Avalanche Country Today (1/18/07) ~ David Jones Interview

[RMH]

Avalanche Country Today
~ Thursday, January 18, 2007: Interview with David Jones ~
volume 2, number 73 (#194)
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News and Perspectives about Colorado Hockey Welcome to this edition of ACT. Here is today's menu: Daily Snap! David Jones, The Big Green. ACT Exclusive: Interview with David Jones Sidebar: January Schedule/Results Game Notes: Avs (4) v. Coyotes (3) In the Papers: Articles from the local press. ACT Interview with David Jones by RMH Those of you who have followed ACT for any length of time know that I am very much looking forward to seeing David Jones in an Avalanche sweater sooner rather than later. Jones was selected in the 8th round in 2003, 288th overall, and is shaping up to perhaps be yet another excellent late-round steal for the Avalanche. After his impressive sophomore campaign with Dartmouth last year, he has picked up right where he left off and then some, leading the team in scoring with 10 goals and 13 assists in 17 games played this season. He is also serving as an assistant captain for the Big Green, and was kind enough to answer a few questions for ACT. ACT: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in hockey? David Jones: Lets see, I was born in Guelph, Ontario, and my dad always played hockey so he built a little rink in the backyard and I started skating real young (probably 2 or 3 years old). After a few years in Ontario we moved to Calgary and then to North Vancouver where I live now. I started playing organized hockey in N. Vancouver at probably the age of five. I played all of my minor hockey in North Vancouver and at 16 years old I played for the Junior B Port Coquitlam Buckeroos. The next year I played Junior A for the Coquitlam Express. I played three years there then came to Dartmouth. I was fortunate to play so close to home. Coquitlam is only about a 25 minute drive. In addition, I was always a very small kid so I never really had any interest from the major junior teams until probably Junior. I was always interested in going to college over the WHL. ACT: As a dominant player in the BCHL, it was certain that you were scouted by more than one team. How is it that you came to be drafted by the Avalanche and did you deal with a particular scout? David Jones: Glen Cochrane, one of the scouts from the Avs watched me a little bit during my second year with Coquitlam. I talked with him briefly after a couple games but did not really think much about it. Halfway through the season I broke my ankle and was sidelined until the playoffs. After the season, I was rather disappointed with my year, but Dartmouth felt they had seen me play enough and gave me the chance to play for them. That summer, I received a call about a week before the draft and it was Glen, he told me that I was in a pool of players and there was a possibility that they might take me. I really did not get my hopes up though because I did not have the greatest year, but sure enough late in the last round they took me. Obviously, I was excited and I think it really helped me have such a great year in Juniors the following year. Knowing that there are people at the highest level that believe you can play pro gives you a feeling of support and confidence that I think carried onto the ice and still does. ACT: After a solid rookie campaign at Dartmouth, you apparently went through a training regimen that added 18-20 lbs. to your frame, and promptly became a dominant force in the ECACHL the next season, scoring 17 goals and 17 assists in 33 games. Could you describe that process? David Jones: I have Bob Miller, our strength and conditioning coach, to thank for that. He does a great job with us in the off-season especially helping us get stronger. I put on a lot of weight on my legs and it has definitely transferred into speed and power on the ice. I think immediately after the season we took a bit of a break to recover and then started lifting a lot. It was a couple months before we started doing some running and off ice conditioning. I'll be the first to say that that extra 15 pounds was not all good weight but about 8 pounds of it was muscle which always helps. When you are on the ice everyday and then simply take a month off, it is easy to gain weight. Once you jump back on the ice again, conversely, it falls off pretty quick. Right now I am happy with my size. ACT: How has serving as an assistant captain of the Dartmouth team helped your development? Do you have much interaction with the Avalanche organization during the season, or does that typically happen once the season is completed? David Jones: I have had several chances to speak with scouts from the Avs this year. It has been great. They have had a chance to see me play a lot and I really appreciate their feedback. Ultimately, I want to play at the next level and in order to do that I try to improve on every aspect of my game. Sometimes I cannot pick up on the small things that I do wrong, so it is nice to have someone that can give me pointers. As far as wearing the A for Dartmouth, it is an honour that the players and coaching staff feel that I am a good leader on the team. I try to lead by example on the ice and offer support to my teammates. We have a pretty close-knit team so there are several guys that are leaders on our team. Any one of them could wear the A. For this reason, it makes the job of the guys with letters that much easier. ACT: So far this season you have averaged 1.35 points per game and look to be on pace for 40 points this season. Are you set on finishing your college career before joining the pro ranks or would you consider leaving college early for a shot at joining the Avalanche, as Paul Stastny did this season? David Jones: Obviously, I'd love for a chance to play in the NHL. At this point I am just trying to consistently better my game in practice and in games. When I came to Dartmouth I envisioned playing four years here and receiving a great education. I am with a great group of guys having a lot of fun. I am hoping to continue to have a solid year with our team and if I continue to improve I can foresee a difficult decision at the end of this year. As difficult as that decision would be, one could not really ask for a better situation to be in. Thank you for your time, David.	