FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets have had a small sample size of players that have come out of the Cranbrook Kingswood high school program.
The two most recent players – forward Kevin Shand (NCAA Division III Milwaukee School of Engineering) and defenseman Kyle Gierman (NAHL’s Northeast Generals) – have moved on to play at higher levels.
This season, the Jets have rookie defenseman Justin Song patrolling the blue line, most nights with Devlin Macaulay.
Song, an 18-year-old native of Farmington Hills who graduated from Cranbrook this past year, said being close with Gierman helped solidify his decision to skate in Fraser this season.
“Kyle provided me all I needed to know that this was a good home and organization to grow within,” said Song. “I knew going into the season I was playing for a winning program. I also knew the Jets had a flawless season and won a national championship in prior seasons.
“The Jets program has so much to offer an incoming player. From the coaches to the facilities, the program has it all. It’s not hard to buy in and better yourself when everything is right in front of you.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said that Song’s game has grown since the end of summer and he’s a vital cog on the team’s back end.
“We knew we were getting a highly-skilled player in Justin when he skated with us a few times last year,” said Quenneville. “He comes from a good high school program and coming in, both parties had high expectations. He has done a great job simplifying his game lately and an even better job away from the puck. Early in the year, he struggled with the speed defensively and offensively, was overhandling the puck. Since then, he has continued to show positive progression and been a go-to guy in many situations for our staff.
“We hope he continues on this path and keeps getting stronger because he will get opportunities to move up from here.”
Now at the midway point of the season, Song said he’s looking forward to what the second half will bring.
“I feel like the season is going great so far,” Song said. “The team is very close, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of veterans to learn from. On the ice, the guys are really buying in and the scores show it. Personally, I’ve definitely become a better player overall due to our coaches. They stress the little things and it makes the game a lot easier.”
It was coaching like that in high school that helped Song reach the junior level.
“I played a little bit of AAA growing up but ultimately, I found a home at Cranbrook for the last four years,” said Song. “The education and hockey at CK were incredible. I started playing hockey because of my older brother and my parents. Joey had already been well into playing the game and it was like I was given a stick at birth.”
Moving forward, Song’s goals are well within reach.
“I hope to better myself as a player this season and get an opportunity to play in a higher league,” Song said. “Long term, I’m looking to climb the ladder of junior hockey and play collegiate hockey while obtaining a good education.”
