MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – There is an old adage that says when one door closes, another one opens.
Or in the Metro Jets’ case, when one Hellman graduates to college hockey, another one joins the current roster.
Ethan Hellman, a 2004 birth year from Macomb, Mich., is the younger brother of Kam Hellman, who played the past two seasons with the Jets and will be playing at the NCAA level in the fall for New England College.
The younger Hellman has signed with the Jets for the 2022-23 USPHL season after three seasons at Cranbrook, a school where former Jets players Kevin Shand, Kyle Gierman, Justin Song, and Kam Hellman all played.
“I’ve always followed the Jets due to my brother being on the team and was able to come to skate with the Jets and meet the players,” Hellman said. “I really like everything about the program and feel like it is a great fit for me.
“The team’s success over the years really draws me toward the program and wanting to become a Jet. Also, with my time around the guys, both on and off the ice, I have seen how great the relationships are. Kam speaks nothing but great things about the team and the guys, and I really want to be a part of it.”
Last season for Cranbrook, Hellman averaged better than a point per game with seven goals and 25 points in 24 games.
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville sees vast potential in Hellman.
“We are thrilled to have Ethan here this upcoming season,” said Quenneville. “He has skated with us during the season, and we have followed him during his time at Cranbrook. He had a very successful high school career, and we are hoping he can transition that to the junior level. He has speed, skill and size that we are looking forward to working with. We were fortunate to work with his brother Kam who had a stellar junior career and is now heading out to play NCAA hockey, and our goal is to provide the same platform for Ethan. I don’t doubt he will take advantage of this, and I know he is eager to get started.”
Hellman said he has done his homework on what it takes to be a Jet.
“I feel that I can add a lot to the team,” said Hellman. “My drive and grit can add a great amount of success to the team. Also, I believe my skill in the offensive zone can help lead the team to more victories. Throughout my youth hockey days, I have learned what it takes to be the best player I possibly can be. I have learned how much strength and will it takes to become a junior hockey player.”
Moving forward, Hellman has his eye on staying on the ice as long as possible.
“My short-term goals for my junior career are that I want to be playing in the best possible league for me,” Hellman said. “I want to become the best player I can be. After my junior hockey career, I hope to play in college and, hopefully, overseas.”
