Thursday, October 31, 2013

Jets' newcomer Shand enjoying Waterford, putting up points

WATERFORD, Mich. – Kevin Shand had a taste of the North American Hockey League and wants to do all he can to make it back.

For now, though, he’s more than happy to be playing big minutes and contributing in a major way in the North American 3 Hockey League for the Metro Jets.

“It’s been a good time so far with the Jets and I’m having a good time,” said the 18-year-old Saline native. “I’m getting to know the guys, I’m playing a lot and we’re becoming a family. It’s definitely a very positive situation here.”

Last season, Shand was part of the Division 3 high school state champions at Cranbrook Kingswood (pictured) and then began this year with the Springfield Jr. Blues alongside Jets’ alums Kyle Shreve and Mike Gambino.

Three weeks ago, Shand was transferred to Waterford.

“This is a great organization and is run very professionally,” said Shand. “It’s not your typical Tier III team and there are plenty of opportunities to move up. You’ve got our head coach, Justin Quenneville, that coached in the NAHL and has lots of contacts there, and our two assistants, Randy Wilson and Tom Krajewski. Randy is the head scout with Springfield and helped get me there. Both he and Tom know a lot of people and all three of these guys will do all they can to get us exposure and be able to play at the next level.”

Shand’s father, Dave Shand, played in the NHL for the Atlanta Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals and was also an assistant coach at the University of Michigan from 1990-92.

“My dad coached me all the way until I got to high school,” Shand said. “He has so many stories and has always been there for me, whether it’s to give me that extra push as a player or to push me to be a better person and give me a boost when I need it. He always knows what to say and how to keep things positive and in perspective.”

Thus far with the Jets, Shand has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in just five games and sits third in team scoring.

“I’m not really a stats guy and all I want to do this year is keep improving and try and get another shot in the NAHL and then look at playing in college, either (NCAA) Division I or Division III,” Shand explained. “I never felt like I was taking a step back to come play in the NA3. I knew I’d come here and get some ice time and be more than a role player. I want to be a leader here and continue to play a lot of minutes.

“I’m just very happy to be here.”

JET STREAKS 

Before beating the St. Louis Jr. Blues 4-3 this past Sunday on the road, the last time Metro beat St. Louis was on Nov. 3, 2007, in a 5-2 win at Lakeland Arena.

In that game, the Jets trailed 2-0 late in the first period, but then saw Jordan MacDonald, Steve Wiechec, John Karwat, Ryan Eby and Kyle Schloegl rattle off five unanswered goals for the win. Alex Pikunas earned the win in net making 32 saves.

The last time the Jets won in St. Louis was prior to the 2006-07 season, before the NA3HL (then Central States Hockey League) had stats tracked by Pointstreak.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Former Jets’ forward Dwight Parrish, who played on the first-ever team back in 1989-90, enjoyed a college and pro career that spanned more than 700 games from 1992-2008.

Parrish, a 41-year-old Southfield native, skated at Ferris State University from 1992-96 and then in the American Hockey League, International Hockey League and East Coast Hockey Leagues before jaunting off to play pro hockey in Great Britain from 2000-08.

On Dec. 23, 2008, Parrish announced he was retiring from hockey to accept a job offer outside of hockey back in Michigan.

For his hockey career in England with both the Manchester Storm and Manchester Phoenix organizations, Parrish's No. 17 was the first to be retired by the Phoenix, a decision that was announced at Parrish's last game, a 3-2 home win against the Newcastle Vipers.

Photo by Nathan Kostegian/MiHockey

Monday, October 28, 2013

Captain's Corner - St. Louis split, Scognamiglio, weekend ahead

Each week during the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Josh Beleski will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League season, the 25th for the Jets as a junior franchise. 

-- On getting a split on the road at St. Louis this past weekend.

Getting a split this weekend was huge for us. I think we are going to start to turn things around and continue to win because we know we are a winning team. We just need to keep playing the way we can and we will be just fine.

-- On who stepped up in Sunday's 4-3 victory.

I think the whole team stepped up on Sunday and we played as a unit. We all knew that we needed to come out and play a lot better after we got beat 9-3 the day before. I think it all started with our goalie (Kameron Limburg). He made some huge saves for us that really kept us in the game and I think that fired up the team.

