OGDEN, UT. – The Ogden Mustangs, proud members of the United States Premier Hockey League, are excited to announce the signing of Seth Jones for the 2021-22 season.
Jones (Boise, ID) is set to begin his second season with the Mustangs after a rookie campaign that saw the multi-sport talent make the transition to hockey full-time. While earning a roster spot during the inaugural Ogden Mustangs Summer Tryout Camp in 2020, Jones returned again this Summer and dominated on the ice for his team.
"The off-season was more of a break from hockey in the Summer, but still staying in shape and going to work out every day. Now just getting back into hockey and skating every day -- it feels good."
Standing at 6-3, 210 lbs, the Gem State native and hulking forward transitioned from defenseman to forward early last season as his athleticism and physicality was sorely needed in the lineup. During the 2020-21 season, Jones scored 11 goals and 6 assists in 38 games played. Looking closer into his rookie season, a very untimely lower-body injury in November derailed his momentum; however, Jones returned with a vengeance and scored 10 goals in his final 14 games of the season and took his game to another level.
"It’s tough to build momentum in between seasons, but the end of the season last year was a step forward in knowing that I can score in this league and hold my own. Also knowing when I can make plays and not forcing a puck in the middle [of the zone] may not be a good play in that particular situation."
Head Coach Kenny Orlando gets the 14th returning member of the 2020-21 roster and the best athlete across the board. Now, he will lean into his veteran forward and push him to take his game to the next level and beyond.
"This season will be a big stepping stone in Seth’s development. He is returning to Ogden with high expectations of both himself and the team. We will be working closely together with him and challenge Seth to contribute consistently. Seth is the most natural athlete on the team and we are aiming for him to showcase that night in and out. His skating, strength and shot bring an added layer to the Mustangs forward group that will help them succeed."
With his season now beginning in a few days, Jones and his teammates are challenging themselves to not become complacent and continue to progress every day toward the ultimate goal.
"I’m looking to bring a physical presence this year more than anything and, when I touch the ice, I want players on other teams to know that they are going to get hit, or forced to make a bad play or decision. A good majority of my focus as well is setting up teammates and just making plays. I expect us to be really competitive this year during games and practices; everyone is fighting for a spot on the team and that I think makes us even better! I know most of the returning guys have some fire built up inside from last year and it is the same for me -- we want to win a championship."
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Go Mustangs!
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