JONES HAS THE RIGHT PEDIGREE TO BE A PRO
Oilers prospect can lean on athletic family for some tips, writes Robert Tychkowski.
Edmonton Oilers prospect Caleb Jones took his commitment to another level this summer, actually moving in with an established NHL defenceman in an effort to learn as much about training and work ethic as possible.
He even had regular discussions with a current NBA assistant coach, hoping he could shed some light on what it takes to break through as a professional athlete.
OK, so maybe those were a couple of pretty obvious moves given that the established NHL defenceman is his brother Seth of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NBA assistant coach is his father Ronald, better known as “Popeye” during his playing days with the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors.
But, hey, when you’re so close to the NHL that you can practically smell the food on those charter planes, you take advantage of every advantage you have.
“I don’t know if it’s an advantage,” said Jones, who had a strong game in Calgary to open the rookie camp schedule on Sunday. “You’re obviously around a lot of athletes, so I’ve seen from a young age how hard those guys have to work to try and stay at the highest level. I guess you could consider that an advantage if you wanted to.”
It certainly doesn’t hurt having people in your corner who’ve already played at the highest level, mentors who can provide
I don’t know if it’s an advantage. You’re obviously around a lot of athletes, so I’ve seen from a young age how hard those guys have to work.
the kind of honest inside information and advice that can help make the difference between playing in the NHL and watching it on TV.
“We (he and Seth) trained together all summer,” said the 21-year-old defenceman. “I’ve done that for about three summers now in Dallas. We skate, train, we’re basically together 24-7. He gave me a lot this summer and it’s really helped me out so far.”
Jones, selected by Edmonton in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2015 draft, believes seeing his brother’s work ethic up close made the greatest impression on him.
“Every day, no matter how he feels, he’s up and he’s at the gym. He works hard. He puts in the hours. And he’s got better every year. That’s something I’m going to try and do throughout my career.”
As for the lessons being imparted on him by a fourthoverall pick who’s been in the league six years, Jones said most of them are mental — learning to believe that he belongs in the best league in the world. Many people believe he already has the necessary tools, so the mental side of the equation is where he is focusing more of his energy now.
“Confidence is a huge thing,” he said. “You hear it a lot, but it really makes a huge difference. I put in the work, I’m in a little better shape, I’m faster. I worked on my skating even more trying to become a more dynamic skater. I feel confident that I can push for a spot.”
If he didn’t feel that way, what’s the point of even showing up?
“You just have to believe in yourself. That’s what my brother told me this summer. You have believe you belong and that you can play with players in the NHL. That makes a big difference.”
With veteran Andrej Sekera out for most of the season with an Achilles tendon tear, the Oilers blue-line is paper thin, so if there was ever a time to get a foot in the door, this is it.
Jay Woodcroft, head coach of the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors, believes Jones had a better than average shot of making it happen.
“His gift is that he can really skate,” said Woodcroft, who liked what he saw out of Jones against the Flames rookies. “He moves pucks, he jumped into the rush and picked his spots.
“He has things to work on just like every young player in our organization, but through the first three or four days of camp, he has to feel really good about himself. That’s a byproduct of the work that he put in (during) the summer to come (into camp) in top shape and really push for a spot in Edmonton.”