-- On new forward Vince Scognamiglio, a St. Louis native, on loan from the OHL's Plymouth Whalers.

Vince added some depth to the lineup. He's a young kid, but he is very smart with the puck and knows what he is doing out there on the ice. He ended up getting hurt in the first game, which sucked because we could have used his skill in the second game, but the rest of the team picked up their game to come away with a big win.

-- On playing Flint and Michigan this coming weekend.

This weekend is going to be a tough. Flint and the Mountain Cats are both good teams, but I know we can beat the both of them if we come out and play like we did on Sunday against the Jr. Blues. We are going to continue to work hard in practice all week like we always do and hopefully, will come away with four points this weekend.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Shand scores late to give Jets 4-3 win Sunday over St. Louis

AFFTON, Mo. - Kevin Shand's goal at 16:16 of the third period snapped a 3-3 tie and the Metro Jets held on for a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Jr. Blues Sunday afternoon at the Affton Ice Rink.

Zack MacKay tallied a goal and two assists for the Jets, while Cooper McLean and Alex Holm also scored to back Kameron Limburg's 32-save performance between the pipes.

Brad Hepler added two assists in the win.

The Jets (6-8-1) next travel to Flint next Friday night to play the Jr. Generals and then host the Michigan Mountain Cats Saturday night at Lakeland Arena for a 7:50 p.m. puck drop.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Jr. Blues get best of Jets Saturday night in St. Louis

AFFTON, Mo. - The St. Louis Jr. Blues defeated the Metro Jets 9-3 Saturday night at the Affton Ice Rink.

Kevin Shand popped a pair of goals for the Jets (5-8-1) and Zack MacKay also tallied.

Trevor Kalinowski and Davide Mantovani combined to make 22 saves in the Jets' goal, while newcomer Vincent Scognamiglio, on loan from the OHL's Plymouth Whalers, contributed two assists.

The two teams finish up their weekend set Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. EST (1 p.m. CST).

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Rookie forward Kopinski adjusting to NA3HL way of life

WATERFORD, Mich. – Zach Kopinski is realizing that the North American 3 Hockey League season can be a grind.

After starting the season on a fast note for the Metro Jets, including scoring two goals against Cincinnati in the fourth game of the year, Kopinski has admitted that he’s cooled off, but it’s not a concern at the moment.

 “On a personal level, I started off the year hot – I was scoring and was feeling good,” Kopinski said. “Recently, I haven't been able to find the back of the net as easy. Things will turn around and I will be able to make the impact as I feel I can. As a team, we started off the year great and now we’re in a little bit of a slump, but this road trip to St. Louis should give us the spark we need to play as we did in the first few games of the season.”

Kopinski, an 18-year-old from Royal Oak, skated last season for the Detroit Falcons 18U AAA team (pictured) in the North American Prospects Hockey League.

“The Falcons and the NAPHL prepared me for this season because it gave me a little extra time to dial in my skill set that I could carry to this season,” Kopinski said. “I didn't have much previous knowledge about the NA3. I would just hear my friends talk about it because they had older brothers who played in the league. By playing in the NAPHL, we had some conjoined showcases were I had some chances to watch some (NA3HL) games.”

With three goals and three assists for six points through 13 games this year, Kopinski knows he can contribute at the NA3HL level. Points aside, he also feels his intangibles are a valued asset to the Jet and will help him ascend the hockey ladder.

”I think the strongest part of my game currently would be my aggressiveness and grittiness,” explained Kopinski. “I feel I need to improve my hands to move to the next level. It will give me a better chance on dekes and moves and should give myself more opportunities to score or create plays. I want to be able to go to a good college and be able to get a degree while I still have the chance to play the game I've loved for so many years.”

Living at home and playing junior hockey is an added plus for Kopinski.

”It's nice being close to the rink everyday and I get to enjoy a lot of time with my family,” said Kopinski. “It was weird at first, though, because at the start of the year, I was still at home and all my friends left for college and it kind of felt like a ghost town. Recently, me and Travis Baranoski have become quite close because he is staying in Royal Oak with relatives.

“At the end of the day, I am glad the Jets drafted me. I love being here with my teammates and brothers.”

