FRASER, Mich. – Tommy Purton played several USPHL games against the Metro Jets at Fraser Hockeyland last season as a member of the Lansing Wolves.
Next season, he’ll be on the other side of the in-state rivalry after signing with the Jets last week.
“Having played against the Metro Jets, and in the Great Lakes Division overall, helped me understand the demands of junior hockey and what it will take to be successful,” said Purton, a 2001-born forward from Geneva, Ill. “That experience has prepared me to step into the Metro Jets organization and hopefully contribute to the team’s long winning tradition.
“In my mind, the Metro Jets are one of the best junior hockey programs in the country. After playing against them last year and seeing firsthand how the team played together, I knew this was a team I would love to play for.”
With Lansing in 2019-20, Purton tallied four goals and 15 points in 44 games. He’s looking to build off those numbers next year.
“After last season, I had two goals,” Purton said. “I knew I wanted to find a program that could help me develop into the best possible hockey player and find a program that had a track record of advancing players. I reached out to the staff and expressed my interest in playing for the Jets. The coaches were familiar with me from last season and told me the interest was mutual. They also told me they were excited to have me in their program and really wanted to help me develop my game.”
As Purton noted, Quenneville saw Purton play a number of times a year ago and felt if the opportunity presented itself that he’d be a good fit for Metro.
“We were familiar with Tommy and his game last year,” Quenneville said. “He was a pest for our guys to play against and his relentlessness was impressive. He is looking for an opportunity to come in and build off last years’ experience, and we look forward to helping him reach his goals. Not only do we feel Tommy can provide a valuable role in our organization, but we believe that he can take full advantage of our environment to get the most out of his game.”
The chance to develop and grow his game was the biggest appeal Purton saw in coming to Fraser.
“The Jets’ puck possession game makes the game fun to play and the opportunity to play with highly-skilled players who like to move the puck is extremely exciting,” said Purton. “I am also looking forward to seeing how much my game can grow working with the entire coaching staff. Their track record of developing players for the next level speaks for itself.”
Purton describes himself as a 200-foot forward who can skate and move the puck.
“Of course, I love to score, but I also take pride in the defensive side of the game,” said Purton. “Overall, I am looking to contribute in any way I can this season.”
As his game improves with the Jets, Purton is banking on his hard work paying off down the road for the team and individually.
“For my short-term goal, I want to help the Metro Jets win a national championship this year and am also hoping to get some opportunities to play at the Tier II level,” Purton said. “As for my long-term goals, I would like to play college hockey at some point down the road, at the highest level possible.”
A part-time student at Michigan State University, Purton wants to earn an opportunity to play NCAA hockey or ACHA hockey.
