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.”