JET STREAKS 

Metro added 18-year-old defenseman John Garst last week and the Cheboygan native made his Jets’ debut against Flint. Garst was drafted in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2013 NA3HL draft … Forward Chad Bailey was released last week … Veteran defenseman Brad Hepler not only leads the Jets in scoring, but is third among all NA3HL blueliners with 13 points this year.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Dillon Kelley, a goaltender who suited up for the Jets during the 2011-12 season, is now in his second season with the Michigan Warriors of the North American Hockey League.

Kelley went 18-8-1 with a 3.62 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage with the Jets and also saw time in the United States Hockey League at the end of the 2011-12 season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Last season, the 19-year-old Petoskey native started the year with the NAHL’s Corpus Christi IceRays (and Jets’ head coach Justin Quenneville, then Corpus Christi’s head coach) before joining the Flint-based Warriors early in the season.

This year, Kelley is 3-3-0 for the Warriors with a 2.42 GAA and a .887 save percentage with one shutout.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Captain's Corner - Flint loss, team chemistry, St. Louis road trip

Each week during the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Josh Beleski will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League season, the 25th for the Jets as a junior franchise. 

-- On positives found in Saturday night's loss to the Flint Jr. Generals.

We can take a lot of positives from the Flint game. The first period was a little rough, but the last two, we showed a ton of heart and we were all over them. If we would have played hard in all three periods, then we would have won that game. I think the guys are starting to realize how dangerous of a team we are and things are going to start turning around for us in a positive way.

-- On team chemistry at this point of the season.

I think our team is getting along great. We have our moments of disagreement, but what family doesn't? The guys all stick up for each other on and off the ice and I think moving forward that our team chemistry is going to continue to get stronger.

-- On this weekend's road trip to play the St. Louis Jr. Blues.

I feel like we are ready for this upcoming weekend. Even though we lost this past weekend, we felt good about our second and third period efforts and I think that is going to carry over into our road trip this coming weekend. We are going to continue to work hard in practice this week and make sure we come home with four points from St. Louis.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Howie's hat trick lifts Jr. Generals past Jets Saturday night

WATERFORD, Mich. - The Flint Jr. Generals defeated the Metro Jets 7-4 Saturday night at Lakeland Arena on the strength of a hat trick from veteran Jacob Howie.

Kevin Shand recorded a goal and two assists for the Jets, while captain Josh Beleski had a goal and an assist.

Travis Baranoski and T.J. Krajewski also scored and Davide Mantovani and Kameron Limburg combined to make 18 saves in goal for the Jets.

Metro (5-7-1-) heads to St. Louis next weekend (Oct. 25-26) to play the Jr. Blues. Game time is 9 p.m. Saturday night and then 2 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will be available on FASTHockey.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Rookie defenseman Reid keeping it a family affair with Jets

WATERFORD, Mich. – All in the family.

No, not Archie Bunker, but rather Carter Reid.

The Metro Jets’ rookie defenseman is following in older brother Adam’s footsteps by skating for the Jets after Adam played on the blue line during the 2011-12 season.

For the younger Reid, who signed a North American 3 Hockey League tender agreement with the Jets over the summer after a season with the North American Prospects Hockey League’s West Michigan Hounds (pictured), he knew what to expect coming to Metro this year.

“(Former Jets’ coach) Jason (Cirone) and my family have had a great relationship since my brother played here a couple years ago,” Reid said. “We have respected him as a coach and even more so as a person since that time. We had stayed in touch, so nothing was really a surprise. I knew if I was going to play Tier III this season that I would want to do it in Waterford.”

Through eight games this season, the 19-year-old Reid has a goal and three assists for four points. Bigger than stats, though, is how his mentality towards the game has grown.

”My season started off kind of rocky and I arrived in Waterford late with some loss in my confidence,” Reid explained. “I think I've gotten back to the type of game that makes me successful and it's started to show the last couple weekends. Certainly, I have gotten more comfortable as the season has progressed. The guys in the locker room are a great group. My billet situation is nice in that I am living with three fellow defensemen (T.J. Krajewski, Kenny Forton and Luke Thom) and there are a couple guys around the team who knew my brother.”

Reid’s childhood was anything but typical, but hockey was always at the forefront. He was born in Kalamazoo and then three years later, started to travel the world – literally.

