Thursday Thunder Player of the Week is 20-year-old Zach Jones.
Born and raised in Airdrie, Jones is in his third year with the Thunder. He has played for other Airdrie teams like the Airdrie Lightning U18 AA and Airdrie CFR Bisons U18 AAA.
Last weekend the Thunder had two games, one against the team sitting comfortably at the top of the North Division, the Sylvan Lake Wranglers, which the Thunder lost 5-2. Their second game of the weekend was against the team sitting at the bottom of the North Division, the Ponoka Stampeders, which the Thunder crushed 13-1.
These two games were Jones' first games of the season after getting shoulder surgery in the off-season, he was able to garner one assist this past weekend.
"We are excited to have him back in the line-up. Zach had shoulder surgery in July and since then, he has shown the whole season that he is a team player. I’ve never seen this type of dedication. I think he has maybe missed a couple of practices (standing on the bench all season long). He also attended every game. I am super proud of him and look forward to him helping his team secure a playoff position," stated Thunder General Manager Shaun Guest.
Over his three seasons with the Thunder, Jones has four goals and 11 assists.
"It's a lot of fun being back playing hockey. I really enjoy playing competitive hockey."
The Thunder have now won three out of four games since their Christmas break and Jones hopes they can keep this momentum going.
"It's normally these after-Christmas jumps that we get and it's happened every other year iv played and I'm excited it's happening now."
Jones does hope they can keep this momentum going and clinch a playoff spot. He also hopes he is able to stay healthy for the rest of the season and help his team out in any way possible.
Jones is currently going to school to get his sheet metal ticket.
Currently, the Thunder sit fifth in the North Division with 18 points. This Friday they take on the Mountainview Colts, 8 p.m. at the Ron Ebbesen Arena. Then on Saturday, the Rocky Rams come to town for a 7:30 p.m. game.
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