group of young men like this. They committed to the process and it’s so easy for us as a staff to come to the rink and work with these guys each day. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

The schedule for Boston will be released as soon as the rest of the playoff series across the USPHL are complete.

All national tournament games will be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com with live updates on the USPHL app.

FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets are one win away from returning to the USPHL National Tournament.

Will Augustine stopped all 21 shots he faced as the Jets blanked the Lake Erie Bighorns 5-0 Friday night at Fraser Hockeyland in the opening game of the two teams’ best-of-three series.

Justin Renzi (pictured right) posted a goal and an assist, while Trevor Granzow added three assists and Conner Graham (pictured left) and Nolan Turi each had a pair of assists.

“I think for us being off for what seemed a long time because we didn’t play last weekend, our guys came out hard and the energy was where it needed to be in the first period,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “Once we got that first goal, it seemed like we could take that deep breath and get back to our game.

“We’ll have a couple tweaks in the morning that we’ll talk to the guys about, but they know what we need to do. We’ve talked about that enough, but a win’s a win and we’ll take it. I’m excited the guys have this opportunity to close it out tomorrow.”

Garrett Johnson, Josh German, Jesper Svadang and Cam Conover also scored for the Jets.

Lake Erie goalie Ross Jones finished with 48 saves in suffering the defeat.

Game time Saturday back at Fraser Hockeyland is set for noon.

In Decatur, Ill., Artem Alekhin’s overtime goal at 16:10 of the extra session completed the comeback as the Decatur Blaze rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the MJDP 3-2 Friday night at the Decatur Civic Center.

Mitch Forton registered a goal and an assist and Nick McDougall also scored for the MJDP.

In goal, Kris Eberly stopped 32 shots.

Walker Smith and Austin Floyd also scored for the Blaze, while Cooper Stewart made 48 stops in net.

“Not really much to say,” Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell said. “We played well enough to win, but we didn’t win. We didn’t capitalize on our opportunities on the power play in overtime and ultimately, it cost us Game 1.

“It doesn’t matter now. We have to come back and win the next game. Whether we won this game or not, we still had to win the next game and that is the focus now.”

Decatur and the MJDP play Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.

All USPHL playoff games will be on www.HockeyTV.com with live updates on the USPHL app.

FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets and MJDP each have a shot this weekend to head to USPHL Nationals next week in Boston.

Only the Lake Erie Bighorns and Decatur Blaze stand in their way.

The Jets host the Bighorns at Fraser Hockeyland and the MJDP heads on the road to play the Blaze.

Both series are best-of-three and run Friday through Sunday.

“I think we just have to play our game,” said Jets forward Anthony Cinato. “It doesn’t matter what we did in the regular season against Lake Erie, but if we play our game, we’ll get the result we want.”

The Jets won all four meetings with Lake Erie during the regular season.

“I expect them to come out quick like they have all season, but I think the boys are ready in this locker room for playoff hockey,” said Cinato.

“We just have to keep our heads straight and focus on each shift,” added Metro captain Brodie Thornton. “I expect them to come out with confidence especially from a playoff win (last weekend over Lansing).”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville knows what is at stake this weekend.

“All our players have a unique opportunity in front of them,” Quenneville said. “Many of our guys know what it’s like to get an opportunity to play at nationals, but our young guys have really impressed us of late with their approach heading into playoffs and after the first round. Everybody wants to keep playing and it was evident this week at practice. Regardless of this year’s success, now we reload and focus on our goal.”

The MJDP swept the Midwest Blackbirds last weekend on home ice and now play the Blaze, a team that took three of four games from the MJDP during the regular season.

“It’s a tough building to play in (Decatur Civic Center) and they’ve got a really good top line,” said Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “If we can do a job on that line and get our other guys to get pucks deep, get pucks on net, I really think this team is doing a much better job in the playoffs right now.

“I’m excited for this group.”

Jets defenseman Derek Dreher said the MJDP team approach is to keep the game simple.

“We’re just taking these games like any other games and we want to get some payback,” said Dreher. “They beat us two games the last time at their place, so we’re really looking forward to these games.”

“In season, they got the best of us,” added Jets forward Mitch Forton. “We’re right there with them every game and they’re tough games, chippy, physical and fast. We’re going there with our nose down, ready to grind.”

The Jets’ games with Lake Erie are Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at noon, and Sunday (if necessary) at noon.

Games in Decatur are scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern, Saturday at 8:30 p.m., and Sunday (if necessary) at 1:15 p.m.

All games will be streamed on www.HockeyTV.com with live updates on the USPHL app.

APPLETON, Wis. – Lawrence University senior forward and Metro Jets graduate Jake Drinkard has signed to play for the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Drinkard played for the Jets from 2014-16, compiling 31 goals and 74 points in 68 games.

He also had stints in the NAHL with the Aston Rebels and Kenai River Brown Bears.

A Lapeer, Mich., native, Drinkard led Lawrence in scoring with 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points this past season.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity to get a chance to play at the next level,” Drinkard said. “I couldn’t have done it if it weren’t for my coaches and teammates here at Lawrence pushing me every day.”

For his career, Drinkard played in 89 games and finished with 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points.

“Jake is one of the most consistent players we have had over the past 14 years,” Vikings coach Mike Szkodzinski said. “He competes in every situation, is heavy over the puck and seems to be in the right place all of the time. Jake has the potential to play professionally for a long time if he chooses to do so.”

Drinkard, the fifth Lawrence player to compete in the SPHL, is an economics major and a member of the Academic All-NCHA team.