Daily Snap! Avalanche prospect David Jones Photos provided by D. Jones Upcoming Dartmouth Games: (Team Page) Fri. - 01/19/2007 - v. Canisius - 5:00 MT Sat. - 01/20/2007 - v. Sacred Heart - 5:00 MT Fri. - 01/26/2007 - @ Clarkson - 5:00 MT Sat. - 01/27/2007 - @ St. Lawrence - 5:00 MT January Schedule/Results All times Mountain. TV/Radio: Altitude and AM 950 The Fan. If a different station than Altitude or AM 950 The Fan is carrying the game, they are noted. 1/1 - Mon - at Nashville - W, 5-3 1/5 - Fri - Tampa Bay - W, 4-2 1/6 - Sat - at Minnesota - W, 2-1 SO 1/9 - Tue - Detroit - L, 3-4 SO 1/11 - Thu - Calgary - L, 3-7 1/13 - Sat - Anaheim - W 3-2 SO 1/15 - Mon - San Jose - L 3-1 1/17 - Wed - Phoenix W 4-3 1/20 - Sat - 7:00 PM Detroit 1/26 - Fri - 7:00 PM Phoenix 1510 AM 1/28 - Sun - 1:30 PM at Detroit NBC 1/30 - Tue - 6:00 PM Nashville VERSUS It's All About Lappy.. for Charity Be a part of the Ian-Crowd! Visit the Website to order your "It's All About Lappy" t-shirt! "I love the game, I love to play. I am like a kid everyday. The day I am going to take it as work is the day I am going to have to retire." -Ian Avalanche (4) v. Coyotes (3) Gameday Thread Congratulations to Stastny, Arnason, and particularly Milan Hejduk for having a productive game. After going pointless in the last two matches, the Duke put up a goal and two assists. The penalty kill, despite going 6 for 6, still needs a little work, but it was a marked improvement over the last outing. Budaj made 29 saves in another decent outing, and the Avs looked less lethargic than they have of late. No points for Wolski, but he is getting more aggressive in his puck pursuit, and overall played a good game. Draft Dodger's recap (available Thursday morning) | NHL.com recap.
In The Papers
From the Denver Post: Push for playoffs underway It was a win over a sub-.500 team, a game the Avalanche nearly squandered with some sloppy late play. Theodore finds friend Wayne Gretzky has done a lot of endorsements in his day. He gave another one Wednesday - to struggling Avalanche goalie Jose Theodore. From the Rocky Mountain News: Avalanche Faceoff, Jan. 18 NUMBERS GAME Avalanche discovers a fine line Except for allowing a couple of late third-period goals that put the Pepsi Center crowd on edge, the Avalanche played one of its most complete games of the season Wednesday night. Penguins, governor expected to hold arena meeting Thursday Gov. Ed Rendell and local leaders are expected to meet again Thursday with the Pittsburgh Penguins as the sides appear to be getting closer to completing a deal to build a new downtown arena. Cheechoo determined to deserve All-Star starting nod Jonathan Cheechoo knows he hasn’t done much this season to deserve his starting spot in the NHL All-Star game. The way he’s playing now, the San Jose Sharks forward seems to think he still has time to earn it. Crosby shrugs off spear by stick of Islanders’ Blake Penguins forward Sidney Crosby felt fine a day after the second-year star was speared by the stick of New York Islanders’ All-Star Jason Blake. Straka signs one-year extension with Rangers Martin Straka could've called it quits, gone back home to the Czech Republic, or chased a big free-agent deal. Instead, the 34-year-old forward who is enjoying one of his finest NHL seasons is sticking with the New York Rangers. Avs recall Guite from AHL The Colorado Avalanche recalled forward Ben Guite from Albany of the AHL on Wednesday. Guite, 28, appeared in three games for the Avalanche after he was recalled on Jan. 3. Gretzky grows in role as coach Wayne Gretzky was unquestionably one of the greatest players in NHL history. But the jury is still out on Wayne Gretzky, coach. From TSN: Avalanche end Coyotes road streak Paul Stastny scored two goals and Tyler Arnason added three assists as the Colorado Avalanche beat Phoenix 4-3 Wednesday night, ending the Coyotes' six-game road winning streak. Milan Hejduk had a goal and two assists and Joe Sakic added two assists for Colorado, winner of seven straight over Phoenix and 10-0-2-1 in the last 13 meetings. The Coyotes' road streak was the second-longest streak in franchise history. Sabres pull away from Bruins in third Brian Campbell and Maxim Afinogenov scored four minutes apart in the third period, lifting the Buffalo Sabres to a 6-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night. The loss spoiled a breakout game for Bruins rookie Phil Kessel, who enjoyed the first two-goal game of his career, in only his fifth game back since having surgery for testicular cancer. Zetterberg and Red Wings tame Predators Henrik Zetterberg had a two goals and an assist, and Pavel Datsyuk added four assists to lift the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night. Turco picks up record as Stars top Flames Marty Turco stopped 18 shots to earn his club record-tying 160th win as the Dallas Stars edged the Calgary Flames 4-2 on Wednesday night. Joel Lundqvist's first career goal snapped a 1-1 tie with 13 1/2 minutes left in the second period. About two minutes later, Turco assisted on Stu Barnes' goal that gave Dallas a 3-1 lead. Jere Lehtinen had the other two goals for the injury-riddled Stars, playing their final home game before hosting the all-star game next week.
A presentation of Avalanche-Country.com
Many thanks to the Mayor for the signature, and to today's contributors!	Avalanche Country Today is brought to you by: RMH ..................... Editor Today's Contributors David Jones .......... Avalanche Prospect MGISJ .................... ACT Golf Pro If you would like to contribute to ACT please email avalanchecountry@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!

