FRASER, Mich. – The Metro Jets continue to build their 2019-20 roster and today, announced two rookies that will look to be impact players next season.
Defenseman Nick Beeman and forward Mitchell Hoon are a pair of 2001-born players that Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville has signed to begin their USPHL careers in the fall.
“Both Nick and Mitchell will bring an interesting dynamic to our organization next season,” said Quenneville. “Although both are young players, they have showed a mature approach to our program and focus on development. Both had several options but are excited to be here this upcoming season.
“Nick is on the smaller size for a defenseman but has shown that he can contribute with his speed and skill. He is excited to work with our staff and he will fit right in with his positive attitude. Mitchell is a strong-skating forward who has shown that he can score and find success in the offensive zone. What is more impressive with the two is their approach to the game and commitment to getting better. With our platform, I believe both will benefit and take advantage of their opportunities here.”
A Traverse City native and graduate of Traverse City West High School where he captained the Titans last season, Beeman said being a hard, smart worker is a trait that will translate to the junior level.
“One of my former coaches, Zach Bargy, made a connection with the Jets and I skated with the team and talked with the coaches,” Beeman said. “I really liked what the program had to offer and knew it was the right place for me. One thing I really liked was how dedicated the coaching staff seemed to be in helping each player reach their personal goals. The Metro Jets also have a long history of success and I’m excited to contribute to that success next year.”
Beeman joins former Jets defenseman Vincent Pietrangelo (2009-10), now an assistant coach for NCAA Division III SUNY-Canton, as former Traverse City West players to skate for the Jets.
“My previous coaches liked my work ethic and compete level along with my playmaking ability – two things I feel I can bring to the Jets next year,” said Beeman. “I feel like I can contribute on both ends of the ice.”
Playing for the Jets is a situation that Beeman hopes leads to more hockey down the line.
“Some short-term goals I have are getting strong and improving on the ice every day so I can move on to the next level in the future,” Beeman said. “My long-term goal is to play college hockey and get a degree in Sport Management.”
Hoon is an Evansville, Ind., native who played the 2018-19 season for the Evansville Thunder high school team.
“I got in contact with Coach Q this offseason and I came to skate this summer and I showed a lot of interest in the program,” said Hoon. “I really liked the people around the rink and the team and I really knew from the start it would make a good home for me come August. Anyone you ask about the Metro Jets knows they are a winning program. I had friends who played for the team that said so many good things and how the team handles its players and community. I watched them play for two national championships and win one, and that brought a good choice for me.”
What does Hoon feel he can bring to Fraser next season?
“I think I can bring a big body to the team that can play any role,” said Hoon. “I’ve played multiple different roles the past few years and I can mesh to make sure the team gets every role filled. I know the coaching and program will pull the best out of me and take my game to the next level.”
Like Beeman, Hoon also has aspirations for his future, on and off the ice.
“A few of my long-term goals include playing at the Tier II level, and excelling at it,” Hoon said. “I also am very interested in finding a good college team to play for and find a home for me after the Metro Jets. I know this program can take me to the next level and I am excited to see where I end up.”
