Thursday, November 17, 2011

Backcheck: Ryan Jones

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Ryan Jones’s legacy at Miami is evident, from his name spread throughout the record book to his status as a three-time captain from 2005-08.

His commitment to the program is also on display in the RedHawks’ locker room, where like many NHLers who have progressed from Oxford, he made generous donations to build the space for the current team.

Jones’s ascension to the NHL – where he scored 18 goals for the Edmonton Oilers last year – is seen by many as unlikely, since he was playing Junior B hockey prior to attending Miami.

“As a 20-year-old, just getting the opportunity was pretty amazing,” he said. “To get down there and meet the guys, it was a great group of guys, and it’s one of the most beautiful campuses in the world. … It’s a great program and it’s obviously gone above and beyond since I was there.”

College Hockey, Inc. caught up with Jones recently to get those and more thoughts on his time in college hockey.