Hunter Jones made 35 saves in his Ontario Hockey League debut in North Bay on Monday.
The Peterborough Petes rookie earned his first career win in the process.
“Hopefully, I can take that energy and move forward with it and get more wins throughout the season,” said Jones.
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The Petes have high expectations for Jones as their future number one goalie once Dylan Wells moves up to the pro level.
“I just have to come to the rink every day and work hard to prove I’m ready to do it next year,” adds Jones. “You have to be ready for your chance when it comes and the opportunity you have.”
“We fully expect Jones, as a late birthday in his draft year, to play 45-to-50 games for us next year,” said Andrew Verner, Petes assistant coach.
For now, the 17-year-0ld will back up Wells this season.
“Being around him at the rink and seeing how he prepares for games. Seeing his professionalism. It’s a good example for me to be around him,” said Jones.
Wells is expected to go for a spot on Canada’s junior team in December. If that happens, Jones would see a significant increase in his games played this year.
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Jones says his strength is his size. He’s 6’3″ tall and weighs 200 lbs.
“I actually started out as a defenceman. I was an offensive defenceman. But I blocked shots,” added Jones. “I told my dad, I wanted to be a goalie. He wasn’t too happy about it. A year later I was in net and haven’t looked back.”
The Petes play three games in three nights this week. Jones will likely play in one of those games.
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