[pingu]

Well, RMH, that rocks.

Fantastic to have an interview like that - I liked the length of his answers, better than the 10 fan questions, thats for sure.

[Dario]

I'm not sure if David could be more likeable at this point. He has a bright future and I think he has all the tools to be a future leader on an NHL club if his game can translate. Great interview.

[Kels]

Great interview RMH. David sounds like a humble hard working guy (like most NHLers). I now have a new favorite prospect.
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[Draft Dodger]

great interview. hope it's just the first of many at ACT

[bling]

That was a terrific interview. I really enjoyed reading his answers. David Jones seems to posess a nice combination of skill, humility, and intelligence. I look forward to more news concerning this Avs prospect.

[Kipruss3]

That impressed me. DJ clearly took time to think about his answers, and articulated his thoughts well. like some others here i was expecting "how did you get into hockey" "my dad". "what will you contribute..." "i like to play hockey".

you know, those one sentence, usually predictable things that we get from players.



And RMH, good, thought provoking questions, but ones that also showed that you "know your stuff" and are not just some blond bimbo trying to "make it" into sports casting. hehe. ;-)


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I laugh at everyone's pain but my own... I'm French! (LeFrog - Flushed Away)

[chiavsfan]

[AvsFanInNc]

well that was awesome! loved the interview! cant wait to see him in an Avs jersey!!!
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you rock AVnCA for making that!! ^^

[AvsLiles26]

Wow, great interview RMH.

It's really nice to hear from David and see that he put some real thought into his answers. He sounds like a great guy and I'd love to see him in an Avs jersey someday.
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RIP Darrent Williams #27
RIP Damien Nash #29

[avalicious]

great interview! well done!

[Jori]

Bravo RMH

I know you posted this under the ACT thread on HF Boards, but I also placed it in the prospects thread.

[Americanario]

Great interview....nice for some of us who aren't as familiar with the farm system to get some inside bites on some of our potential future Avs. Keep it up RMH!
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Now and then we had the hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be PIRATES.
-Mark Twain-

[woodchub]

Great job! I hope you do more interviews. And what an articulate, intelligent young man David is. It's nice to see an athlete that can put together a real sentence.

[RMH]

Thank you everyone. All credit is due to David for being so prompt and courteous with my out-of-the-blue request. Coming soon, another interview, this time with the Avs 1st pick in the 2005 draft, Ryan Stoa. It is nice that the prospects are willing to spend a little time with the fans.
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[js_cooldude]

Woah, ACT is starting to get big, interviews here and there. Wh's next, Sakic?

Hehe, kidding, but I loved it, of course.

Keep on the good job RMH.
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[Kipruss3]

[Americanario]