MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – After four seasons in Metro Jets colors, Ethan Smith is moving on to the college game at Saginaw Valley State University.
Smith, a Port Huron, Mich., native who proved his versatility by playing both forward and defense, was a two-year alternate captain within the Jets program.
Former Jets forward and 2018 national champion Aaron Shahin captained the SVSU squad in 2022-23.
“I have old teammates from high school that play at Saginaw Valley and after the school showed interest, I reached out to those guys about committing there,” said Smith, who turned 21 on May 23. “I then skated and toured the school and really liked it. Fitting in shouldn’t be a problem considering I know some of the guys already and met the others during their summer camp.”
In the classroom at SVSU, Smith plans on majoring in Business Management.
Joining the Jets in 2019-20, Smith spent three seasons with the MJDP team and one with the MHC team, collecting 26 goals and 28 assists for 54 points in 143 games during the regular season. He added seven goals and 14 points in 17 playoff games.
“The Jets helped me develop so much of my game over the years,” Smith said. “My hockey IQ and skills overall have improved so much, on and off the ice. The MAT being available was a huge help as well with (Jets associate head coach) Jamie (Lovell) giving us special workouts that correlate with what we do on the ice.
“Lots of things stand out over the years whether it’s making it to nationals for the past two years or just being able to go across the country for showcases. So many memories have been made.”
For Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville, seeing Smith get an opportunity to play college hockey is a result of what the Jets do year after year with their development regimen.
“Smitty was a special player here,” Quenneville said. “He exemplifies everything a coach loves working with. He is a versatile player who comes to work every day and puts in the work. He’s coachable and beloved by his teammates. SVSU will benefit from this and we wish Smitty the best of luck.”
“Smitty came to us four years ago as a young kid who just played hockey, but I think now, he’s leaving us a mature ‘hockey player,'” added Lovell. “We always knew he had offensive instincts and skill, but he really displayed his versatility and maturity. Being asked to go from forward to defense multiple times throughout the season and his entire time here with our program is not an easy thing to do, but Smitty made the transitions seamlessly, at times even mid game. He became a leader in that regard, basically doing whatever the team needed to help it succeed, and ultimately made him a much more attractive player to colleges.
“I can’t say enough how proud we are of the player and person Smitty has become over the past four seasons, and we know that will continue as he starts the next chapter at school. We wish him all the best.”
Smith noted that playing at the collegiate level is something many people had a role in along the way.
“It’s hard to find someone not to thank,” Smith said. “My parents, grandparents, and siblings have supported me throughout my whole hockey career. The teammates I’ve had have been unreal and will be friends forever. ‘Q’ and Jamie have all my respect and I’m grateful I’ve had them as coaches because without them, I wouldn’t be the hockey player I am today.”
Going forward, it’s back to business for Smith.
“Registering for classes and mainly figuring out school stuff is going to be what I’m focusing on this summer,” said Smith. “I also plan on going to a few MAT skates when I’m available.”
Stay tuned to MetroJetsHockey.com and all of the Jets’ social media pages for more offseason news!
