MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Both the Metro Jets and MJDP teams enjoyed successful seasons in the USPHL in 2021-22.
The Jets ran the table in the Great Lakes Division and won their eighth straight division title and finished second overall in the 64-team USPHL during the regular season. After sweeping Pittsburgh in the playoffs, the Jets advanced to the national tournament, playing in the championship final for the fifth time in seven seasons.
For the young MJDP squad, with the majority of the players junior hockey rookies, the team surprised during the regular season, taking over first place in the Midwest East Division for long stretches and eliminating both Decatur and Fort Wayne in playoff series that went the full three games. The MJDP also made it to the national tournament for the second season in a row.
Needless to say, the 2021-22 campaign was one to remember.
“We were fortunate to see success on the ice again this year with both teams going to USPHL Nationals and the Jets losing a close one in the national championship game final, but we had a lot of other success including many college commitments and NAHL/NCDC opportunities for our guys,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Winning the division an eighth straight year was incredible and setting a new streak record in the USPHL was fun as well. We also had a lot of success at home with amazing support throughout with our Jr. Jets players always there to cheer our guys. We had some amazing games in front of some packed stands this year which was great to see after a year of empty rinks. It’s always an honor to walk into the rink with that Jets logo on. There is always a target on our back and our players buy into the model every year.
“We are fortunate to have a great staff, support system and facility to allow us to focus on giving our players the best platform to succeed.”
During the season, which saw the Jets start the season 20-0 to tie a USPHL record for fastest start to the season, fourth-year Jets goaltender pitched his 12th career shutout to sit first in the USPHL record books, while fellow fourth-year standout Nick Ceccarini set the USPHL career games played when he skated in his 172nd game late in the season.
In addition, the team had several Tier II call-ups, including second-year forward Matt Cole, who earned a spot with the NCDC’s Twin City Thunder.
Freddy Soderberg was one of many bright spots for the MJDP, notching six shutouts while playing consistent in goal behind high-end forwards Carson Finney, Austin Combs and Steven Miller.
For the graduating Jets players, this season was chock-full of memories.
“My favorite moment this season was winning our (nationals) quarterfinal game against Toledo,” said second-year forward Cristian Adragna. “Coming back in those last three minutes and giving ourselves a chance to keep competing to play in the semis and then the finals was amazing. That organization hasn’t always been very fond of myself over there and getting the final two goals felt nice. At the end of the day, though, it’s just hockey and it’s something I will never forget and I’m glad I was able to do it with my family on the ice right there with me.”
Patrick Hays, who spent two seasons up front for the MJDP before transitioning to defense this season for the Jets, said his favorite memories are all with his teammates.
“Walking down the steps at Mount Clemens Ice Arena and seeing the little kids in the lobby and the stands and rink packed for the first home game stands out so much to me,” said Hays. “I’ll always remember the road trips with the guys.”
This season, the Jets had a unique three-goalie rotation of Augustine, Louis-Pierre Fortier and Daniel Miscavish.
Miscavish played for the MJDP a year ago before making the move to the Jets this season.
“My favorite memory? Definitely beating Toledo at home to clinch the division title,” Miscavish said. “Awesome to be a part of the eight-year streak and made it a lot more special that it was Toledo, too.”
In looking at the one of the league’s youngest rosters this season with the MJDP, second-year forward Nick Twombley emerged as veteran leader for that group.
“I would say my favorite memory of the season was the playoff series against Fort Wayne,” said Twombley. “It was such a roller coaster winning that first game, then losing the second one 8-0, then getting that last win to send us to nationals in Fort Wayne’s rink. That one really stands out because for us, the last two years that team was one of our rivals I would say being an in-division opponent and being an underdog in that series when people thought we didn’t have much of a chance.
“Most of the other good times during the season were just on road trips. Hanging out with the boys in the hotel room and during meals is the stuff I will really miss.”
So far, two more age-outs in Jets forward Kam Hellman (NCAA Division III New England College) and captain Cody Mastay (NCAA D-III Arcadia University) have committed to colleges for next season, with plenty to be announced soon.
“The hockey season never stops for us,” said Quenneville. “As much as we enjoyed this past season, the offseason continues with more of our guys about to announce college commitments, and with more exciting signings for the 2022-23 season. Between the USPHL NCDC Combine, tryouts, training and planning, this phase of the year is a different kind of grind. We also have some exciting stuff planned for next year.
“We look forward to all of it and can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
