Jones gets shot at pro hockey career
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Nick Jones always keeps an open mind, anticipating the next move.
As the Cranberry Township native goes through the San Jose Sharks rookie camp, he's trying to learn everything he can.
Jones, who was a defenseman at Mercyhurst University and played at Seneca Valley High School, recently signed an AHL contract with the Sharks' affiliate, the Worcester (Mass.) Sharks.
Last Sunday, Jones played in his first scrimmage, against the Anaheim Ducks rookies at the Honda Center.
“Everyone out here is that much better, that much stronger and that much quicker,” said Jones who is 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds. “You have to have your head on a swivel at all times and know what you're going to do with the puck before you get it.”
Jones was undrafted, but played at the Sharks developmental camp last summer.
He used the time to see where he stood against other prospects and to pick people's brains.
“It was a great learning experience for me,” Jones said. “They had all the NHL and some of the AHL coaches there. It allowed me to build a repertoire and learn from them. You can always learn something new.”
After he finished at Mercyhurst, Jones had interest from several East Coast Hockey League teams and from a few teams in Europe.
San Jose gave him the best opportunity.
Jones played two games with Worcester last season, registering six shots on net. He also played four games with the Ontario Reign of the East Coast Hockey League.
During the ECHL playoffs, Jones recorded an assist for the Reign.
“I played a little bit in Worcester and Ontario and that helped,” Jones said. “Getting to know a lot of the guys that I'm going to be playing with helps.”
Lakers coach Rick Gotkin thinks Jones has potential to continue to grow. During Gotkin's 27-year tenure at Mercyhurst, three of his players have signed NHL contracts and 10-12 have signed with AHL teams.
“He's a great player,” Gotkin said. “He has great on-ice vision. He skates well, he sees the ice well. He's going to do just fine.”
During Jones' four-year career with the Lakers, he recorded 93 points (32 goals and 61 assists).
He was named Atlantic Hockey Association Defenseman of the Year last season.
“What he doesn't have is a lot of pro experience,” Gotkin said. “He hasn't played in the AHL for a year. ... He's so smart on the ice with his vision. How he sees the game and how he sees thing develop before they develop. I hope he's given a good chance.”
Jones feels like he's still shaking off some rust after a long summer.
He hopes to adapt quickly and learn some things along the way.
“First and foremost, it's a chance for coaches to see you,” Jones said. “You want to get sharp as quick as possible.”
