FRASER, Mich. – Tyler German and Justin Song enjoyed their rookie seasons with the Metro Jets so much that they wanted to come back for 2019-20.
Both have signed with the Jets and will be key components to the USPHL club during the upcoming campaign.
German, a 2000 birth year out of Canton, posted 12 goals and 22 points in 42 games last season for the national finalist Jets. In the playoffs, German put up 11 points in seven games, including a four-goal performance in the national semifinals.
“I had an amazing experience my first year on the Jets, and it’s hard to turn that down,” German said. “From going to China to all the bus trips, it was great. The Jets have such a strong well-rounded organization. From the guys on the team to the coaching staff, it’s a great place to be.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw daily progression last season from German and expects more of that next season.
“Tyler coming back is huge for himself and the team,” said Quenneville. “He was the most dangerous player in the country by the time playoffs rolled around. He did some big things in the playoffs and really took his game to another level. He developed into a strong, two-way forward and started using his size to his advantage all over the ice. He’s been working hard this offseason and it shows. We are excited to have him back.”
With August here, German has started to think about taking the ice at Fraser Hockeyland in just about a month’s time.
“Our team goal next year is to be ready by the time playoffs come and this year, win it all,” said German. “A personal goal is to every day, make myself better and those around me, too.”
Song, a Farmington Hills native and another 2000 birth year, recorded seven goals and 22 points over 41 games in 2018-19.
“The choice to come back to Metro was easy when I know a lot of the guys from last year are coming back, including my carpool (German),” said Song. “We’re going to be a closely-knit group of guys from the get-go, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish this year.
“The Jets organization is hands down one of the best in the country. Not only is our coaching staff top-notch but our owner (Pete Cammick) truly cares about the team and provides everything we need.”
Quenneville expects Song to log big minutes for the Jets this season.
“Song made a big jump from the beginning of the season,” he said. “He’s a skilled and smooth skating d-man that can provide offense from the back end when needed. He’s capable of controlling the game by himself when he is dialed in. He, too, has been working hard this summer in the gym and on the ice, and it’s noticeable. Having a player back like Song makes us that much more competitive this year.
“Both guys know the advantages they get here with our program and both have bright futures.”
Like German, Song wants to play meaningful hockey well into March.
“As a team, the goal is always to win it all, but that starts with doing the little things each day to build our way there,” said Song. “Personally, I want to focus on getting into good habits quickly and showcasing what I’ve been working on all summer at the MAT.”
