FRASER, Mich. – Nick Beeman is back this season as part of a strong defense corps for the Metro Jets.
After a stellar rookie season with the MJDP in 2019-20, the 2001-born Traverse City, Mich., native was noticed by the NCDC’s Twin City Thunder and had a solid camp with the Maine-based team over the summer.
Beeman re-signed with the Jets for the 2020-21 USPHL season with his sights set on team success first and individual success next in line.
“Winning a national championship is definitely the No. 1 goal for this year, as it is every year as a Metro Jets player,” said Beeman. “We have a lot of hockey to play and we will need to work hard to get there, but I feel like if we compete and buy in that we will have a good chance at it.
“The Twin City camp was a good experience. It was fast-paced, and it was a good to see what the next level might look like. Playing with them is definitely a goal of mine for next year. It seems like a great organization and a place that would be a good fit for me.”
Last season with the MJDP, Beeman recorded four goals and 18 points in 42 games while also adding a goal and an assist in four playoff games.
“One thing I really improved on last year was my puck management skills on the blue line,” noted Beeman, who served as team captain as a senior for Traverse City West High School in 2018-19. “It was something we worked on every day in practice, which really helped me improve my game. As a veteran guy on the team this year, I hope I can be a leader and someone that teammates can count on to get the job done every day. I also want to contribute a little more on offense this year while still being strong on the back end.
“I was upset with last year ending earlier than we wanted it to with the MJDP, which makes me even more eager to get back with the boys and push to make a deep run this year. I think if everyone buys in to the system and we push to progress as a team every day, then it is definitely possible.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville was pleasantly impressed with Beeman’s daily improvement and overall development last season and said he wasn’t shocked that NCDC clubs took a liking to his game.
“Beeman is the model player in our program,” said Quenneville. “He bought in to his development last year and made huge strides as the season progressed. He solidified himself as one of the most consistent players and came to work every day ready to learn. What makes him so dynamic is the fact that he is a sponge to detail. For a player of his size, he continues to impress people all over. Scouts at the college level love him, and the NCDC took notice as well. He’s off to huge start already, and we expect continued success from him on the back end.”
What it all boils down to with the Jets, according to Beeman, is that the Jets organization is second to none, not only in Michigan and the Midwest, but across the United States.
“The Metro Jets is such a great organization – the coaching staff, facilities, exposure, and numerous other things made it so easy in my decision to come back,” Beeman said. “Coach Q and (associate head coach) Jamie (Lovell) are so easily approachable. Their knowledge of the game and their availability to sit down and talk with them are a big reason for my improvements as a hockey player. The facilities are top of the line and all you can ask for as a junior hockey player. With the MAT facility and being able to skate every day, it gives you the tools to become the best hockey player you can be.
“The Metro Jets organization also does a great job promoting their players through the media and their connections with other coaches gives you great exposure to colleges and Tier II programs. These things make the Metro Jets one of the most distinguished junior hockey programs and why I am so thrilled to be back this year.”
