Seth Jones on Stanley Cup Return to Texas and Hockey's Growth

Giving Back to Youth Hockey

• 💡 Seth Jones returned to his youth hockey program in North Texas to give back to the kids and show them that achieving NHL dreams is possible, even in a non-traditional hockey market.
• 🎯 He emphasized the crucial role Texas youth hockey development played in his own journey to the NHL over the last 10-15 years.

Impact of Texas Hockey Development

• 🏒 Jones spent nearly five formative years in the Texas youth hockey system, from ages 10 to 15, benefiting from dedicated coaching staff and exposure to competitive teams.
• 🏆 Playing on strong teams allowed him to compete annually in regionals and nationals, facing top players from across the country.

Bringing the Stanley Cup Home

• 🏠 Texas is unequivocally home for Seth Jones during the summer, where he skates and engages in various activities, making it the definite first stop to bring the Stanley Cup.
• 🎉 He plans to celebrate by taking the Cup to the golf course and hosting a party for friends and family, emphasizing the joy of sharing the achievement with those who supported him.

Family and Early Hockey Journey

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Jones, along with his two brothers, started playing hockey around age 5, with his father, a former NBA player, being open-minded and supportive of their hockey pursuits despite his own basketball background.
• 🚀 His parents provided ample opportunities, ensuring he was never shorted on chances for skating lessons and playing on the right teams.

Evolution of Scouting in Southern US

• 📈 Scouting in Southern US hockey markets has significantly evolved; scouts now actively seek talent nationwide, not just in traditional hockey hubs.
• 🌎 Previously, players were encouraged to move north for development, but now, tournaments in Texas attract teams from the north, indicating the program's growth and the Dallas Stars' investment in youth hockey.