MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Robert Poliski is pretty familiar with Mount Clemens Ice Arena.

Having been on skates since he was six years old, the 2003-born Macomb, Mich., native, who played for Dakota High School the past three years at the rink, has signed with the USPHL’s Metro Jets to begin his junior hockey career in 2022-23.

“When the Jets moved to Mount Clemens, which has been my home rink since I began skating at six years old, I knew it was the team I wanted to play with,” said the talented defenseman affectionately known as “Bert” by his teammates. “What appeals to me is the professionalism of the coaching staff, how successful the program is, and how they move guys to the next level. I have gotten to know the coaches over the past year, and they are great. They not only care about the game of hockey, but also the development and college futures of its players.”

Last season with Dakota, Poliski compiled four goals and 14 points in 25 games.

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville loves what Poliski can bring to the organization.

“We are looking forward to working with ‘Bert,’” Quenneville said. “Not only did we have a chance to see him skate with us, but we have been able to see his character and leadership all year in the building. His immediate abilities are noticeable with his physicality and big shot, but he is a player who wants to learn and develop. Many of the guys know him well and he will fit in the Jets’ culture great.”

Poliski calls himself a stay-at-home defenseman who enjoys the physical side to the game and said that is what he wants to bring to the Jets.

“I’ve been fortunate to have great youth hockey coaches over the years that have made me the player I am today,” said Poliski.

Looking ahead, Poliski has attainable goals, both on and off the ice.

“In the short term, I want to work on my game this summer to contribute to the team right away next season,” Poliski said. “My long-term goal is to move to the next level in hockey. College is also very important to me, with the long-term goal of a bachelor’s degree in business.”