MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The 2022-23 season didn’t end with a USPHL Premier national championship, but the Metro Jets grinded through the season and came out with a long list of accomplishments.
It may have been an upset to lose in the national quarterfinals, but the players played their hearts out while one of their teammates was still battling cancer.
Sadly, 19-year-old third-year defenseman Braydin Lewis passed away a few weeks later and a celebration of life was held in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind., on April 21. Despite the cancer diagnosis, Lewis played six games during the season while undergoing treatment, scoring three goals along the way. His story and warrior-like persona will never be forgotten.
“Words cannot describe how special Braydin was and what he means to this organization,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “It was impressive to see how our guys handled the adversity and was inspiring watching their brother fight like he did. It’s still hard and even more unimaginable to understand what his family is dealing with. He was a special person and made a lasting impact on so many here with the Jets. We will make sure that his legacy and story is remembered forever. We have several things we are incorporating this offseason and next year in remembrance of Braydin.
“Once a Jet, always a Jet”
The Jets will be officially retiring Lewis’ No. 47 and will announce a ceremony and more information when scheduling for the 2023-24 season is finalized. In addition, the organization will be working with sponsors and current and former Jets members on a scholarship fund in Lewis’ name. More announcements will be released throughout the offseason.
Back on the ice, both the Jets and MJDP teams qualified for USPHL Nationals again, while the two clubs each played in four league showcases over the course of the season. No other USPHL team played in four, which included the USPHL Detroit Showcase, an event the organization hosted over four days last November at Mount Clemens Ice Arena.
At the USPHL Chicago Showcase just prior to the Christmas break, the Jets went 4-0 with four straight shutouts, something that had not been done at a league showcase to that point.
During showcase play, the Jets earned wins over top teams such as the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, Florida Eels and eventual national champion Northern Cyclones, while the MJDP was equally impressive in topping the Boston Advantage, Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings and Florida Jr. Blades.
“We always take pride in how we represent ourselves in all games, but in particular showcase events,” Quenneville said. “Given that we play in more than other teams, we always try to prepare our players accordingly. Our guys did a great job competing hard and finishing with strong results. With a showcase every month, it’s important to structure and prepare accordingly, and we have a decorated coaching staff that does a great job. We always get our opponents’ best, so we do everything to ensure the players are ready to go.”
Speaking of coaches, the Jets advanced former associate coach Adam Morrison to the USHL midway through the season as Morrison took a job as an assistant coach with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. A new associate coach for the Jets will be announced in the coming weeks.
In regular-season play, the Jets finished second in the Great Lakes Division and the MJDP did the same in the Midwest East Division. Both divisions proved to be among the most competitive in all of the USPHL.
Individually, the Jets had several advancements during the season and have already recently announced the NCAA commitment of goaltender Freddy Soderberg to Fitchburg State for the 2023-24 season and forward Alex Schaumburger to Adrian College. There are more commitments to be announced, something that also has Quenneville excited.
“This is always an integral part of our model and something we naturally take a lot of pride in,” Quenneville said. “We have several players finalizing their decisions for 2023-24 and fortunate for our players to have many college options. With our brand and our relationships, this is a fun part of the job when we can help place these young men to the next chapter and opportunity in their lives.”
As the roster now starts to take shape for next season, the Jets are taking the next step in player development with a third team that will compete in the USPHL Elite conference starting this coming fall in a Midwest division.
“We are excited to field another model of opportunity for young players who want to develop,” said Quenneville. “Our platform is unique, and we have always prided ourselves on giving the best environment for players to invest in themselves. Our program is dedicated to providing this additional opportunity and look forward to joining Elite teams in the Midwest. In addition, this allows us to roster more chances for our players and carry less bodies ultimately. Unlike other organizations, we get to guarantee more playing time and more development. Our focus can continue to be driven towards player development.”
As the offseason kicks into high gear, stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com and the team’s social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the most up-to-date news.
