FRASER, Mich. – Make it 11 college commitments for the Metro Jets.
And more coming, too.
Junior hockey veterans Kyle McCauley and Zack Kippe announced their college stops for the 2019-20 season, with McCauley joining the brand-new program at Cleary University and Kippe joining Jets teammates Joey Bruce and Shane Haggerty at Grand Valley State University.
“We want to wish both Kyle and Zack the best of luck,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “Their character and positive attitudes will be missed in the Jets locker room significantly.”
McCauley, a 20-year-old defenseman out of Chesterfield Township, posted three goals and 20 points in 46 games this season.
He’s pumped about being a focal point for the new Cougars team.
“I made my decision because I could further my education while being a part of a great hockey program,” said McCauley. “Being a part of the first year is very exciting and I can’t wait to get started.
“The Jets were a very big part in why I’m going to be playing college hockey at this level. It seemed like every day I was learning and improving and being pushed by the coaching staff, which really helped me improve my skills and learn what a top-class organization is all about.”
The Jets coaches are thrilled to see McCauley advance to college hockey.
“Although Kyle’s time with the Jets was only for one season, the impact he had was tremendous as he was a leader on the back end for our development team and a huge reason we were so successful,” Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell said. “He embraced his role in our program and because of that he got a chance to play in all situations, which ultimately improved his game and is the reason we’re talking about him now moving on to play hockey at the next level. He’s a hockey player with great character and work ethic and I think he will be perfect for what Cleary was looking for.”
“Kyle will be missed around the rink here,” added Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “He came here with a goal and wanted to get the chance to play college hockey. He had options but chose to help start a program at Cleary. They are getting a high-character person and coachable player. He did all the little things and competed every day he was at the rink.”
Kippe broke out offensively for the Jets this year, bagging an MJDP-best 23 goals among 41 points in 43 games.
“Grand Valley had the program I wanted to go into (geology) as well as a good hockey team with a history of success,” said the 20-year-old Goodrich native. “Yeah, going with a few familiar faces will make it a lot easier to transition but also having guys that I’ve played with will help on the ice as well.
“I feel the Jets helped me get to this point by giving me the resources I needed to improve as well as the exposure to find the right school.”
“Zack has been a two-year player here and we cannot say enough good things about him,” Quenneville added. “He works hard, he is committed and has a great attitude every day at the rink. ‘Kips’ developed significantly in offensive areas of his game. He was a go-to player and was a big reason for the second-half two-month winning streak with the MJDP Team. Grand Valley will be getting a speedy forward that will disrupt a lot of plays and create offense no matter who he plays with in the lineup.”
More commitments from Jets players are expected in the coming weeks and months.
