FRASER, Mich. – When Zach Rais joined the Metro Jets last season, he did so with previous USPHL junior hockey experience, playing the 2018-19 season for the Lansing Wolves.
After compiling 10 goals and 25 points in 42 games this past season, the 1999 birth year from Livonia, Mich., will stay in Michigan for the foreseeable future with his recent commitment to play college hockey for Lawrence Tech University.
“Lawrence Tech talked to me at a couple of showcases and games this year and talking with my parents, it’s a really good school for me to go to for hockey and the education,” Rais said. “The Jets really helped me find my game in front of and around the net and helped me with the defensive side of the puck. The coaches really helped turn me into a power forward.”
“I hope to make an impact this year with LTU and help the team on the ice.”
Academically, Rais is looking at majoring in Business Finance.
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville noted how Rais came to Fraser last season ready to put in the work to earn a college hockey opportunity and did precisely that.
“Zach was a key player for us in many situations,” Quenneville said. “He was a valuable net-front presence and played a hard 200-foot game every night. His physicality was paramount for us at times and the guys loved how he played with a chip on his shoulder. He chipped in some big goals for us at times when games were tight. Zach had several school options for this upcoming fall, and we are happy he made the choice that was a best fit for him. We wish him the best of luck.”
While still staying active and gearing up for the jump to college hockey, Rais took time to reflect on those that helped him realize his hockey milestones.
“I have to thank my mom my dad and my siblings for helping achieve my dreams,” said Rais. “All the early-morning practices and late nights driving to and from the rink, I have to thank them. From my hockey family, I have to thank my teammates, my old coaches, Q and (Jets associate head coach) Jamie Lovell and (Jets assistant coaches) Dan Pszenyczny and Randy Wilson and all my Jets teammates for the hard work they did to help me achieve my dreams this year.”
