Joneses named among Top 50 BCHL Players

Joneses named among Top 50 BCHL Players

By Angelique Fiske, QBSN Web-Editor

At the tail-end of November, the British Columbia Hockey League released a listing of the Top 50 Players of All-Time, broken down by decadde.  While it may not be a surprise to anyone who has seen them play the game, sophomores Connor and Kellen Jones (Montrose, British Columbia) both suffered a modest shock when they discovered they were among those listed in the 2000s for their time with the Vernon Vipers. 

“I would've never expected such a great honor because the teams I had played on in Vernon had so many great players who are all doing well in their respective leagues and teams now,” said Kellen.  “But to be recognized with the other top players is quite a great feeling.”

While “it definitely hasn’t sunk in yet,” according to Kellen, the significance of the names that accompanied theirs on the list is undeniable.

“It's pretty special to be alongside names like Duncan Keith, Tyler Bozak, and Jamie Benn who all play in the NHL,” said Connor.

Connor and Kellen did not earn this title just by luck.  Kellen scored 60 goals and 169 assists in his four seasons, including playoffs, while his brother had a total of 104 goals and 153 assists.  With such noticeable talent, it is no surprise that they caught the eye of Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold.

“We recruited them because they are impact players at this level, possess great character and are excellent academically,” said Pecknold.

The pair contributed to two national titles in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons with the Vipers.

“When you spend almost three years and over 200 games with the same teammates and coaches and to make it to nationals two years in a row and win was amazing,” said Connor.

 The two championship titles left an incredible impact on both Connor and Kellen, so much so that Kellen expressed his desire to repeat at Quinnipiac.

“I want to try and bring what I did with my team in the BCHL to the team here at Quinnipiac,” said Kellen.  “…From hard work, leadership, offense and defense, I want to win a championship with the Bobcats because there is no feeling like that.”