BERKLEY, Mich. – Just prior to the Midwest Junior Hockey League’s roster freeze and trade deadline last February, the Berkley Bruins stocked up with talented local players and had a strong finish.

One of those players added was forward Jack Grebe, who posted a goal and an assist in nine games for Berkley.

Grebe, a 19-year-old Clinton Township, Mich., native, recently re-signed with the Bruins for the 2014-15 season and is hoping a solid, full season can lead to more opportunities in the future.

“I had planned on playing somewhere in the NAHL, but after I talked to Coach Dan (Pszenyczny), I just decided to stay home and contribute more to the Bruins,” Grebe said. “I heard that a couple of the kids that played last year were coming back, too, like (Tim) Muhsman, and I feel with the team we will have this year, we will do great things.”

“I'm looking for Grebe to have a breakout season,” added Pszenyczny. “He brings a hard-working attitude every time he comes to the rink. He's a role player that can be used in different situations, which this season, I will be asking him to play in different situations, whether it be power play, penalty kill, or 4-on-4. I think he will do well in any situation I ask him to play because he understands the game and plays his position very well.”

Last year, Grebe was playing for the Belle Tire Selects and the season ended, he contacted Bruins’ general manager Mike Janish, someone he had played for in the past, and it all worked out.

This season, coming in as one of the older guys on the team, Grebe has certain expectations he wants to see fulfilled.

“I want to help lead some of the younger guys and show them what junior hockey is all about,” said Grebe. “Some of my personal goals are that I want advance my hockey skills and hopefully, play college hockey next year or play in the NAHL. I have a lot of speed, but with that, I need to learn to settle down, settle the play and make the right decisions.

“I'm looking forward to just playing hockey and having fun with all the great guys we have on this team and of course, winning.”

Pszenyczny added that getting Grebe under contract is a major move for the Bruins when it comes to team chemistry and character.

 “Grebe is a character guy that everyone gets along with and enjoys to be around,” added Pszenyczny. “He's a great guy to have in the locker room and on the bench.”

The Bruins start their second MWJHL season in Berkley on Friday, Oct. 4, with their home opener against the Monarchs. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m. at the Berkley Ice Arena.

Photo/Jeff Zigman