Aidan RaCosta had a strong senior season in 2023-24 with the Grand Blanc/Lapeer varsity hockey team, serving as captain for the Bobcats and providing offense on a nightly basis.
That season earned him a look from the Metro Jets, a powerhouse junior hockey organization in the United States Premier Hockey League, a league that stretches from coast to coast and into parts of Eastern Canada. The Jets play at Mount Clemens Ice Arena, about an hour drive from Lapeer.
Junior hockey is a level of the game generally for advanced players between high school and college, ages 16-20.
"I was invited to a summer skate for the Jets and after skating that day and talking to the coaches, I was sent the contract that night to commit and play for the them," said RaCosta, who plays for the Jets team in the USPHL Elite conference. "I try to walk into the rink every day and be a sponge of the game and get better every time I step onto the ice, learning on a deeper level of taking wins and losses as a team."
A forward, RaCosta recorded his first point back on Oct. 13, an assist in a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cougars. He then picked up six more assists before finally scoring his first goal on Jan. 18 in a 6-1 win on the road against the Decatur (Ill.) Blaze.
Last week, RaCosta gave himself a fantastic 19th birthday present with two goals on Feb. 7 in a 4-3 overtime loss at home to the Fort Wayne Spacemen.
"It was definitely frustrating waiting so long to get that first goal in juniors, especially after coming from a good high school season, so it was a big relief, but I was more focused on playing my game more than scoring," RaCosta said. "The puck from that first goal is with me in my dorm in Mount Clemens.
"After getting that first goal, I think now I’m finally adjusting to the scoring aspect, but I definitely think I’m adjusting pretty well in juniors thanks to a really good coaching staff that is focused on improving your game to the next level. I've learned so much more just in this one year about where to be without the puck and good positioning and am excited to see my improvement more and more I play in juniors."
Back in Lapeer, RaCosta started at Murphy Elementary and graduated from Lapeer High School in 2024 alongside his twin sister Elle. His family also includes his mother Michelle, stepfather Ryan, father Chris, stepmother Tammy, stepbrother Peyton and stepsister Paige.
RaCosta said he relished his years with Lapeer Community Schools.
"I had Mr. Nolan for two years while in school and he was awesome," RaCosta said. "Not only was he passionate for what he taught in school, but talking to him every day about sports, history, and even my hockey was great and definitely appreciated the moments I had with him. I also had Mrs. De-Nise my last year of high school and she was awesome as well. Loved joking around and talking with her as well and she was very caring towards her students.
"I loved the small-town community and not only hanging out with people but getting to know others as well."
In reflecting on his time in Lapeer, RaCosta offered words of advice for the Class of 2025.
"Focus on your goals and dreams when you can now because when you’re older, you might not get the chance to or you might regret not starting young," he said.
Going forward in his own right, RaCosta said he has reachable goals in mind, both on and off the ice.
"In hockey, I want to go as far as I can, whether that's only juniors or making it to a pro team," said RaCosta. "Short term, I want to improve on the ice every day with stick handling, shooting and positioning.
"The main goal in life is to be happy with whatever I’m pursuing."
Photo/Sara Vasseur/Metro Jets