Parker-Jones signs with the Petes
John Parker-Jones has gone from a dark horse in the competition for Peterborough Petes roster spots to a signed roster player.
The Petes announced Thursday night that Parker-Jones has been signed to a standard player contract while two other forward prospects who were being given an extra look were reassigned, MacKenzie Lowry to the Cobourg Jr. A Cougars and Graeme McCrory, Forward, Wellington Jr. A Dukes
The 2000-born free agent, who was bypassed in the OHL draft, did nothing but impress from his stint at the Petes development camp in the spring to training camp this week.
The six-foot-three winger shone in Wednesday’s Maroon and White game. He’ll travel with the Petes to Buffalo for an OHL Showcase event where the club will play three preseason games in three days starting 7:30 p.m. Friday against the Erie Otters at the HarborCenter arena.
So far, Parker-Jones has shown good hands and offensive instincts to go with his size. He scored a highlight reel goal in the Maroon and White game splitting the defence before beating the goalie.
Petes head coach Jody Hull has taken notice.
“It started back in development camp,” Hull said. “We noticed some good things there and that’s why he got the opportunity to come back to main camp. He’s a guy who every time he’s on the ice he’s stood out or done something very well that’s caught everybody’s eye. We cut down in the Maroon and White game and the pace picked up a little bit and he was still able to capitalize on a couple of goals. He does a lot of little things the right way and we as coaches noticed that.”
Hull admits he didn’t know much about Parker-Jones except in his minor midget draft year he broke his arm and missed the second half of the season which is possibly why he wasn’t drafted. He earned a spot with the junior B Brampton Bombers last year as a 16 year old.
“When a guy comes to camp and stands out as much as he has he deserves opportunities,” Hull said.
Parker-Jones came to camp with an open mind.
“I just had to go out and do my job. These guys liked me for a reason, that’s because I’m big and go to the net hard, so those are the things I have to do; be physical. Everyone likes a big physical guy,” he said.
There were a few OHL teams which expressed interest in giving Parker-Jones a tryout but he says the Petes showed the most interest.
“I remember coming to Peterborough for tournaments and Peterborough was one of my favourite teams to come and watch,” he said.
“I wanted to play here a lot so when it came down to my final decision as to where I was going to come for main camp it made it clear. I felt most comfortable here. They came with open arms and I felt I had a better chance. Peterborough is a great city to play in.”
Parker-Jones said he felt good about his performance at camp.
“I think I was able to keep my legs and keep doing the things I do best,” he said.
“Playing in the inter-squad game with a couple more of the regulars helped a lot. It seems a little more real now knowing that you’re going up a level, going up the ladder. I feel confident in myself after my camp.”