FRASER, Mich. – Make it 10 college commitments (five NCAA) for the defending national champion Metro Jets.

After two solid seasons with the Jets, defenseman George Hansen has decided to attend and play hockey next season at Gustavus Adolphus College, a Division III school in the MIAC conference located in St. Peter, Minn.

Last season, the Golden Gusties finished 12-13-3 overall and 9-7-0 in MIAC play.

Previous Jets NCAA commitments from this past season include forward Connor Inger (New England College), defensemen Robby Flannery (Brockport State) and Trevor Momot (Johnson and Wales) and goaltender Andrew Kormos (New England College).

“When I went to Gustavus, I fell in love with the campus,” said the 20-year-old from Patchogue, N.Y. “The guys were so cool, and I connected with them in just a couple days. It’s going to be a grind when the season starts to make sure I have enough time to do both school and hockey, but I’m excited to get back into the swing of school. I hope I can just be another guy on the team and everyone enjoys playing and hanging out with me.

“The first semester is going to be a grind to get back into school and remembering everything from high school. After that, I hope I can keep around a 3.5 GPA.”

In the classroom, Hansen is looking at a pre-veterinary medicine curriculum. 

Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville acquired Hansen in the summer of 2016 from the Texas Brahmas knowing he’d have NAHL options, which he did. Hansen started the 2017-18 season with the Austin Bruins and also played parts of the previous two seasons with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights and Lone Star Brahmas.

“George had many NCAA options and Gustavus was a top choice,” said Quenneville. “George came here with a strong skill set but challenged himself to round his game out. He had the platform here to strengthen his game and get the best exposure. He developed his game to becoming a force on both sides of the puck and learned to play a fast-paced style here to help in college. We wish him the best of luck at Gustavus.”

In two seasons with the Jets, Hansen posted 13 goals and 50 assists for 63 points over 77 games.

“I’m so thankful to be able to play for Metro,” Hansen said. “It was an amazing experience and I’m upset I have to leave. Coach Q, (assistant coach) Jamie Lovell and (assistant coach) Randall (Wilson) have molded me into the player I am today. I’m so thankful for them and everything they have done for me. Coach Q was a great help when I made the decision. He said the right things and after we talked, I knew Gustavus was for me. I developed a lot here and was given the tools to get to NCAA hockey.

“Obviously, I have to thank my parents (Alexis and George) for always believing in me and letting me pursue my dreams and always being behind me and never doubting me, especially my father. I want to thank all my billet families. If they didn’t take me in, I wouldn’t be able to play. Also have to thank all the guys I’ve played with, made a bunch of lifelong buddies, especially Aaron Shahin, Connor Inger and Marc Schwartz. They made my last year of juniors one to remember.”

Hansen added that with the Jets, the two seasons in Fraser and the memories created there will forever be remembered.

“I will never forget any of the guys I’ve played with or any of the coaches,” said Hansen. “I’ll also never forget breaking the record for longest win streak and finishing with a perfect season (both in 2016-17). And then winning the national championship this year, just so many great memories.”

The Jets will be holding their Main Camp with details TBA. To learn more and register your information, visit https://www.metrojetshockey.com/player-interest

Photo/Jeff Lawler