MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Ryan Messing came to the Metro Jets last season after two prior junior hockey seasons in a Canadian league.
The adjustment period was brief and Messing wound up potting 16 goals along with 25 assists for 41 points in 42 regular-season games. He added five assists in five USPHL playoff games to wrap the 2020-21 season.
Last week, the Hamburg, N.Y., native signed back with the Jets for his final season of junior hockey.
“Everything that the Metro Jets have to offer is very appealing to a player,” said Messing, who turns 20 on September 8. “Last season, we had great success, but we were all left with a sour taste on the bus ride home from nationals. We have some unfinished business to take care of this season.
“The ending to last season hurt. We had a phenomenal group of hockey players, and we came up just short. It wasn’t good enough, and that has motivated me, along with the other returners as well, to get the job done this year.”
After spending 2018-20 with a junior team in Buffalo, just miles from his home, Messing came to the Jets a year ago looking to round out his skill set. Not only did he accomplish that, but he added some intangibles to his game.
“One of the most important skills I learned last year was working through the middle of the ice, always being an option for a breakout and becoming a reliable center not just in the offensive zone, but all over the ice,” explained Messing. “I was also introduced into a culture that the Metro Jets have had going for a long time now, and that’s a winning culture. I wouldn’t have improved like I did last year if it wasn’t for all the amazing coaches that Metro has, and that is a major reason on why I have decided to come back.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville saw Messing turn a corner last season and knows that this coming year, college coaches will be competing for Messing’s services a year from now.
“Ryan was a big piece of the success our team had last year,” Quenneville said. “He has a noticeable skill set in the offensive zone but did a lot of good things all over the ice including his versatility on special teams. He is a passionate player that can help our younger core understand the value of preparation and execution. We look forward to helping reach his goal of playing NCAA hockey next year like so many others have done here with the Jets.”
“It’s exciting to think that we get another year to work with Ryan Messing,” added Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “We saw a great deal of growth last season in his maturity as a player and as person, and we fully expect him now to take the reins and be a leader on this team. He was one of our key players last season offensively, but he also brings a level of compete that is hard to match from his opponents. That type of leadership is what colleges will be looking for as he heads into his last season of junior hockey.”
With the start to the upcoming season right around the corner, Messing said “it’s the most exciting time of the year.”
“I plan on taking a leadership role this season, and I have to give thanks to our leaders last year for showing me how successful junior team’s leaders should be,” said Messing. “There will be tons of time for fun this year, but on the ice, it’s business. We are here to play hockey, and no one should take that for granted.”
Before returning to the Detroit area, Messing is anxious to enjoy the last little bit of summer.
“My plans for the rest of the summer aren’t anything exciting, just getting the last few rounds of golf in with the buddies, working, and training,” Messing said. “I’m beyond excited for what this next year will bring. Can’t wait to get things started at the new home in Mount Clemens.”
