FRASER, Mich. – Anders Florek joined the Metro Jets last season already with a year of USPHL experience to his credit.
All Florek did with the MJDP team in 2019-20 was improve daily and tally two goals and seven points in 37 games playing both forward and defense.
Last week, the 2000 birth year from Oakwood, Ohio, re-signed with the Jets for his final season of junior hockey eligibility.
“The Jets gave me all the tools and opportunities to get better last year, and I feel that I will improve even more this coming year,” said Florek. “Obviously, I still have a lot to improve on, but last year, I feel I made great progress in not only my stick skills, but on my overall game and in my attitude on the ice. I don’t give up on pucks and I battle each and every shift.
“This year, I want to become more of a leader and help the first-year guys joining the team.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville became enamored with Florek’s willingness to learn and expects more of that in 2020-21.
“Anders signed here last year because he wanted to commit himself on and off the ice,” Quenneville said. “From where he started to where he finished, he noticeably improved in several areas of his game and was rewarded for his consistency down the stretch. It’s hard to find players willing to commit to the difficult areas on the ice and he was one of the best net-front presence players. His strength on faceoffs was a big advantage for our lineup night in and out as well.
“We look forward to getting the same compete level from him this year and help him continue to develop and achieve his goals of playing collegiate hockey.”
Florek said being a part of the Jets organization means players get out of the program what they put into it.
“Between having great coaches like ‘Q’, Jamie (Lovell), Dan (Pszenyczny) and Randy (Wilson), the amount of time they put in to help us achieve our goals and the amazing facilities with the MAT and all the ice time, the Jets are way above the rest of the teams I have observed and played for,” said Florek.
Coming within just an eyelash of getting a chance to play for a national championship last March, Florek has aspirations to be part of the team that goes further next spring.
“The loss in the playoffs was tough last year,” Florek said. “We were only one or two bounces away from taking down Decatur and that makes it hurt even more. I am determined to get to nationals this year and I know every other guy on the team is thinking the same thing.”
Before the Jets kick off the 2020-21 USPHL season in September, Florek is enjoying the summer while still eyeing what is to come.
“I’ve been working hard this summer between my full-time landscaping job and doing all of Jamie’s workouts,” Florek said. “It’s been tough finding a place to work out in the pandemic, but long hours in the heat since the solution is in our garage weight room and driveway is a great character builder.
“I can’t wait for the season to start.”