“My dad took a job with Dell that took us down to Central Texas just before I turned three,” said Reid. “My brother and I grew up and graduated from high school in Georgetown, a town 30 minutes north of Austin. We had a three-year period while I was in middle school where our family lived overseas in Singapore. My dad had an opportunity to take a position with Dell there and the four of us decided to go for it. Living in and traveling – and playing youth and men’s hockey – all over Asia was a great experience that benefits me every day and will for years to come. After high school, hockey took me back to Kalamazoo (also where Adam now attends Western Michigan University).

”Growing up in Texas, the caliber of hockey wasn't always what it is up north. Also, a typical season totaled around 30-35 games. Last season, my NAPHL midget team played 66 games, twice as many as I had been used to. I think both the higher quality of play and playing more often prepared me well for this season.”

With his confidence on the upswing and his on-ice play improving daily, Reid knows that the adage of hard work paying off can come true, but it’s all up to him.

”You never know who is watching, whether it be in a game or even practice,” said Reid. “Everyone is one look away from finding that opportunity at the next level. That's my motivation to go compete every time I am on the ice. My goal for hockey this season is to get back to NAHL (Reid made the preseason roster of the Minot Minotauros). It's a league I certainly think I am capable of playing in. From there, we’ll see what happens.

“Hockey has been great to me since the day I first laced up my skates. I'll continue to play it competitively until I can't any longer.”

JET STREAKS

New Jets' forward Kevin Shand, who won a Division 3 high school state championship last spring with Cranbrook Kingswood and began this season with the NAHL's Springfield Jr. Blues, is the son of former NHL player David Shand.

The elder Shand played for the Atlanta Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals and was also an assistant coach at the University of Michigan from 1990-92.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

 Sean Hogan, who played for the Jets during the 1995-96 season and later coached Oakland University to an ACHA Division I national championship in 2007 and an ACHA Division II national title in 2006, is now in his third season as the head coach at the University of Arizona, an ACHA Division I program.

Hogan was also an assistant coach for Oakland when the Grizzlies won the 2004 ACHA Division II national title.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Captain's Corner - Whalers, Quenneville, Kevin Shand, Flint

Each week during the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Josh Beleski will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League season, the 25th for the Jets as a junior franchise. 

-- On getting swept at home last weekend by the Wisconsin Whalers.

Tough and embarrassing – we were all over the place on the ice. We had no discipline, nor pride in our games last weekend. The guys were definitely disappointed in themselves because we worked hard all week long and then didn’t do a single thing that we worked on in practice in the games.

-- On the team adjusting to new coach Justin Quenneville.

Practices with Q have been great. I think the guys are adjusting just fine. Q is a great guy, he is always cracking jokes and smiling, but he also demands a lot from us and wants us to be the best that we can be. That's why I think the guys like him so much because he challenges us to work harder everyday and demands a little more each and every day.

-- On new forward Kevin Shand, acquired from Springfield of the NAHL.

He looked good this past weekend. He is a smart, hard-working player. I think he is going to be a great fit for this team. He just needs to keep working hard everyday and play the way he can and he will be just fine in this league.

-- On playing the Flint Jr. Generals at home Saturday night.

This weekend is going to be really tough. Flint is a good hockey team and every time we play them, it’s a very intense and hard-hitting game. If we play the way we can and play the way Q wants us to, then there is no reason why we shouldn't walk away with two points this weekend. 

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Jets lose Sunday 4-3, swept at home by Whalers

WATERFORD, Mich. - The Wisconsin Whalers defeated the Metro Jets 4-3 Sunday afternoon, taking both games from the Jets this weekend at Lakeland Arena.

Zack MacKay had a goal and an assist for the Jets, while Kenny Forton and Chad Bailey also scored.

In net, Trevor Kalinowski finished with 29 saves.

Ryan Martin scored twice for the Whalers.

The Jets (5-6-1) play just one game this week, on Saturday night at home against the Flint Jr. Generals.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Whalers jump on Jets, hang on for 6-4 win Saturday night

WATERFORD, Mich. - The Wisconsin Whalers took a 3-0 lead over the Metro Jets in the first period Saturday night and held on for a 6-4 win at Lakeland Arena.

Cody Jones, Brad Hepler and newly-acquired Kevin Shand (from the NAHL's Springfield Jr. Blues) all had a goal and an assist for the Jets (5-5-1) and Kameron Limburg made 28 saves in goal.

