MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — The Metro Jets have built a reputation in recent years of having a strong goaltending corps.

Rookie Freddy Soderberg, who has signed with the USPHL club ahead of the 2021-22 season, wants to join that elite group.

“The way the Jets develop players and how many players and goalies they move on to college and higher-level junior teams was a huge appeal to signing with the team,” said Soderberg, a 2002 birth year from Harrison Township, Mich. “(Jets goalie coach) Randy Wilson and Coach Q (Justin Quenneville) got in contact with me and I started skating with them. I was offered a contract and was happy to accept.”

Soderberg played the 2020-21 season with the Meijer Hockey Club 18U AAA team and has also played for HoneyBaked and at De La Salle Collegiate High School.

Quenneville is anxious to see where Soderberg will fit this season.

“We are excited to continue working with Freddy,” said Quenneville. “Randy has worked with him in the past, and we have good scouting on him over the last couple years. He is a competitive player who battles for every puck. He’s a smaller goalie but fights really well for positioning. He’s athletic and quick, and now it’s all about the work he will put in.

“We are confident he will continue to invest in himself and this environment.”

Soderberg wants to do all he can to earn playing time with the Jets.

“I feel like I can bring a new element and a competition to the team,” said Soderberg. “Not that there wasn’t one before, just different and a fun one. I feel the success I had last season will help that transition perfectly and keep me motivated for bigger things to come.”

Looking down the road, Soderberg sees himself improving daily to give himself further opportunities.

“My short-term goals are to play the most competitive and the best hockey available to me, whether that be with Metro or in college later on down the road,” Soderberg said. “I’m really excited for the challenges I’ll be facing this season.”