MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Josh German came to the Metro Jets ahead of the 2019-20 season as a raw, talented defenseman oozing potential as a 17-year-old prospect.
Now, four seasons later, German has graduated the program after serving as team captain in 2022-23 and is off to play NCAA Division III hockey at Arcadia University, located just outside Philadelphia in Glenside, Pa.
“There are several factors that appealed to me about Arcadia,” said German, a 20-year-old from Canton, Mich. “East Coast hockey is competitive, the campus is beautiful, and the school has a wide range of degrees programs offered. It’s a bonus that some of my former hockey teammates play for Arcadia and all have spoken highly of the team and the coaching staff.
“I’m very excited and, overall, I can’t wait to be part the college experience. I am thankful for my opportunity to play for Coach (Vincent) Pietrangelo. His energy and competitive spirit to win are right up my alley. I bring both my willingness to learn the Knights’ system as well as my strong work ethic to compete at every practice and game to support the team.”
Another former Jets captain, Cody Mastay, will be starting his sophomore year at Arcadia in the fall and another former Jets defenseman, Justin Song, will be a junior. Pietrangelo is a former Jets blueliner who played for the team in 2009-10.
“Josh has come a long way from his first year in junior hockey,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “He’s been with us several years and will leave with many great memories. Winning bronze in China representing the United States with the Jets, multiple trips to nationals, winning division titles, NAHL and NCDC call-ups, wearing the ‘C,’ and so much more. He was a great leader for us, passionate and talented as can be. Some would argue he was one of the most dynamic defensemen in the country and anyone who has seen him play can agree because of his ability and power. He is a tough one to replace, but we are excited to see him take his talents to NCAA hockey and continue his education.”
“It’s been an incredible four years of growth and maturity for Josh,” added Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “I think of it as a four-year degree in hockey and life education. With that said, Josh would be graduating with honors at the top of his class. Arcadia is getting a fine young man and hockey player to continue to grow their program. He has elite skating and edge work, the best I’ve seen at any junior hockey level for a defenseman. And he has a cannon of a shot from the point. There’s no doubt that Josh will be successful both on the ice and in college life. We wish him all the best, but we also look forward to seeing him this summer helping him train and prepare for next season.”
Over his time with the Jets, which also included Tier II stints in the NCDC and NAHL, German recorded 36 goals and 82 assists for 118 points in 151 regular-season games. He added two goals and 14 points in 22 USPHL postseason games.
German said starting his college career will be a new beginning for him, both on and off the ice.
“I’ve been playing junior hockey the last four years (three after high school), so I am ready to get back into the groove of studying again,” German said. “In terms of a major, I’ve always had a math mindset and would like to look into the different business programs offered at Arcadia.”
Needless to say, German said his time with the Jets was incredible and will never be forgotten.
“There are so many amazing memories being a Jet,” German said. “Each year, we made a run at the national championship and even went to China (to play in the Junior World Cup in 2019, finishing third), but the last season was especially memorable. The team rallied together and around our brother and teammate, Braydin Lewis, while he was battling cancer. It was a very emotional season for everyone.”
When looking at how he made the journey through junior hockey and now, to college hockey, German said it has been a massive team effort.
“In so many ways, I’ve grown up at Metro and owe so much to the coaching staff,” said German. “‘Q,’ Jamie, (associate coach) Tina (Ciraulo), (associate coach) Randy (Wilson), owner Pete Cammick, and (Jets operations manager) Paulie (Sheridan) I am so grateful for all they did for me. Q and Jamie knew they could continually push me to excel and their coaching and teaching helped shape the player I am today.
“I also want to thank my parents, Mike and Kristin and brother Ty (also a former Jet). We’re a hockey family. I’ve been on the ice since I was three, and between my brother and I, I’m sure they’ve spent thousands of hours in ice rinks, driving to games and practices. I am hugely thankful for all their dedication and support. Additionally, I’d like to thank my grandparents. They’ve come to all of my home games and also tune in to HockeyTV for games. So a huge shout out to all of them for their continued encouragement and support.”
Stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com and all of the Jets’ social media pages for more offseason news!
