A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Petry is the son of 13-year MLB veteran Dan Petry, who helped the Detroit Tigers win the 1984 World Series and posted a 119-93 record and a 3.84 earned run average in 306 appearances (274 starts) with the franchise from 1979-87 and 1990-91. Prior to turning professional, Petry spent three seasons at Michigan State University from 2007-10, serving as team captain during his junior year. In total, Petry collected 67 points (9-58-67) and 86 penalty minutes in 118 games with the Spartans, earning a spot on the CCHA Second All-Star Team in 2009-10 and CCHA All-Rookie Team honors in 2007-08. Before joining the Spartans, Petry spent two seasons with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League from 2005-07, registering 60 points (19-41-60) and 139 penalty minutes in 103 games. He guided Des Moines to a Clark Cup championship in 2006 and was named USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year following the 2006-07 campaign. Petry also played three seasons of varsity hockey at St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Mich., from 2002-05. On the international stage, Petry represented Team USA at three consecutive IIHF World Championships from 2012-14, earning a bronze medal at the 2013 tournament.