Matt Dempsey scored the other Metro goal and Carter Reid chipped in two assists.

For the Whalers, Jason Hoehn had two goals and an assist and goalie Tyler Lewis finished with 19 saves.

The two teams wrap up their two-game series Sunday at 11:50 a.m.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Timing right for Keego Harbor's Jones to join Jets

WATERFORD, Mich. – Cody Jones was drafted by the Metro Jets in the 2012 North American 3 Hockey League draft.

He chose not to report to the team.

Jones was then drafted again in the 2013 draft and this time, he wound up playing for the Jets.

He’s done more than just take up a roster spot, too. In fact, Jones has been one of the Jets’ more consistent and clutch players this season and has been at or near the top of the team scoring race much of the season.

In hindsight, though, Jones said waiting until after he graduated high school to play in the NA3HL was the right decision.

“I felt that the extra year gave me a chance to mature and to develop my skills that much more,” said Jones, a forward. “Last year playing for West Bloomfield High School, it taught me how to be a leader.”

Even with his early-season success, Jones realizes it’s too soon to get excited.

“I feel I have played well, but I know that there is definite room for improvement,” Jones said.

And with so many players leaving Michigan to play junior hockey, the fact Jones can still live at home and play Tier III hockey isn’t lost on the 18-year-old from Keego Harbor.

“It's awesome being able to play at the junior level and still be able to see you family everyday,” remarked Jones.

With new head coach Justin Quenneville in the fold, Jones said it was hard to see Jason Cirone move on to take a head coaching job at the ACHA college level with Midland University in Fremont, Neb., but he’s willing to see what Quenneville has to offer.

”Coach Jason taught me that keeping things simple is better,” said Jones. “If you do your job on and off the ice, only good things will happen. I'm very excited about the new coach. He's energetic and has a lot of great ideas, so I'm very excited to play for him.”

JET STREAKS

With the hiring of Quenneville, the past three Jets’ head coaches have all hailed from Canada – Quenneville is from Montreal, Cirone is a Toronto native and Jamie Hayden called Saskatoon, Sask., home.

Jon Cooper, who led the Jets to the 2002 national Junior B championship and is now the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is from Prince George, B.C.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

After making his NHL debut last season with the Washington Capitals to become the first Jets’ alum to play in the NHL, defenseman Steven Oleksy figures to be a major component of the Washington blue line this season after cracking the opening night roster.

Oleksy, a 27-year-old Chesterfield native, scored a goal with eight assists for nine points last season to go along with 33 penalty minutes.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Captain's Corner - Cirone, Quenneville, Wisconsin Whalers

Each week during the 2013-14 season, Metro Jets’ captain Josh Beleski will give his thoughts on topics surrounding the team as it makes its way through the North American 3 Hockey League season, the 25th for the Jets as a junior franchise. 

-- On what Jason Cirone meant to him.

Jason has taught me a lot of things, but most of all, I think he has taught me to become a better man. When I first came to the team, I was really immature and didn’t know how to control my emotions, but he never gave up on me and worked with me every step of the way on and off the ice. Now two seasons later, he gave me the honor of leading my teammates into battle day in and day out. I owe a lot of my success to Jason and just want to say I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for him. Jason meant a lot to the team. He was a great coach and a great guy. If we ever needed help or advice, whether it was about hockey or everyday life, Jason was always there for us. Jason was like a second father to me. He taught me a lot since I’ve played for his team on and off the ice. I wish him the best of luck in Nebraska. He deserves it.

-- On how he found out Cirone was leaving the team.

Jason pulled me into the coaches’ room and asked me what my plans were for next season. At first, I didn’t think anything of it, but as we continued to talk, I could tell he was trying to hint at something. And that's when he told me that he would be leaving us after the Cleveland games. To be honest, I was shocked and didn't know what to say, but like he said, “As players, we are all trying to make it to a higher level of hockey and it’s no different for him as a coach.” In the end, it sucks because the team and I will miss him, but it’s something he needs to do for himself and his family. He’s the right man for the job and he is going to be a great college coach, there is no doubt about that.

-- On last weekend's games.

