FRASER, Mich. – The NCAA commitments keep coming for the Metro Jets.
Just days after defenseman Devlin Macaulay committed to play Division III hockey at New England College, Jets forward Jhuwon Davis announced he’ll be joining Macaulay at the Henniker, N.H., school in the New England Hockey Conference.
Davis, a 20-year-old Southgate native, is elated at making the decision to continue his hockey and academic career.
“NEC is a great school, and what appealed to me the most was just the culture that was felt when I visited there,” Davis said. “I can see myself fitting in just fine there.”
In addition to Macaulay, former Jets forward Connor Inger and goaltender Andrew Kormos also play for the Pilgrims.
“It is going to be great knowing those guys are going there, and to have Inger and Kormos already having a year in the books, they can give Mac and I some pointers about next year,” said Davis. “Going in as a freshman, I’m going in with the right mindset and to work hard and let the rest take care of itself. I’m just very excited.
“It’s going to be hard getting back into school with me not going to school for the past three years, but I’ll be OK. Just have to make sure I stay on top of things. I plan on studying fire science or business but I’m not sure yet.”
Last season, Davis etched himself into Jets history when he scored the overtime winner as the Jets clinched the national championship.
He recorded 18 goals and 45 points in 2017-18 and then added 15 goals and 46 points in 2018-19 as the Jets again played in the national championship game.
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said Davis will be missed at Fraser Hockeyland but knows the opportunity to play NCAA hockey is a dream come true for Davis.
“We are proud of Jhuwon and his decision to choose NEC,” said Quenneville. “It was not an easy one as he had many NCAA opportunities, and deservingly so. To summarize Jhuwon in one paragraph wouldn’t do him justice. His leadership, work ethic and attitude he brought to the rink every day was infectious. He was a water bug out there always making it difficult on other teams. His ability to create turnovers and disrupt plays was second to none, and naturally his speed was always on notice. We wish him the best of luck and NEC is getting a heck of a player and even better human being.”
Davis added that his two seasons with the Jets were a major benefit to his development, both on and off the ice.
“Playing with the Jets was an honor and was a huge reason why I am where I am today,” said Davis. “I’d like to thank ‘Q’ for everything he’s done for me over the past years. Same with (Jets associate head coach) Jamie Lovell for all the workouts over the summer and (Jets assistant coach) Randy Wilson with his goalie skates throughout the year. They were always there when I needed them, so I’d like to thank them.
“I’d also like to thank my family, especially my parents and my sister. They have been so supportive throughout my hockey career. Also want to thank my friends that I’ve made throughout the way.”
In reflecting on donning Jets colors during his junior hockey career, Davis noted that it was more than wins and losses.
“One thing I will cherish and remember forever was winning a national championship here, but other than that, one thing I loved about being a Jet and would never forget was just coming to the rink every day, having fun with the boys on and off the ice,” Davis said. “The friendships that I’ve made the past two years, I’m very grateful for and wouldn’t change a thing.”
