FRASER, Mich. – The national champion Metro Jets continue to ride the wave of their incredible 2017-18 season and today announced another NCAA commitment.
Veteran defenseman Robby Flannery, who skated three seasons with the Jets, going to the national title game each year, has committed to Brockport State University.
Brockport is part of the SUNYAC conference and is located near Rochester, N.Y. Last season, the Golden Eagles finished 11-13-1 overall with a 5-10-1 conference mark.
Flannery joins forward Connor Inger (New England College), goaltender Andrew Kormos (New England College) and forward Trevor Momot (Johnson and Wales University) as Jets from the 2017-18 season who will skate in the NCAA next season.
“There was a lot about Brockport that was really appealing,” said Flannery, a 21-year-old native of Lathrup Village, Mich. “The hockey facilities are top notch and the campus was big, but not too big. It will definitely be nice to start college and get away from home. Next season, I would hope to fit in as someone that makes an impact right away. And someone that can be relied upon. Academically, I’m expecting a grind after being off full-time schooling for three years.”
In the classroom, Flannery is looking into studying a Business curriculum right now.
“‘Flanny’ is a special player in a lot of ways,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “He’s been a Jet for three years and done so much for this program. Even when he had NAHL interest, he chose to come back and finish what he started. He is a character kid who brings a lot on and off the ice. Everybody notices his shot and offensive ability, but one of his biggest skill sets is his stick. He does such a great job of breaking up and killing plays away from the puck.
“He generated a lot of NCAA interest this past season and really took his time on his decision. Brockport is getting a heck of a player and we wish Flanny the best of luck.”
A four-time Division 2 All-State player at Berkley High School (twice honorable mention), Flannery was named All-League Third Team this past season and tallied 14 goals and 47 points in 45 regular-season games. He also served as an alternate captain.
In 2016-17, Flannery contributed 13 goals and 27 points and as a rookie, rattled off 18 points.
Over his three years combined, Flannery posted a plus-148 plus/minus rating.
Flannery said his three seasons in Fraser helped his development, both on and off the ice.
“Metro has been an enormous part of my development not only as a player, but as an individual, too,” Flannery said. “And that is a huge reason why I got the opportunity to play NCAA hockey. I’d like to thank Q, (assistant coach) Randy (Wilson) and (assistant coach) Jamie (Lovell) for pushing me on and off the ice to get better. I’d also like to that Pete (Cammick) for being such a gracious owner of the team the past three years. And last, but not least, I’d also like to thank (director of communications) Matt (Mackinder) for making me look good and sound good in all the articles and videos the Jets post.
“And what would a thank you be without thanking my vet Jake Gleason, a guy who took me in and showed me the ropes.”
In making his commitment to Brockport, Flannery said he has to give credit to more than the hockey folks, too.
“Aside from the hockey people, I’d like to thank my mom and dad (Katy and Rob) for supporting me the past 18 years I’ve been wearing skates,” said Flannery. “I’d also like to thank my grandfather (Bob Flannery) and my Aunt Molly (Harder) for being huge supporters and watching every game they could for the past three years.”
Flannery said it’ll be a challenge next season to make the jump to college hockey, but will take a boatload of memories with him from his time with the Jets.
“What will I remember most? Easy. I’ll remember winning a national championship and getting to play hockey everyday with my brothers,” Flannery said.