I think we had a decent weekend. It was tough because Coach Justin (Quenneville) runs a different system and we only had a week to prepare, but we were a lot better on our power play and penalty kill last weekend. I also thought we did a better job of getting more pucks on the net. I still think we have a lot more to show though and we will continue to get better. I think the team is adjusting well – Justin is a great coach and really knows the game of hockey. He expects a lot from the boys and I, but that will only make us better in the end. The guys like the way he coaches and I think he is going to take this team far.

-- On hosting the Wisconsin Whalers at home this weekend.

To be honest, I know nothing about Wisconsin, but we are just going to go out there and play our game and pressure them into the ground. If we just commit to Justin’s system, there won't be many teams that will be able to compete with us. 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Jets give Quenneville win No. 1 Saturday night in Fraser

FRASER, Mich. - A balanced scoring attack led the Metro Jets past the Michigan Mountain Cats by a 3-2 score Saturday night at the Great Lakes Sports City.

Cooper McLean, Travis Baranoski and Zach Kopinski scored to lead the Jets' offense and give head coach Justin Quenneville his first win since taking over the team last week.

Trevor Kalinowski took the win in net with a 30-save outing.

For the Mountain Cats, Max Vance and Abram Prince scored and Kevin O'Shea made 37 saves in goal.

The Jets (5-4-1) are now idle until next weekend when they host the Wisconsin Whalers Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Lakeland Arena.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Podgorski's hat trick pushes Cherokee past Jets Friday night

WATERFORD, Mich. - Brett Podgorski scored three goals and added an assist as the Toledo Cherokee took a 4-2 win over the Metro Jets Friday night at Lakeland Arena, ruining Justin Quenneville's coaching debut with the Jets.

Kyle Downey and Carter Reid scored the Jets' goals, while Kameron Limburg stopped 20 shots between the pipes.

The Jets (4-4-1) travel to play the Michigan Mountain Cats Saturday at 5:15 p.m. at the Great Lakes Sports City in Fraser.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Cirone steps down, Quenneville named new Jets' head coach

WATERFORD, Mich. – The Metro Jets, proud members of the North American 3 Hockey League, announced today that head coach Jason Cirone has stepped down and Justin Quenneville has been named the Jets’ new head coach.

Cirone, who was in his fourth season in Waterford, will head up the new ACHA college hockey program at Midland University in Fremont, Neb., situated some 25 miles from Omaha. The team will start play with the 2014-15 season.

Quenneville was officially hired this past Monday and ran the team’s practice that morning.

“While we are certainly sad to see Jason go, because I feel he helped turn this organization around from where it was when he came in, we are thrilled for the opportunity he has earned for himself in Nebraska,” said Jets’ GM Butch Wolfe. “Justin and Jason share many coaching similarities and Justin comes highly recommended from Jason. We’re excited to start this new era with Justin behind the bench and look forward to building on the success Jason brought here.”

A 31-year-old native of Montreal, Quenneville played NCAA hockey at St. Michael’s College in the ECAC East from 2000-04 and then enjoyed a six-year pro career that included stops in the United Hockey League, ECHL and Central Hockey League.

From 2008-10, Quenneville was a player-coach with the CHL’s Corpus Christi Ice Rays and then stayed on as an assistant coach when the team moved to the North American Hockey League. From 2011-13, he was the Ice Rays’ head coach.

Quenneville took in the Jets’ two games at Lakeland Arena over the weekend against the Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks and came away impressed.

“This is a league I’m very familiar with and I also know the great reputation the Jets have in this league and in junior hockey,” said Quenneville. “When I was in Corpus, we recruited heavily in Michigan and always had several Michigan kids on our rosters. I grew up in Canada and it’s great to be back in a hockey market like the one here in Metro Detroit. There is so much hockey here and a strong core of players in this environment.

“As for our team, we look strong, though I’d like to see us get a little stronger on the offensive side of the puck. This is a very blue-collar team and we want to be that team that no one wants to play. I will also do everything I can to help promote these kids and get them to the next level, just like Jason did.”

Metro’s two assistant coaches, Randy Wilson and Tom Krajewski, will remain in their roles.

Quenneville and his wife, Courtney, reside in Berkley with their two dogs.

Quenneville will make his coaching debut this weekend at home as the Jets host the Toledo Cherokee Friday night at 7:50 p.m. The Jets then travel to Fraser to play the Michigan Mountain Cats Saturday afternoon.