Colorado natives, youth hockey grads Mastay, Grasso, Elmblad excited for 2022-23 season with USPHL powerhouse Jets
The Metro Jets have proven to be a top junior hockey franchise, not only in the USPHL, but in all of North America.
As the years go on, the Detroit-area organization still boasts a heavy Michigan flavor on its roster while also attracting players from out of state.
This season, the Jets have three players from Colorado in Westminster’s Devon Mastay and Broomfield’s Robert Grasso and Ryan Elmblad.
Mastay, whose brother Cody Mastay captained the Jets last season and is now a freshman at NCAA Division III Arcadia University, is a defenseman for the Jets, while Grasso is a forward and Elmblad a defenseman for the MJDP (Metro Jets Development Program).
All three players are excited to don Jets’ colors this season. For Mastay and Grasso, the 2022-23 campaign is their second with the Jets while Elmblad is new to the team after playing for Cushing Academy.
“My reason to come back to the Jets is that it is the ultimate player experience,” Mastay said. “You can’t beat the coaching staff, culture, and development that the Jets have to offer. Coming off of last season, expectations have never been higher.”
“My decision on coming back to the Jets was easy enough,” added Grasso. “The Jets organization provides everything you need and want as a player. Responding from last season, expectations from myself and the team are higher than ever.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville is excited to see what Elmblad can do this season as a rookie.
“Ryan and his family came out for a visit during the offseason,” Quenneville said. “Obviously, it went well, and Ryan made his decision to sign. He comes in hungry to learn and ready to invest in himself. He comes from a reputable program at Cushing, and we look forward to getting to work with him.”
Growing up in Colorado, Mastay skated for the Hyland Hills Jaguars, Boulder Bison, Colorado Evolution and Colorado Springs Tigers, Grasso for Boulder Hockey Club and Monarch High School, and Elmblad with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.
Photo/G-Force Photography
— Matt Mackinder
(October 13, 2022)
