A top Arizona youth player is heading to the Midwest to begin his junior hockey career.

Oka Forsberg, a Flagstaff native, has signed with the USPHL powerhouse Metro Jets program for the 2022-23 season.

Forsberg played for the Jr. Coyotes’ 18U AAA team last season and has also played for the Flagstaff Northstars youth association and Flagstaff Avalanche high school team.

“I went to USPHL Combine in Detroit, and the Jets saw me play there,” Forsberg said. “They called me a week later and told me they’re interested in me. I did my research, and I was very impressed. I knew it was the best fit for me.

“What appeals to me the most about the Metro Jets is the amount of players that have moved to the next level and the recent success of the team. I know that the Jets are a very successful franchise and that they take player development seriously. I am very excited to come to Detroit and play for the Jets. I have played away from home two other times but this time I am the most excited.”

Making the jump to junior hockey is something Forsberg says he is ready for after the 2021-22 season with the Jr. Coyotes.

“I think I bring a lot of speed and offensive creativity to the Jets,” Forsberg said. “I believe I can carry the puck well and find open teammates for scoring opportunities. I think last year playing in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, we played against some of the best teams in the country. I think it prepared me to play against high-level players, both offensively and defensively.”

Going forward, Forsberg has attainable goals in mind.

“My goal for this year is to ready myself to play Tier II juniors next year,” said Forsberg. “By the end of my junior career, I want to be able to play on an NCAA team and go to a school that offers a marketing degree.”

Photo provided by Oka Forsberg

— Matt Mackinder

(June 17, 2022)