First NHL Meeting: Caleb and Seth Jones Reunite as Brothers in a Memorable Venue
Introduction:
In a heartwarming twist of fate, brothers Seth and Caleb Jones faced off against each other for the first time in their NHL careers. The meeting took place in Denver, where their father, Ron “Popeye” Jones, now works as an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets. This special moment was made possible by a series of fortunate events and marked a significant milestone for the family.
A Hockey Fan is Born:
Ron “Popeye” Jones’ love for hockey began when he attended a Dallas Stars game with Mike Modano, while he was playing for the Dallas Mavericks. From that moment, Jones was hooked on the sport, and his sons, Seth and Caleb, soon followed suit. However, Jones faced a challenge in guiding his sons’ hockey development, as he was unfamiliar with the sport himself.
Seeking Advice from Joe Sakic:
To find the guidance he needed, Jones turned to the best hockey player he knew at the time: Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche. Jones approached Sakic in the weight room they shared with the Denver Nuggets and asked for advice on how to help his sons pursue hockey. Sakic’s response was simple but crucial: if they wanted to play hockey, they needed to learn how to skate. Armed with this advice, Jones encouraged Seth and Caleb to take skating lessons and delve into the game.
The Reunion:
After approximately 25 years since Ron Jones sought advice from Joe Sakic, Seth and Caleb found themselves facing each other on the ice as opponents. Seth played for the Chicago Blackhawks while Caleb represented the Colorado Avalanche. The game took place in Denver, with their father proudly in attendance alongside their mother, Amy Jones.
A Fortunate Alignment of Schedules:
For this momentous event to occur, several factors had to align perfectly. Firstly, Ron Jones needed to have the night off work and be in town. Typically, when the Avalanche played at home, the Nuggets would be on the road. However, this time their schedules coincided, allowing Jones to witness his sons’ game. Additionally, Caleb’s inclusion in the lineup was unexpected but fortuitous, as he had been a healthy scratch for several games prior.
Emphasizing the Experience Over the Outcome:
While the Avalanche dominated the game with a 5-0 victory, Ron Jones made it clear that the result was not the focus for him. Rather, he wanted to see his sons play the game correctly and fulfill their roles as defensemen. Being able to witness their growth and understanding of the game brought immense pride to their father.
A Special Night for the Family:
Seth acknowledged that it was a special night for his family despite the disappointing performance of the Blackhawks. This reunion marked a rare occasion for them all to be together in one city and enjoy the game as a family. The presence of their father, who had played and coached for the Nuggets, added an extra layer of significance to the event.
Parental Advice and Support:
As a former professional athlete himself, Ron Jones tries to support his sons in pursuing their dreams. He encourages Caleb to persevere and stay committed to his hockey career, drawing from his own experiences as an NBA journeyman. For Seth, Jones advises him to keep grinding through the challenges faced by the struggling Blackhawks this season.
Basketball vs. Hockey Conversations:
Interestingly, despite their involvement in the NHL, Seth and Caleb often engage in conversations about the NBA with their father during family dinners. Their shared interest in basketball highlights their close bond as a family and provides a different perspective on their careers.
A Father’s Attempt at Skating:
Although Ron Jones himself is not proficient at skating, he once tried his hand at it to connect with his sons. Equipped with oversized skates and an extended stick, he attempted to skate for one lap. This experience deepened his appreciation for the game and affirmed his decision to let Seth and Caleb take the lead in representing the family on the ice.
Conclusion:
The first NHL meeting between Seth and Caleb Jones was a remarkable moment for the entire family. Ron Jones’ love for hockey, sparked by a chance encounter with Mike Modano, has been passed down to his sons. With Joe Sakic’s advice and support, Seth and Caleb have embraced the sport and pursued their dreams in the NHL. This reunion in Denver served as a testament to their dedication and showcased the enduring bond of family.