MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Seth Francois joined the Metro Jets organization prior to the 2020-21 season, leaving his small-town home in the Upper Peninsula town of Pelkie, Mich., to continue his hockey career.
Two seasons later, Francois is on the move again after recently committing to play college hockey for Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Mich.
“I love that Concordia is a small school,” said Francois. “I also know a couple of the guys on the team, and I really liked the coach and his style of hockey. It was pretty nerve racking committing to Concordia, and I just hope I can bring to the table what the team needs and get a degree out of it, too. I am glad that I will have a couple of familiar faces to be with (former Jets Nick Twombley and Brayden Tayles). I already know that I have a couple people on the team that have the same aspirations as I do, and that is very reassuring.
“I just wish to meet some new friends and hope that they will understand what I have to bring to the table. I plan on assisting Concordia to give them what they want and set a good example for the other students to come.”
In the classroom, Francois is undecided on a major, but is looking at pursuing a degree in radiology, computer science, or accounting.
“I am willing to do anything, in terms of school, as long as I can support a larger family,” Francois said. “It will be exciting to go back to school for the first time in three years.”
With the Jets, Francois skated for both the MJDP and Jets teams, rattling off 16 goals and 34 points in 60 games, with another five points coming in 13 USPHL playoff games.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Seth and his commitment,” said Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville. “He was great to work with and a coach’s dream player – great attitude, work ethic, teammate, and played the game hard every shift. He’s a throwback and hard to come by these days. His story is special as well because he played AAA, got nothing from it, came here and played with the MJDP, loved it, played for the Jets this season, and now has a college commitment. He was on the fence of continuing his hockey after 18U and every year loved coming back to junior. He is deserving of this opportunity, and we wish him the best of luck.”
“Off the ice, I don’t think I have met a better human being,” added Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “Seth is truly a genuine kind-hearted young man, but on the ice, you would never know. Seth is an absolute beast. He didn’t care who you were, if the puck was there, he was going through you to get it. And if the puck was on his own stick, he was still going through you get to where he needed to go, but he played clean and between the whistles. He never said a word, just put his head down and outworked you. A coach’s dream, loved by his teammates, and hated and feared by his opponents.”
Francois also said that coming to the Jets gave him the tools needed to advance to the college ranks.
“Metro has helped me develop as a player drastically,” said Francois. “All the ice time they provide is amazing and if you are willing to learn, the coaches are ready to teach you in a nutshell. The coaches excel at what they do, and I was blessed to have them as my coaches.
“I also want to thank my family for supporting me while playing hockey and all my teammates who pushed me to be the player I am now.”
Looking back, Francois’ two seasons with the Jets will never be forgotten.
“What I will remember most about my time with the Jets is this past season, losing in the championship game at nationals,” Francois said. “I will use that as motivation to win a national championship at the collegiate level. I will miss hanging out with my brothers who fought with me to the end, even though we didn’t come out with the ring.”
