SIGNING: Jones back to shore up blue line
Glasgow Clan sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West are delighted to announce the return of defenceman Mitch Jones for 2022-23.
The six-foot big-hitter is back for a second season after impressive his maiden campaign, where he was the top goalscoring D-man with 16 goals in the Premier Sports Elite League.
And he reflected on his early days after arriving from Gyergyoi from Romania as he looked ahead to his return to Scotland.
“I settled in relatively quickly when I arrived and I already knew a few of the guys, which helped me get comfortable and getting a goal and an assist was a great way to start,” Jones said.
“Glasgow’s a great city and I played with a great group of guys, not to mention the people I met and became friends with over the course of the season.
“I’m at the time of the year where I’m dying to get going. I didn’t like the way the season ended and I’m keen to fix some of the mistakes and aim for a championship.
“I can’t wait to get back and seeing the names coming in, we’re going to have a lot more depth with us. There’s more experience in there and everyone should be excited about this. I certainly am.”
Jones’ 16 goals added to 26 assists made him one of the most profilic D-men across the league last season, becoming synonymous with big blue line hits.
His career also has 190 ECHL games under his belt from spells at Alaska Aces, Utah Grizzlies, Cincinnati Cyclones and Jacksonville IceMen, with 59 points to his name.
Coach Malcolm Cameron is pleased to have Jones back in his team but is left to wonder what might have been with him last season.
“This is Mitch’s third tour of duty with me,” he said. “He had a great season with us last season and I wonder what kind of year he would have had if he’d been part of the team at the start.
“He came a little later, played one game where he picked up two points then was out for three or four games because of Covid.
“He’s a difference maker on the scoresheet, certainly on the powerplay and it’s not a coincidence that our percentage went from seventh or eighth to as high as second in that category.
“It’s good to have that guy with the heavy shot, but Mitch can join in the rush and has that little nasty in him. He’s someone I trust in my team because I’ve got to know him.”
Jones will continue to wear the #6 jersey for the Clan in 2022/23 and joins John Dunbar, Craig Peacock, Jordan Cownie, Stephen Dixon, Liam Stenton, Gergely Tóth, Zach Driscoll, Gary Haden, Colton Waltz, Steven McParland, Shawn Boutin and Mathieu Roy on the roster for next season.
