Family fuels Caleb Jones as he builds on big season

The game was nine months ago, but Caleb Jones can remember every second.

“I could probably go through that whole game. I could talk to you for hours about that game,” he said.

He’s talking about the 2017 World Junior gold medal game played on Jan. 5 in Montreal. Jones and his USA teammates rallied from a 4-2 third period deficit to stun Canada 5-4 in a shootout.

That was the highlight of an impressive campaign for Jones, who was drafted 117th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015. This weekend, Jones will play in the Young Stars tournament in Penticton for the third time.

“Every time you’re playing in front of management like that, you’re getting evaluated. Everyone wants to make a good impression,” Jones said. “It’s always fun hockey. I enjoy it. I love competitive games. I love the competitive juices going.”

Jones, 20, racked up 62 points in 63 games for the Portland Winterhawks last season. He considers himself a strong two-way player who can deliver good hits.

“I started hockey when I was three,” Jones recalled. “I just followed my brothers into that. I played other sports, but hockey always stood out. I love the speed and the competitiveness and the physical play.”

Jones has two older brothers. One of them, Seth, is a star defenceman with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I see all the success he’s had in hockey. Even from a younger age, everyone knew how good he was. It just makes me want to work harder and get to his level,” explained Jones.

It’s not surprising to see the Jones boys have success in sports. Their dad, Popeye, played in the NBA.

“The one saying he told me is you’re only as good as your last game. You have to show up every day and consistently work hard. If you don’t, there’s always someone younger willing to work hard and take your job.” Jones said.

The Oilers open the Young Stars tournament Friday at 5 p.m. against Calgary. Catch the game live on 630 CHED.

In other Oilers news, the team signed defenceman Dmitri Samorukov to a three-year entry level contract. He was drafted 84th overall in 2017.