Jones & Jewell Sign Deals

Former Vernon Viper forward Connor Jones has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Islanders.

The 26 year old Jones — who played for the Vipers along with his twin brother Kellen from 2006 to 2010 — has been loaned to the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

“It’s my first NHL contract, which is honestly a dream come true. It’s just another step to get there, and I’ve obviously got lots more to accomplish,” Jones told Kiss FM’s Aryana Jacura in a phone interview.

The Montrose BC native starred for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats from 2010 to 2014.

Since then, Jones has played in Oklahoma City in the AHL, Bakersfield California (ECHL) and then with Bridgeport where he has five goals and 17 assists in 47 games this season.

Photo: Connor Jones with Bridgeport Sound Tigers of AHL (Quinnipiac University)

Meantime, the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials have announced the commitment of Vernon native Brett Jewell to the Yale University Bulldogs for the coming season.

The 20-year-old forward is fourth on the Centennials in scoring this season with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in 56 games.

Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and was founded in 1701. The Bulldogs Men’s Hockey Team is the oldest collegiate hockey team in the United States.

Yale has made eight NCAA tournament appearances since 1952, winning the championship in 2013.

Notable alumni includes Chris Higgins, Bob Kudelski, Randy Wood, and Bob Brooke.