By Colton Swiderski

Sask. Rush newcomer a big contributor to team’s success

Feb 22, 2017 | 9:00 AM

In his first season with his new team, Saskatchewan Rush forward Adam Jones is making the most of the opportunity.

Originally Jones was selected with the third overall pick in the 2011 National Lacrosse League (NLL) entry draft by the Colorado Mammoth. For five years Jones played for the team — suiting up for 75 regular season games where he scored 194 goals and 180 assists for 274 points.

“When Denver drafted me I was pumped. Anytime you get to play in the NLL it’s a treat,” Jones said.

In his tenure with the Mammoth, Jones was named the 2012 NLL Rookie of the Year and named to the All-Rookie Team.

Jones was traded along with a second-round draft pick in the 2016 off-season for Rush forward Zach Greer and a first-round draft pick.

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“It’s a great organization with great fans and a good group of guys,” he said of the trade. “I knew most of them before going to the team so luckily for me I didn’t have to make that adjustment of meeting new people. It’s been a smooth transition so far and I love being there.”

Colorado trading Jones stemmed from multiple conversations about his work schedule and missing games. While he didn’t ask for the trade, Jones said it was something which worked out for him and the organization.

Outside of lacrosse, Jones is a teacher in his hometown of Owen Sound, Ont. 

“It’s busy. I land on Sunday, usually late, and I have a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the airport then I teach all week and on Friday after work I drive to the airport and fly to [the game.]” Jones said. “This means I miss some practices because I can’t take Friday’s off work, so sometimes it’s a pain and sometimes I have to miss a game or two during the season because of my work schedule.”

Jones hasn’t had to miss any games yet this season. In seven contests with the Rush, Jones is third in team scoring with nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points. 

Before his professional career and on two occasions during, Jones has represented Team Canada in international play. In 2008 he was named tournament MVP at the World Under-19 Field Lacrosse Championship. In 2014 and 2015, he won gold medals with Team Canada at the World Field Lacrosse Championship and World Indoor Lacrosse Championship respectively.

“[Playing in the NLL and internationally] it’s something I’ve dreamt of doing for a long time. I think the comradery with meeting people and fuming relationships and having your family come watch you play is something I always look forward to,” Jones said.

Jones and his Rush teammates are in action again this weekend when they take on the Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

Opening faceoff for the game is at 7:30 p.m.

colton.swiderski@jpbg.ca              

On Twitter @coltonswiderski