FRASER, Mich. – Last Sunday afternoon was the perfect example of the type of clutch player Trevor Granzow has been this season, his second with the Metro Jets.
With the MJDP Team and Motor City Hockey Club tied late in the game, Granzow scored the game-winner with 9.9 seconds left on the clock to give his club a 3-2 win.
Big moments like that have been happening since last year when the 19-year-old Ray Township native was part of the Jets’ national championship team.
“I’d known about the Jets for quite a while, actually, since I played travel hockey in this area and I played at Fraser Hockeyland all the time for tournaments,” said Granzow. “When it came time for me to start playing juniors, I decided to go to the pre-draft camp and then the main camp. I was thankful enough to have received an offer. I decided to come back this year because no other team can provide its players with everything needed for development. You learn so much here and grow as both a player and a person quickly.”
“I live less than half an hour away from Fraser Hockeyland, and it is a blessing being able to play for such a good team and be able to be with my family at the same time.”
Still, being able to call himself a national champion is something that has never worn off in the nine months since that fateful day in suburban Chicago.
“Last season helped me develop a ton,” Granzow said. “Being able to learn from those age-outs everyday was a blessing. The team as a whole really pushes each other to get better. This season, I am trying my best to take everything I have learned and translate it to my in-game decisions.
“Winning that national championship was one of the most surreal moments of my life. Not only was it awesome being the best team in the league, but seeing how hard everyone worked throughout the season, and for it to finally pay off in the end, made the entire season worth it. All the veterans here are trying to keep that energy going throughout this season, and to motivate the new guys to want to achieve the national championship again this year.”
The MJDP Team’s top scorer with 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) through 35 games, Granzow is proving to be a go-to player this season.
“Going into this season, my main focus was developing,” said Granzow. “I try my best to learn something every practice. As long as me and my teammates continue to push each other, not only will we get better, but the wins and fun will come with it.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has seen Granzow turn from a player with raw potential to a player that is impacting hockey games.
“’Granny’ came here last year and was extremely green to the junior environment,” Quenneville said. “He has done a lot of growing up and continues to show progress on and off the ice. When he applies himself, you can see why he finds success. He’s found himself becoming more of a leader now and our younger guys are looking up to him. He’s definitely a locker room guy and players are drawn to his personality. Granny’s drive seems to be more focused lately and naturally, that will carry him in the right direction every time.”
And in reflecting on how his progress can be directly attributed to the Jets organization, Granzow said it all starts at the top.
“You name it, they have it,” said Granzow. “You skate every day and some days, there are two skates. We have our own gym that can be used whenever you want, and it also has a shooting range if you ever want to work on your shot after practice, or in your downtime. We have such great staff members ranging from coaches, to equipment managers, to rink staff. Everyone helps you whenever you need it. This helps more than you think because not only do they physically help you, but they are always there for help mentally. Everyone is so easy to approach and talk to, and it keeps the vibe around the room high.
“There is also an expectation to work your hardest, become a better player, and mature as a person. Winning is a big goal here, and everyone comes into the locker room every day with that mindset.”
