MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Over Andreas Fleutot’s two seasons skating for the Metro Jets, his game showed marked improvement on a constant basis, leading to numerous NCAA college hockey offers.
Earlier this month, the Megeve, France native decided on Westfield State University, a Division III school located in Westfield, Mass., about 100 miles southeast of Boston. Fleutot will join former Jets teammate Bryce O’Rourke next season with the Owls.
“After having a conversation with ‘Q’ (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) about Westfield, Coach (Bob) Miele contacted me and showed a lot of interest in myself. I’m very excited to have the chance to play again with Bryce next year. I’m really pumped about joining Westfield and to get to know my new teammates. I think it will be a great fit.”
In the classroom, Fleutot plans to major in Sports Management.
During his time with the Jets, Fleutot tallied 53 goals and 74 assists for 127 points in 73 regular-season games, with another two goals and five points coming in seven USPHL playoff games.
“Joining the Jets was the best decision I made for my junior career,” said Fleutot. “It helped me develop as a better hockey player and also as a better person. All the staff in this organization helped me get to the next level, and I will be always thankful for that.”
Quenneville said seeing Fleutot develop and buy in to the Jets systems helped him reach the next level of NCAA hockey.
“We would like to congratulate ‘Fleuts,” he said. “He was a highly recruited player for obvious reasons. His skill set and offensive instincts are impressive. He plays with an edge around the puck and gets the most out of his teammates. We know he will have success at the NCAA level and excited for the opportunity. We look forward to following him throughout his collegiate career.”
“Fleuts is a difference maker,” added Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell. “He can change the game with his offense so quickly, which is why he’s so dangerous. We sure missed him down the stretch and in the playoffs and national championship. I have no doubt that he’s going to fit right in at Westfield and have an impact from Day 1.”
In looking back on his time in Jets colors, Fleutot said he has many memories, including playing in the 2022 national championship game, being named 2021-22 rookie of the year, scoring the overtime goal Dec. 11, 2021 at home against Toledo that made ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10, “and all the amazing memories and friendships I’ve made hrough my time with Metro.”
“I would like to thank my family and my girlfriend for supporting me through every step during the two last seasons,” Fleutot said. “I can’t even remember how many hours they spent at the rink watching me. I had the chance to be on skates around two years old with my dad, a former professional hockey player, and he’s always here to give me good advice and also to talk about the experience he had while he was playing. I also would like to thanks my teammates, all the Metro Jets coaching staff, the Mount Clemens Ice Arena staff, (Jets broadcaster) Matt Prieur, and my friend Braydin Lewis.”
Fleutot has been back in France for the summer, enjoying time with family and friends.
“The summer has been going well and it feels good to be home,” he said. “I’ve had the chance to practice on my golf skills and get ready for next season.”
Stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com and all of the Jets’ social media pages for more offseason news!
