MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Nick Ceccarini came to the Metro Jets as a raw 16-year-old back in 2018 and after recently re-upping with the USPHL club for his final season of junior hockey, figures to be a prominent leader for the team in 2021-22.
Truth be told, Ceccarini is banking on his fourth season in Jets colors to be the best yet.
“Last year’s season did not end the way we wanted, and it left the boys and myself extremely frustrated,” said Ceccarini, a 2001 birth year out of Miller Place, N.Y., on Long Island. “We all battled all year to get to nationals and to have an end to the season the way we did was not satisfying. Going into this season, I would like to have the same mentality going into every game as if it’s my last and give every game my all. It takes sacrifices, some good and some bad, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to bring that ring back home this season.”
Ceccarini also said that being in Mount Clemens is the only place he wants to be for junior hockey. The Jets have been instrumental in Ceccarini earning NCDC call-ups in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
“As my last year in junior hockey, I felt it was best for me to come back to Metro because they have a coaching staff and an organization that has proven to be successful in preparing players and giving them all the right resources to move on to the next level, whether it’s college or to the next junior level,” Ceccarini said. “The Jets are such a prestigious organization. Everybody knows the Metro Jets as a top team in the USPHL as they have been having outstanding seasons over the past several years. This brings out teams’ best games every game they play as if it’s their Game 7, making every game very competitive.
“The Jets also have a staff and coaches that are extremely supportive and bring the best out of every player, on and off the ice.”
Ask Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville what he has seen out of Ceccarini since 2018 and he oozes with enthusiasm.
“It’s great news when a veteran player wants to re-sign,” Quenneville said. “’Cecc’ has been a versatile and consistent player each year. He does so many little plays on the ice people don’t necessarily see, but hockey people notice and note the high IQ. Where he lacks in size, he makes up in ability to be involved in every shift. The great thing about him is that we know he’ll get involved at some point in a game that will be importance for us offensively. He is one of the leading playoff scorers for a reason and that is because he continues to score big goals in big games.
“We look forward to helping achieve his goal to play NCAA like so many others in our program.”
In his three seasons with the Jets, Ceccarini, who was named an alternate captain in 2020-21, has registered 93 points on 43 goals and 50 assists, adding another 12 points (11 goals, assist) in 15 postseason games.
Wearing an ‘A’ last season, Ceccarini was recognized for his leadership qualities, on and off the ice. He wants to continue that aspect of his career this fall.
“This past year, I feel I learned what responsibility really was on the ice,” said Ceccarini. “Not just my role and where I have to be in certain scenarios, but also the off games where pucks just aren’t going my way. I’ve learned that simplifying my game and falling back to my good habits can be very beneficial. It could be in the close games where you need a dirty goal net-front or late in the period when you need to block that last shot. I’ve learned that relying on good habits and not panicking can lead to much better results.
“As a four-year guy, I would like to take on a role as a leader of the team, on and off the ice, whether it’s leading by example, physically working my hardest, or verbally to teammates.”
Before next season, Ceccarini has an agenda this offseason.
“My plans for the summer are really to be in the gym as much as I can and get on the ice as much as possible to be set and ready from Day 1 of the season,” said Ceccarini.
