What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
5h ago
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
Hands up, everyone in Saskatchewan who misses Chris Jones.
For a guy who spent only three seasons coaching the Roughriders, it’s funny how often his name comes up in conversations. It’s not as if he’s an endearing guy who had a year-round commitment to the community. Heck, he lived in a hotel until each season ended, and he returned home to the United States.
But there’s a mystique around Jones. He’s a football mercenary, like his mentor Don Matthews, who goes wherever there’s an opportunity to move up the coaching ladder. That explains his numerous short stays around the CFL, and why he left Saskatchewan to become the senior defensive assistant with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. An NFL job always eluded Matthews.
The team Jones left behind is doing fine: With the remnants of Jones’ roster and coaching staff, the Roughriders are on a four-game winning streak under new head coach Craig Dickenson and general manager Jeremy O’Day, who certainly gleaned some football knowledge while working with their predecessor. And Jones’ new team is in the pre-season, with a new coaching staff, and creating lots of interest, including back here in Saskatchewan.