(above) Justin Jones will be an incoming Freshman this FallFrom: Texas Tornado Website
The Texas Tornado announced that forward Justin Jones (5'11 180 lbs) has committed to the University of Denver, where he has accepted a scholarship to play for the Pioneers beginning this Fall.
“It is tough to put into words how excited I am,” said Jones. “I am very thankful to my family and the Texas Tornado for making this dream come true.”
In his first season with the Tornado, Jones played in 54 of the team’s 58 regular season games, scoring seven goals and adding 13 assists.
“I really feel like this past season was my best developmentally,” Jones said. “Coach (Curtale) did a great job of recognizing what type of player I was, focused on those skill sets and really taught me a lot about the mental aspect of the game. We had such good chemistry in the locker room and that played a big part in my success as well.”
Jones elevated his game during the 2010 Robertson Cup playoffs, as the 19-year-old forward was second in scoring with three points in five games.
“We are very happy for Justin and his family, and it is a testament to his work ethic and ability to be coached,” said Texas Tornado Head Coach and General Manager Tony Curtale. “Justin is an extremely good defensive forward and was one of the best skaters in the league. Both those assets will come in handy at the Division I collegiate level.”
Jones spent 1999 and 2000 in Denver while his dad, Popeye Jones, played in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets. He will be the first ever player in the 11-year history of the Texas Tornado to play for the University of Denver.
“I think Justin is going into a very nice situation at the University of Denver,” said Curtale. “He is familiar with the city and most importantly, he should be able to contribute from the start given his skill set.”
The University of Denver is one of the most storied programs in the history of NCAA hockey. Their seven NCAA National Championships rank second all-time to the University of Michigan’s nine. “Denver is a place I am familiar with so to be going back there to play college hockey for one of the most storied programs in the Nation… I couldn’t be happier.”
Since the creation of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in 1959, the Pioneers have won nine WCHA Regular Season Championships 14 WCHA Playoff Championships.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)
F Jarrod Mermis (Lincoln, USHL)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)
F Justin Jones (Texas, NAHL)
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-17)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
D Dakota Mermis (St. Louis Jr. Blues, AAA)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Colorado Thunderbirds, AAA)
15 comments:
Justin Jones is the older brother Seth is a highly sought after defenseman who will play on the USNDT this season. He would play NCAA hockey in 2013.
Seth was drafted by the WHL Everett Silvertips in the 1st round as a 16 year old, but may be going the NCAA route. At 6'4 he is a prime NHL prospect.
Both Justin and Seth began playing hockey in Denver because "that's what all of their friends in Denver played."
Both Jones brothers played for the Dallas Jr. Stars. The same Junior program that Matt Donovan played for.
Could another brother combo be heading to DU? Ostrow's, Mermis' & perhaps the Jones brothers.
DG's analysis sounds like the deal. Why else would DU spend scholie money on a low point producer in a secondary league? My guess is the better brother must be part of the deal...
I doubt this kids sees much ice at Magness...
Now I'm REALLY looking towards the the 2 rehersal games in October
I didn't think that we had any scholorships left. That sure is a big freshman class coming in this year.
Doubt it was a full scholie. Sounds like he might be able to earn himself some 4th line checking time or PK time on the team.
I agree with DG that this could be a similar deal as the Mermis brothers.
Maybe you can get their lil sis to come play as well?
CC has already signed her and her entire brownie troop
I have heard is he real solid on the pk.
I don't usually post here - but I heard through my sources.. the first thing JJ said after signing this was, "CC SUX and NODAK SWALLOWS"
Speaking of DU hockey playing brothers.
Matt & David Carle, with little brother Alex hopefully in the pipeline.
Drew & Nick Shore. Younger brother Quentin has a scholarship offer at DU and is currently playing for the USNDT. Youngest brother Baker is still 5 years away from college.
Jesse & Jon Cook are the last recent pair that I can think off.
Turns out that Seth Jones would be NCAA eligible in 2012 and eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft.
Dakota Mermis & Seth Jones are both considered NHL 1st Round prospects in 2012. At 6'4 170 lbs as a 16 year old Seth Jones could easily be a top 5 NHL pick.
SUX and SWALLOWS--2 unusual Mascots. lol
Never forget the Xavier brothers. Never...
Too bad Mark Messier couldn't have taken it upon himself to have followed his brother at DU!! I heard that when Mark was a teenager that he would come down to the old barn when he didn't have games, and watch his brother play.
I remember when Messier, Glenn Anderson and Gretzky stopping by a DU fraternity party in 1981 when Edmonton came to town to play the old NHL Colorado Rockies. Glenn Anderson played at DU in 79, and his brother Dave Anderson was playing at DU in 81 (until 84). Messier's brother Paul played with Glenn Anderson at DU (I think), and all of them seemed to know the Berry brothers (Ken, Doug and Dave) brothers, who played at DU during the late 70s and early 80s. Good times.
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