MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The Metro Jets have always had an incredible read on players on the east side of the state, and that reach has recently extended to Port Huron.
This season, forward Chad Noetzel will begin his junior hockey career with the USPHL’s Jets after playing at Port Huron Northern High School and last season for the Belle Tire 18U AAA team.
“Coach (Justin) Quenneville reached out to me, and I was interested in playing at the next level,” said Noetzel, a 2002 birth year. “I feel that I can use my speed and shot to help put points on the board. I also can use my instincts, such as quickness and awareness in the offensive zone, and a little bit of stubbornness to help draw penalties.”
Quenneville said he is looking forward to working with Noetzel this coming season.
“We were familiar with Chad and things aligned themselves over the summer to get him out with our guys,” said Quenneville. “It didn’t take more than a few skates to see that he was a player. He’s built like one, wants to learn, and will fit in just great here. Our environment is 100 percent invested in helping these players achieve their goals.
“We can help his game here and with his immediate skill set and abilities, he will only get better.”
Noetzel noted that since he has been around the Jets over the past month, the environment has been more than he expected.
“What appeals to me is everyone’s attitude towards each other is unlike any other team I have been with,” said Noetzel. “I love how bad everyone wants to win this year. It is very appealing to me when a coach invests his time and effort to make sure I can play at the next level. I talked to some players from last year and they said they had a better time playing for this team than any previous team they’ve played for.
“It’s just awesome to see everyone have the same overall goals as myself.”
Down the line, Noetzel wants to play in the last game of the 2021-22 season and see where it goes from there.
“A long-term goal for hockey is to definitely make money doing what I love,” Noetzel said. “I am also shooting for a scholarship to a college that has a high-level hockey program.”
