FRASER, Mich. – It’s been said for many years that defense wins hockey games.

The Metro Jets won 75 of 88 regular-season games the past two seasons and made it to the USPHL National Tournament both years.

On the blue line, stalwart Brady Hanson emerged as a leader and reliable defenseman for the Jets, contributing to many of those victories.

It’s that skill and character that will see the 1999 birth year from Northville, Mich., play college hockey next season for Indiana Tech University.

“Coach (Frank) DiCristofaro watched me play at the USPHL Chicago Showcase last fall and he talked to me about Indiana Tech after one of the games,” Hanson said. “I went and visited the campus in early June and loved everything about the school and the hockey program.

“I’m going to bring a hard work ethic, on and off the ice. That will hopefully translate to making me and my teammates better.”

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said whenever Hanson is on the ice, he knows the defensive end of the rink is taken care of.

“We are excited for ‘Hanny’ and his decision to attend ITU,” Quenneville said. “They have a great coaching staff and very strong program every year on the ice. Hanny had several NCAA options and in the end, saw this opportunity as the best fit academically and on the ice. He is a competitive player and has done really well here the past two seasons. Notably on the other side of the puck is where we noticed the most improvement in his game.

“He did a great job being a hard player to play against every night and became reliable in many PK situations. He also possesses one of the hardest releases from the point which they will love there. We are happy for Brady and we wish him the best of luck."

In the classroom at Indiana Tech, located in Fort Wayne, Hanson is looking at majoring in Fitness and Recreation or Exercise Science.

Last season with the Jets, Hanson notched seven goals and 19 points in 44 games before adding a goal and an assist in three playoff games. In 2018-19, he collected six goals and 14 points in 41 games with a goal plus a helper in seven playoff games.

“The coaches worked with me to help me make better decisions on the ice,” Hanson said. “The Jets were my favorite team I’ve ever played for. I had great teammates for those two years and the coaches were excellent. 

“I would like to thank all of my coaches over the years that helped me to develop my game and I would also like to thank my parents for the sacrifices they made so that I can play hockey.”

This summer, Hanson said he has been working out three times a week and skating 3-4 times a week to get ready for the grind of college hockey.

“My family and I are planning to go up to Northern Michigan for a vacation prior to the start of the fall semester,” Hanson said. “Other than that, I’ll just continue to work out and skate to get ready.”