MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – After two successful seasons with the Metro Jets, Ryan Messing is going back to his roots for college hockey.
Last week, the Buffalo-area native (Hamburg) committed to attend and play hockey at NCAA Division III Buffalo State College, a school that is part of the SUNYAC conference.
“I am extremely excited to be staying home and attending Buff State,” said Messing, who served as an alternate captain in 2021-22. “They have a fantastic program, a great staff, and a sweet setup. It’s been a very exciting and also relieving time for myself and my family. It was a stressful few months, but I’m beyond thankful that I will be going to my No. 1 school in the fall. The years of hard work paid off for sure, but this is just the beginning. Now it’s really time to go to work.
“I am hoping for a smooth transition into freshman year and being so familiar with the campus and facility is going to help a lot. I can’t wait to meet all the boys and get settled in at Buff State.”
Messing said he hasn’t decided on a major, but it will be something along the lines of Business Management/Finance.
“I would be lying if I said the transition into the school aspect will be easy, but I’m ready for any challenges that are thrown my way and the late nights up studying,” Messing said.
Over his two seasons with the Jets, Messing accumulated 44 goals and 94 points in 85 regular-season games, adding nine more points in 13 USPHL playoff games.
“We would like to congratulate ‘Mess’ on his commitment,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Not only is he deserving of this NCAA opportunity but worked hard to continue to grow his game here the last two years. He’s a competitive player who wants to be involved every shift. He’s passionate and a great leader as well. It’s only fitting that he committed to SUNY Buffalo State because he had several other NCAA opportunities, but now he gets to stay close to home. They will love his versatility and every conversation with their staff, it was evident it would be a good match.
“We wish him the best of luck.”
Like many players that graduate from the Jets program, Messing said the memories will always be cherished.
“I will never forget any of the memories I’ve made with the Jets, and I wouldn’t change any of it,” said Messing. “(Jets owner) Pete Cammick, Q, (Jets associate coach) Jamie (Lovell), (Jets assistant coach) Randy (Wilson), and the rest of the staff at Metro severely developed my game but also made us all better men off the ice. You can’t ask for anything more than that. Metro is highlighted as a player development and advancement program, and I couldn’t agree more. Everything they have to offer is extremely appealing to a player. I’d like to thank the whole staff of the Jets for a surreal experience and the opportunity to represent the logo.”
Messing also took time to thank those that have had his back during his hockey journey.
“My family has been my No. 1 supporter since I put the skates on for the first time when I was a toddler,” Messing said. “To be able to stay close to them and be able to have them at my games is an amazing feeling. There’s no amount to all the sacrifices my parents had to make to be able to get me to where I am today, so I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I’d also like to thank all of my teammates because they always will be my brothers.
“A special thank you goes out to my billet family, Rick and Mary Kay Osgood, for welcoming me into their home and family with open arms and having a great environment to live in because without them, life in Michigan would not have been what it was.”
All that said, Messing said playing for the Jets helped mold him into the college hockey-ready player he is today.
“I don’t think I can narrow it down to one thing that I will remember most about the Jets,” said Messing. “Every moment that was shared was special, and every single one of the boys are like my brothers. Being a part of a team like that was something I’ve always wanted. When everyone bought in to the process, it was a crazy, fun ride that I will never forget. From the bus trips all over, the hotels, the early mornings and late nights, all of the laughs and moments we shared was something I will hold with me the rest of my life.
“I can’t wait to start the next chapter in life as a Buffalo State Bengal.”
