Ryan Jones Bio
Ryan Michael Stewart Jones is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger. He was drafted in the fourth round, 111th overall, by the Minnesota Wild in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and played for the Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played out the remainder of his professional career with Kölner Haie of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).
Early Life and Background
Ryan Jones was born on June 14, 1984, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in Chatham, where he began playing minor hockey for the Chatham Cobras A program of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). His early exposure to the sport came through local teams, and he graduated to AAA hockey for the Chatham-Kent Cyclones of the Pavilion League. Jones also played one season with the Blenheim Blades Jr C team and two seasons with the Chatham Maroons Jr. B hockey club of the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA).
After his second season with the Chatham Maroons, Jones was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fourth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He earned a scholarship to play in the NCAA at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he spent four years with the RedHawks men’s ice hockey program in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).
Path to Hockey
Ryan Jones made his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators in the 2008–09 season opener. He scored his first career NHL goal on October 15, 2008, against goaltender Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars. During the 2009–10 season, Jones was placed on waivers by the Predators and was subsequently claimed by the Edmonton Oilers on March 3, 2010. His time with the Oilers was marked by notable performances, including a hat-trick on December 2, 2011, against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
After four seasons with the Oilers, Jones opted to explore free agency before re-signing with Edmonton on a one-year contract on July 6, 2013. On October 9, 2014, he signed a professional try-out contract with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL). However, after just five games, he was released from his try-out and signed with Kölner Haie in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) for the remainder of the season. He extended his contract with Kölner Haie for two more years in February 2015.
Ryan Jones Career
Early Career (2008–2010)
Ryan Jones began his professional career with the Nashville Predators in the NHL during the 2008–09 season. His first notable work was scoring his first NHL goal shortly after debuting. In the 2009–10 season, he transitioned to the Edmonton Oilers after being claimed off waivers, marking a significant step in his career.
Breakthrough (2011–2014)
Jones’s breakthrough moment came when he scored his first career NHL hat-trick on December 2, 2011. This performance solidified his place in the league and showcased his ability to contribute significantly to his team’s success. After a successful tenure with the Oilers, he opted to explore free agency but ultimately returned to the team, demonstrating his commitment and value.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ryan Jones is known for his signature style of play, earning the nickname “Junkman” due to his knack for scoring so-called “garbage goals.” He played a total of 12 seasons in professional hockey, concluding his career with Kölner Haie after the 2018–19 season.
Ryan Jones Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Jones has not been widely recognized with major award nominations, but his contributions on the ice have been appreciated by fans and teammates alike.
Ryan Jones Awards Won
Ryan Jones has not received any major awards during his professional hockey career, but he is remembered for his impactful performances and dedication to the sport.
Ryan Jones Family
There is limited public information available regarding Ryan Jones’s family background, as he has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Personal Life
Ryan Jones has not publicly disclosed details about his personal life, including marital status or children. He is primarily known for his contributions to ice hockey and his professional career.
