Pavan Ubhi
Contributor
At this time of year, it’s no surprise to see hockey player Chris Jones hitting the rink with friends.
Jones, a fourth-year forward for the York Lions, has risen to become an intimidating figure on York ice. Skating past opponents like the Brock Badgers to score an impressive unassisted goal in the first game of the season, he has built up a reputation as a remarkable player. This year, the athlete takes on a new challenge as he steps up to the role of captain of a new team.
Born in Dumfries, Scotland and raised in Canada, Jones had a lot of experience on the ice growing up. He started at age three and, a little later on, transitioned into competitive hockey. The young star could’ve caught a career break when, at 15, he was drafted into the Ontario Hockey League’s Mississauga IceDogs in 2000, back when Don Cherry was owner. He turned down the spot, however, and decided instead to go to university. York picked him up while in his fifth year playing for the Pickering Panthers, and he has been with the Lions ever since.
He’s an optimistic player who encourages his team in their time of need and, as captain, he knows what responsibilities he has to fulfill. The grinning 6’4 giant says academics have a lot to do with leadership skills.
“People look up to you, so your studies usually come into play. If you’re not good at your studies, you’re not going to play,” he explained. “You have to keep remind- ing the boys that. It’s one thing I’m trying to do.”
As a psychology major, Jones is dismissive of the hockey superstitions some players think helps their performance.
“To be honest, no, I don’t believe in them. You’ve got to be good to be lucky, so I don’t have any superstitions before a game. You’ve got to eat well before a game, keeping your mind focused. That’s really my routine – no rituals or anything like that.”
Jones is keen on having role models; however, he draws his inspiration from one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) best players.
“My big player growing up was always Joe Sakic. He’s retired now, but I always looked up to him as a leader. Seems to always be doing the right thing out on the ice; I always watched him, tried to learn from him.”
The young hockey player aims to take the experience and knowledge he’s picked up over the years and apply it to leading the Lions this year.
“We have a couple of brand new guys, a lot of them from out west. A lot of gritty players that can bring in more depth this year. Some guys came back, some left this year, but I am confident about how the coach has the players set up this season.”
Jones is looking to make this year the one that counts, to help build York’s momentum. He’ll be improving his game in every way possible and expecting his team to do the same.
“It is the love of the game – that’s it right there. Wanting to stay in shape and pursue a hockey career hopefully, that’s my motivation.”
