University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass' Zac Jones Makes NHL Debut With New York Rangers
April 22, 2021 | Hockey
The 2021 Second Team All-American becomes the 19th Minuteman to play in the NHL.
AMHERST, Mass. - Former University of Massachusetts hockey defenseman Zac Jones will become the 19th Minuteman to play in a National Hockey League game tonight when he makes his professional debut for the New York Rangers against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at Madison Square Garden. The 2021 Second Team All-American and 2019 Rangers' third round draft pick is the fourth UMass player to make the jump from college straight into the NHL over the past two seasons, joining John Leonard, Mario Ferraro and 2020 Calder Trophy winner Cale Makar.
Jones, a Hockey East Second-Team All-Star, finished tied for third for the Minutemen in points this season with 24 in 29 games on nine goals and 15 assists and was +3 with three power-play goals, one shorthanded tally and one game winner. He finished second nationally in goals by defensemen, third in points, fifth in goals per-game (.31) and tied for seventh in points per-game (.83).
Over two seasons in a UMass uniform, the Glen Allen Virginia native amassed 47 points on 12 goals and 35 assists over 61 contests and ranks 10th all-time in program history at +29. He opened the scoring in the Minutemen's 3-2 win over Minnesota Duluth in the NCAA National Semifinal and was selected to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.
Jones becomes the 12th Minuteman to play in the NHL this season, joining Justin Braun (Philadelphia), Ferraro (San Jose), Joel Hanley (Dallas), Matt Irwin (Buffalo), William Lagesson (Edmonton), Leonard (San Jose), Makar (Colorado), Brandon Montour (Florida), Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles), Conor Sheary (Washington), Frank Vatrano (Florida),
For continued coverage of UMass hockey, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@UMassHockey) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
Jones, a Hockey East Second-Team All-Star, finished tied for third for the Minutemen in points this season with 24 in 29 games on nine goals and 15 assists and was +3 with three power-play goals, one shorthanded tally and one game winner. He finished second nationally in goals by defensemen, third in points, fifth in goals per-game (.31) and tied for seventh in points per-game (.83).
Over two seasons in a UMass uniform, the Glen Allen Virginia native amassed 47 points on 12 goals and 35 assists over 61 contests and ranks 10th all-time in program history at +29. He opened the scoring in the Minutemen's 3-2 win over Minnesota Duluth in the NCAA National Semifinal and was selected to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.
Jones becomes the 12th Minuteman to play in the NHL this season, joining Justin Braun (Philadelphia), Ferraro (San Jose), Joel Hanley (Dallas), Matt Irwin (Buffalo), William Lagesson (Edmonton), Leonard (San Jose), Makar (Colorado), Brandon Montour (Florida), Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles), Conor Sheary (Washington), Frank Vatrano (Florida),
For continued coverage of UMass hockey, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@UMassHockey) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
Players Mentioned
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