The St. Louis Jr. Blues, proud members of the NA3HL, are pleased to announce that defenseman Ben Jones has committed to play college hockey at the University of Arizona. The Wildcats, long one of college club hockey’s blue-ribbon programs, play ACHA Division I hockey in the WCHL.
A native of Imperial, Mo., the 5’11”, 190lb left-hander was a constant presence on the blue-line as the Jr. Blues advanced all the way to the Fraser Cup Final in 2017-18. He scored four goals and 19 assists in 38 regular-season games played for St. Louis, plus added a goal in the playoffs as he suited up in all seven post-season fixtures. In addition, he played two games this year with the Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL, where he recorded one assist.
“Ben’s a great two-way player with a champion work ethic,” said Jr. Blues head coach Chris Flaugher. “He’s physical, has a heavy shot, is smart in possession and is a great guy to have out there on special teams. We wish him all the best in Tucson and are confident he’ll be successful there.”
Wildcats head coach Chad Berman adds that “Jones brings an elite level of skating that can’t be taught.[…]He excels at using his feet to create time and space and moves pucks up in transitions very well, which fits perfectly into our teams system and skill-set.”
Jones is the second Jr. Blues player to announce that they will continue their hockey careers at U of A in as many weeks, joining fellow blue-liner Matt Hohl. He is also the fourth St. Louis player to make a college commitment this year, alongside Jake Cox (SNHU) and Jack Hatton (St. Mary’s, MN).
