MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The offseason is rarely a slow time for the Metro Jets, and this offseason is no exception.
This week, the organization has announced that veteran players Connor Hilliker, Trevor Naiman and Jackson Moleski have committed to in-state schools starting in the fall. Hilliker and Moleski will reunite as teammates at Central Michigan University and Naiman is headed to Rochester University.
Hilliker, Naiman and Moleski are all 2001 birth years as well and played for the MJDP team during the 2021-22 season.
For Hilliker, a Muskegon, Mich., native who spent last season with the MHC and this season with the MJDP, heading to CMU will be part of a family tradition.
“Central has the academic programs I am interested in, and it’s an up-and-coming hockey program looking to move up,” Hilliker said. “My father went to CMU and my sister will attend graduate school there. It’s also closer to home.”
A season ago, Hilliker posted six goals and 11 points in 41 games and this year, contributed two assists in 27 games before playing six games in the postseason.
“The on-ice practices and coaching were geared towards continued skills development,” said Hilliker. “The workouts at the MAT helped with hockey-specific strength and flexibility to keep us prepared physically throughout the season. Overall, playing for the Jets organization gave me the opportunity to continue with the sport I love at the school of my choice. Playing for the Jets has helped me grow as hockey player.”
“Connor is a hard-working power forward that CMU will enjoy having in the lineup,” Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said. “He is a pest to play against and does a great job keeping the game simple for his teammates. He came to the rink every day with a positive attitude and always brought effort in anything he did. His size and tenacity will be of service at CMU, and we wish him the best of luck.”
Naiman first joined the Jets organization in 2018-19 and in his time with the organization, played 121 total games and recorded seven goals and 11 points.
In committing to Rochester, he’ll be close to his home in Chesterfield, Mich.
“What appeals to me is that I’m excited to attend a school that has the program I want to pursue along with small classes for easier focus,” Naiman said. “The Jets helped develop my game a lot by breaking my bad habits and making new ones, and I feel like that has really improved my game.
“I want to thank the Jets coaching staff for everything they’ve done to help me move on to the next level.”
“Trevor is a great story because he came to us to seek opportunity in our program,” Quenneville said. “He played for the Jr. Jets organization way back and worked his way up to being in the junior program. His development was evident over the years and earned him the opportunity to be part of this environment. He got stronger every year and benefitted from this platform which in turn got him a college commitment. We wish him the best of luck.”
Another two-year player for the Jets, Moleski served as an alternate captain this season for the MJDP after starting out with the MHC a season ago.
Moleski will join Hilliker in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
“Central is a larger university so I’m excited to experience everything it has to offer,” Moleski said. “I also think the team is on the come-up and can be really good in the coming years.
“Playing for the Jets really helped me mature as a hockey player and as a person. Being able to train everyday was a huge benefit. I benefitted from the coaching and program which gave me a chance to play college hockey.”
The Grand Rapids, Mich., native tallied two goals and nine points in 42 games a year ago and added two goals and three points this season.
“Jackson is one of the most extreme benefactors from playing in our program,” said Quenneville. “It helped him not only grow on the ice but to mature and develop into the young man he is today. He put in the time and worked for everything he earned. Junior hockey was intimidating for him at first, but he learned the benefits of time management and dedication, which gave him the opportunity to be a leader with MJDP this year and ultimately a college opportunity. A great attitude, work ethic and second effort in his game will serve well at the college level.
“These are three young men that earned college opportunities by putting in the time and investing in themselves and the Jets. They now get to be student-athletes and deserve the opportunity. We wish them the best and look forward to announcing more commitments.”
