BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Jack Mueller saved his best for last.
In his fourth year of junior hockey in 2020-21, Mueller, who is also an intern with The Clarkston News, joined the Metro Jets’ blue line and saw his game improve exponentially to the point where college programs were pining for his services next season.
Weighing all his options, the 2000 birth year chose to head home and committed last month to Ohio University, an ACHA school in Athens located three hours south of his Sandusky home.
“Ohio and I first came in contact through Coach Q (Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville) connecting us,” said Mueller. “There was a mutual interest as they had seen me play in the USPHL Chicago Showcase and I had known about the program through being an Ohio kid.
“At OU, I plan on studying journalism and business which are two of their most successful colleges. On the ice, I plan on jumping into whatever role they need me for. Traditionally, I play more defensively, and I plan on taking the good habits Metro taught me to Ohio.”
This past season with the Jets, Mueller compiled four goals and 21 points in 38 regular-season games. He added one assist in five playoff games for the Jets, who qualified for the USPHL National Tournament for the third straight season.
“I was excited last offseason when we were able to sign Jack knowing we would have a younger lineup,” said Quenneville. “It was important to bring in some experience, and Jack did a great job helping provide that. He was very consistent throughout the season and played a huge role in us winning the league regular-season title and returning to USPHL Nationals. He does a lot of little things well, in particular on the defensive side of the puck. He had several NCAA options, and garnered a lot of attention because of his good stick, defensive instincts and effective style that every team needs.
“Ohio is a high-quality school and hockey program, and when they showed interest in him, I knew they would be a top option for him. We thank Jack for his leadership and commitment here. Ohio will be getting a class-act, hardworking player who will likely be a captain for them in a few years.”
“I wish we could have another season with Jack because he had such a big impact on his teammates and the coaching staff,” added Jets associate coach Jamie Lovell. “He brought an incredible attitude and work ethic every day when he came to the rink and we will miss that. But he’s off to start the next chapter of his life and we know he’s going to bring those same values to his new team at Ohio. He was a leader here and there’s no doubt that he will be a leader and have the same impact with new coaches and teammates. We wish him all the best.”
Mueller said his season with the Jets was “the perfect final year.”
“The Jets changed my game immensely,” he said. “Our coaches forced my habits to move the puck quickly with a purpose. They pushed me to my limits allowing me to find my puck-moving game as well as honing my skills defensively. I wish I could have spent more time with the program. The success was great. However, the group of guys I got to spend my last year with are unforgettable and make all the work well worth it.”
In making his decision for the future, Mueller said he has had so many people support him to get to this point.
“I want to thank all my coaches in the past, Q and Jamie, and the billet families that generously opened up their homes and treated me as their own,” Mueller said. “I also want to thank my family, all my siblings and my parents, my dad up above, and my mom who always puts me before her. I cannot thank them all enough.”
This summer will see Mueller working at Cedar Point, working out and skating.
Prior to this past season with the Jets in Fraser, Mueller played junior hockey in Daytona Beach, Fla., Dyer, Ind., and across the border in Ontario.
“It’s been quite the journey,” said Mueller. “I’m excited for the future.”