MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Patrick Hays is one of those players that came to the Metro Jets looking to get better and earn himself opportunities with effort, hard work and the right mindset.
Since he arrived in town in 2019, Hays has done just that, and recently re-signed with the USPHL team for his final junior hockey season in 2021-22.
“There wasn’t much of a thought process in deciding to come back,” said Hays, a 2001-born forward from Centerville, Ohio. “I knew heading into the summer I would be living in Michigan, training at the MAT and skating there also. I’ve learned so much and developed even more being here with the Jets that it doesn’t make sense to go anywhere else. They’ve really helped me develop in every aspect of the game and I’m starting to see all of that more and more in different situations, not just as a hockey player.”
During the 2019-20 season, Hays tallied 10 goals and 18 points in 36 games, adding four assists in four playoff games, before doubling those totals last year with 18 goals and 39 points over 39 games plus two goals and six points in the playoffs.
Last season, Hays and the MJDP team came within an eyelash of advancing to the semi-final elimination round of the USPHL National Tournament.
“Without a doubt, last season has given me more motivation to work harder,” said Hays. “We played one bad game and that ultimately cost us a potential national championship run. I don’t expect anything less than making it to a national championship game this next season.”
For Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville, he has seen Hays take enormous strides on the ice and in the gym and sees him potentially taking on a leadership role this upcoming season.
“Watching ‘Haysy’ continue to develop and grow has been rewarding,” said Quenneville. “He has put in the work and dedicated himself to the process. He is a sponge to information and wants to come to the rink every day with an eager mindset. His production last year doubled, but more importantly, he matured and continued to evolve his game on both sides of the puck. He will be a big piece again this year and I know he’s excited to get started.”
Jets associate head coach Jamie Lovell echoes Quenneville’s comments.
“Our program prides itself in having good quality people within it, and Patty epitomizes that,” Lovell said. “He’s been a leader both on and off the ice during his time here. He plays in all situations, and we expect him to continue to grow as a hockey player and be a big part of our team’s offense. I know he’s excited for his final year of junior hockey, and we’re excited for him to see where it will take him.”
Hays set realistic goals for the 2021-22 season, one of which is continuing to be a leader for Metro.
“Last season, I think I improved on my maturity the most, learning and understanding more situations in a game and what they mean to your team, and also maturing in the sense of a leader and just making sure I had a positive attitude and lead by example,” Hays added. “For this next season, I want to fill a role as a leader, showing new guys the ropes and continuing to bring a positive attitude every day.
“I feel if I’m working hard on and off the ice other guys will follow and want to get better, day in and day out.”
The rest of August will see Hays continuing to work out and skate at the MAT, in addition to working at his part-time jobs.
