Ryan Jones is at the stage of his hockey career where he wants to create his own path.
The 17-year-old blueliner was on a similar journey as his older brother — including a year in the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League, followed by a stint of junior “B” with the Richmond Sockeyes. Mitch Jones went on to play two seasons in the B.C. Hockey League before earning a scholarship to Northern Michigan University.
Ryan’s desire is to realize a dream he has been chasing for years.
He signed with the Vancouver Giants midway through last season and is now attending his third straight training camp with the Western Hockey League club — this time looking to earn a roster spot.
“My brother had great things to say about junior ‘A’ and college but I have wanted to play in this league since I was a little kid, especially with this team,” said Jones after his first on ice session last week at the Ladner Leisure Center. “I just didn’t think I could pass up this opportunity.”
Under the watchful eye of scouting director Terry Bonner, Jones has been on the Giants’ radar screen since his days in rep minor hockey. Vancouver added him to its protection list soon after the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.
The Giants liked what they saw during his year in Major Midget with the Greater Vancouver Canadians and even more so after me made the jump to the Pacific Junior Hockey League with the Sockeyes — signing Jones midway through last season. That gave him the opportunity to participate in Giants practices on a regular basis.
He hopes to be added to a Giants’ Junior B pipeline that includes Milan Lucic, Mitch Bartley and another former Sockeye — Carter Popoff.
“He has a good chance (of sticking here),” said general manager Scott Bonner. “He has done everything we have asked of him and he exceeded our expectations last year. We have had some luck with guys coming out of Junior ‘B.’
“I like it when defenceman come in here at 17. Just look at our history with a guy like Cody Fransen. They are more mature and more stronger.”
What also impresses Bonner is Jones happens to be a multi-sport athlete.
Following his family’s rich history, including his father Randy being a perennial WLA all-star, Jones’ played intermediate ‘A’ this past season with the Delta Islanders and finished second in team scoring.
“He just checks a lot of the boxes for us,” continued Bonner. “We don’t want guys who just want to be hockey players. To me, it’s too easy to get burned out if they don’t do anything else. A lot of these kids here have done other things.”
Jones was even called-up twice to play for the Junior “A” Islanders, however, he doesn’t want to look beyond the upcoming hockey season.
“Although I’m passionate about hockey, I didn’t feel like I had to give up lacrosse,” said Jones. “I still enjoy playing and it’s good for my fitness. For sure, I have to be smart about it too.”
He added his season in Richmond accelerated his development, especially lining up against 19-and-20-year-olds on a regular basis.
“It was a great year for me. I really didn’t know what to expect coming in as a 16-year-old. I was fortunate (head coach) Judd (Lambert) gave me a great opportunity with the ice time.
“Going up against older guys helped a lot. I was able to get use to the speed almost right away in Major Midget but in Junior ‘B’ you are facing guys who are a lot stronger, basically men.”
Icing…
Jones’ former team begins the PCHL regular season on Tuesday in Ladner as the Richmond Sockeyes take on the Delta Ice Hawks.
Two nights later, the Sockeyes will host the Grandview Steelers in their home opener, 7 p.m. at Minoru Arenas.
