By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
Junior hockey is all about advancement, and for the younger talent in the United States Junior Hockey League, that often means working their way up the developmental ladder to the top-tiered National Collegiate Development Conference. That plan worked perfectly for former Hershey Cub (USPHL Premier) forward William Michetti.
Michetti, an ‘05 from Brossard, Que., has signed with the NCDC’s Thunder Hockey Club, and with his offensive output of 17-33-50 in 40 games with the Cubs last year, he’s proven more than able to take his game up a level.
“I am very excited to start the season and contribute to the success of the Thunder Hockey Club this season. This is a great opportunity to continue working toward my goal and improving my skills to be NCAA-ready,” added Michetti. “The Thunder Hockey Club is focused on the development of their players within the organization and they place players year after year in the NCAA. The head coach and staff bring a lot of experience to the players, which will help further my development as a player. I am looking forward to working with them in the upcoming season.”
Michetti joined the Cubs out of the Ligue de Hockey Collégiale du Québec (QCHL) and helped push the Cubs to a third-place finish in an Atlantic Division that featured the eventual National Champion Connecticut Jr. Rangers. The Cubs’ 26-15-3-0 finish was their best in their first three years of existence.
“I am proud to have contributed to the Cubs’ success last year, as it had its best season since joining the USPHL. They gave me the opportunity to play in many game situations, playing an important role on all special units,” Michetti added. “The coaching staff trusted me in important game situations, which helped me work on different aspects of my game.”
The Cubs also played in several different events last year, from Wayne, N.J., to Detroit, Mich., to Hudson, N.H., getting their players seen by a wide array of college and junior coaches along the way. Becoming part of the Cubs, Thunder Hockey Club and USPHL overall was the right move for Michetti.
“I believe hard work, a good attitude and discipline will bring opportunities. I had a really good season and was well-surrounded in Hershey. Playing in the USPHL Premier provided great exposure and the opportunity to work on my game and continue to improve,” Michetti said. “The showcases also allowed the players to compete against teams from across the country. Coaches have the opportunity to see what players are capable of and identify future NCDC prospects. The USPHL was very helpful to my development and I have had the opportunity to meet incredible people along the way, starting with my billet family, teammates and professionals accompanying us throughout the season.”
Michetti is certainly not taking lightly the opportunity to play in the NCDC and raise his college hockey prospect profile.
“I plan to continue working on my speed and improving my overall performance,” said Michetti. “Playing at the NCDC level is another step toward my goal to play NCAA hockey.”
The NCDC wishes William Michetti and the Thunder Hockey Club the very best of luck in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
