FRASER, Mich. – Machus Turner came to the Metro Jets this season fresh off winning a national championship in Canada.

Now, he wants to do the same thing with the Jets.

A 2000 birth year goaltender out of Rochester, Mich., Turner has played himself into one of the top spots this season, rotating early on with second-year Jets goalie Will Augustine.

“I reached out to ‘AC’ (Jets veteran forward Anthony Cinato) in the summer to ask about the program and he had nothing but great things to say,” Turner said. “I then reached out to (Jets assistant coach and goaltending coach) Randy Wilson and ‘Q’ (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) and after meeting with them, I thought it would be the best place for me to play.”

So far this season, Turner has gone 6-2-0 with a 2.00 GAA and a .894 save percentage.

Jets goaltending coach Randy Wilson has been pleased with Turner’s progression this year.

“Though I had seen Machus play U18 two years ago, I really didn't know a lot about him as a goaltender or the person,” said Wilson. “To his credit, he came into training camp with a great attitude and focus on contributing to the team. He has shown me a very good work ethic and a very competitive approach. He plays a very aggressive style - very animated and energetic and has displayed good instincts in reading the opposition. 

“I am particularly impressed with his demeanor regardless of the score and how competent he is playing the puck. I believe that with Machus and Will that we definitely have a solid base in our net.”

Turner said he’s grateful for the opportunities he’s earned with Metro this season.

“Going into the season, I really liked the schedule in terms of both games and practices,” Turner said. “I love how we are on the ice every day and the multiple showcases are great for exposure. Also, having the chance to go to China and represent the country was an amazing experience.”

About six weeks into the season, Turner said he’s been able to bring some experience and stability on the back end.

“Going through a grueling season and postseason last year ultimately ending up with a national championship in Canada has taught me that you can’t get too high and too low throughout the season because things will happen that are out of your control,” Turner said. “Obviously, getting better every day and building team chemistry leading into playoffs is the short-term goal and winning the national championship is our ultimate goal.

“I think we have the team and talent to go all the way and I think once we gel as a team throughout the year, we will be tough to stop.”

In the long term, Turner said he would love to continue his career into college and continue to play the game he loves.