Jones Drives Panthers’ Success, Aims for U.S. Olympic Berth
Defenseman Jones is making strides with the Florida Panthers, demonstrating skill and confidence on the ice. He has adapted well to the team’s aggressive playing style, which is focused on man-on-man coverage. His coach, Maurice, has praised his intensity, noting that he is playing at one of the highest levels he has ever achieved.
Upcoming Winter Classic
The Florida Panthers will face off against the New York Rangers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic. The event is scheduled for January 2, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami. Fans can tune in at 8 p.m. ET on various platforms, including HBO Max, truTV, and TNT.
Jones’s Journey and Olympic Aspirations
Jones has represented the United States multiple times in international competitions. However, he has not yet participated in a best-on-best tournament. He was selected for the 2014 Sochi Olympics’ orientation camp but did not make the final roster. In 2016, he played for Team North America in the World Cup of Hockey, a team limited to players aged 23 and under.
With the return of NHL players to the Olympics, Jones sees a significant opportunity. He understands the importance of teamwork in securing a spot on the Olympic roster.
Jones’s Philosophy on Team Dynamics
- Success in the Olympics requires players to fulfill specific roles.
- Not everyone will play on the power play or penalty kill.
- A strong team is built on collaboration and effective role distribution.
Jones acknowledges that the key to Olympic success is playing for something bigger than oneself. He aims to fill whatever role is needed to help the team succeed.
