MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The college advancements are beginning to pile up for the Metro Jets.
On the heels of Jets captain Cody Mastay (NCAA D-III Arcadia University) and Kam Hellman (NCAA D-III New England College) recently deciding on their college destinations, one more Jets player will be playing hockey next season at the college level as Tim Washburn is heading to Indiana Tech University in the fall.
For Washburn, who skated two seasons with the Jets program, Indiana Tech has all that he is looking for, on and off the ice.
“Indiana Tech has a program that has remained a strong contender in this league for years and will continue to do so while boasting a gorgeous campus with lots of activities for their students,” said Washburn, a 2001-born forward out of Davison, Mich. “After making my commitment, it felt like I was really taking a step forward to the next part of my life, which was both relaxing and a little nerve-racking.”
Washburn is transferring in as a sophomore and living off campus but said he’s not too worried about not meeting people as “hockey is one of their biggest sports and I plan to be on campus studying or working out when I have the opportunities.”
“I have three years until I will earn my bachelor’s in Business Management-Administration,” he said. “After that degree is completed, I plan to get my master’s in a more specified business field.”
With the Jets this season, Washburn compiled eight goals and 20 points in 21 games, missing a chunk of the season with an injury, and added two goals and four assists in six postseason games. In 2020-21 with the MJDP team, Washburn chipped in 19 goals and 39 points over 38 games plus seven more points in six playoff games.
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Washburn is a prime example of a player coming to the Jets as a player with dreams to play college hockey to leaving as a solid college hockey-caliber player.
“Tim came in last year like he was shot out of a cannon,” said Quenneville. “He brings work ethic, energy, toughness and second effort more than your average player. It’s noticeable, it’s a concern for other teams and was a benefit for ours. ITU is not only getting a dynamic player who will go through a wall for his team but versatility within the lineup. He quietly put up a point per game at the junior level because of his abilities and played the game hard. He’s a Swiss army knife and ITU will get to benefit firsthand next season.
“More importantly, he’s a great kid who is driven, well spoken, polite and will represent your team off the ice like a pro. We would like to congratulate Tim on his decision and wish him the best of luck.”
Washburn said getting the chance to round out his game would have only been possible wearing the Jets uniform.
“Playing at Metro for these past two years gave me the opportunity to take steps forward as both a hockey player and a person,” Washburn said. “The conversations I was able to have with our coaching staff were irreplaceable in becoming the person and player I am today. Aside from the coaching staff at Metro, I would like to the thank the staff at the Mount Clemens Ice Arena. They were always very helpful with everything and made, not just my own, but the entire team’s experience this past year truly amazing.
“Playing with the Jets also gave me memories and lessons I’ll remember for the rest of my life, especially the bonds I built and will treasure during my time here with players and coaching staff alike. Those bonds and friendships that will last are the things I gained and treasure the most out of everything I experienced throughout my entire hockey career thus far.”
