FRASER, Mich. – As a Clinton Township native, Brennan Zatelli doesn’t have to go far to play junior hockey for the Metro Jets.
As a rookie last season, the 2001 birth year forward and Jr. Jets alum recorded 14 goals and 30 points in 41 games for the MJDP team. He added one assist in four USPHL playoff games.
Boosting those totals and finding more team success is the priority for the 2020-21 season.
“I decided to come skate with the Jets for another season because I was able to get a lot of exposure from the last season as well as improve my skills drastically,” Zatelli said. “Last year, I improved my puck handling and strategy the most. Being a second-year guy, my role should be to help my new teammates understand the game and how we play.
“Playing for the Jets, we are able to skate and work out in the gym all the time to better ourselves. The Jets organization allows the players to be selfish so they can reach their goals all while playing as a team and a family. The exposure is also a perk of playing for the Jets because of all the showcases we attend.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Zatelli improve over the course of last year and if that trend continues, there will be more success in 2020-21.
“’Z’ had some big goals for us last year and was opportunistic with his chances,” said Quenneville. “More importantly, he was able to take his game to another level as the season progressed. He does not hold a big frame but finds ways to create space for himself all over the ice. Our goal is to get him to bring that same offensive vision and create a 200-foot player. He garnered a lot of attention last season and we look forward to continuing to expose him while developing his game.”
“Z was a difference maker for us some games,” added Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “With his offensive ability and skill to beat defensemen on the rush, he found ways to create scoring chances for himself. He was a big reason for the group’s success, and we look forward to working with him on and off the ice again this year.”
Zatelli said he’s been working out and training at the MAT this summer with other Jets players and recruits in anticipation of heading back to Fraser Hockeyland in September.
“Last season ended in the final round of playoffs,” Zatelli said. “We did well but took a tough loss in the end which makes me want to do even better and make it to nationals this year.”
