Jones Named New Oshawa Generals Head Coach
June 24, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Windsor Spitfires News Release
Windsor Spitfires Associate Coach Bob Jones
(Windsor Spitfires, Credit: Terry Wilson / OHL Images)
(Windsor, ON) - At a news conference in Oshawa this morning, owner Rocco Tullio introduced Spitfires Associate Coach Bob Jones as the new head coach of the Oshawa Generals.
Jones replaces another former Spitfires coach, DJ Smith, who was hired as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs last week.
Jones, 45, spent eight years behind the bench in Windsor; seven as associate coach along with one season, 2010-11, as the club's head coach.
"Bob has tremendous experience in this league and he'll be an excellent head coach in Oshawa," General Manager Warren Rychel said. "I wish him all the best with his new endeavour."
Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner, whose relationship with Jones spans back to 1988, when both played for the Soo Greyhounds, says it's hard to see his friend moving on.
"I've known Bob a long time," Boughner said. "Since we were teenagers. When our own careers were done, we won a couple Memorial Cups together as coaches. I'm happy for he and his family. He's getting to pursue his dream of a head coaching job. He deserves it. But he will definitely be missed."
Jones agrees the move is bittersweet.
"My kids and family have made a home here in Windsor," Jones said. "We've established a lot of relationships. It's always hard to leave."
Jones says the quality of the Oshawa franchise was the biggest factor in his decision.
"After being in the league for 20 seasons, you get to know teams and the people well," Jones said. "Since Rocco bought Generals, he's established it as a premier franchise in the OHL. With DJ going there and winning a Memorial Cup, it's put them at the top of the heap."
In addition to his eight seasons behind the bench in Windsor, Jones coached the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds (1995-99), Brampton Battalion (1999-2000), Toronto St Michael's Majors (2000-2004) and Sudbury Wolves (2004-2007).
Everyone with the Spitfires organization wishes Jonesy all the best in Oshawa.
Images from this story
 Windsor Spitfires Associate Coach Bob Jones (Terry Wilson / OHL Images) |
 Windsor Spitfires Associate Coach Bob Jones (Terry Wilson / OHL Images) |
Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 24, 2015
- Jack Studnicka Invited to Canada's National U17 Camp - Oshawa Generals
- Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, B.C. Hosting 2015 World Under -17 Hockey Challenge - OHL
- Wolves Set for NHL Draft this Weekend - Sudbury Wolves
- Ryan Ludzik Named IceDogs New Goaltending Coach - Niagara IceDogs
- Oshawa Generals Welcome Bob Jones as Head Coach - Oshawa Generals
- Jones Named New Oshawa Generals Head Coach - Windsor Spitfires
- Four Prospects Invited to U17 Development Camp - Sudbury Wolves
- Veteran Strength and Conditioning Coach Appointed to Train Firebirds - Flint Firebirds
- Seven IceDogs Players and Prospects Invited to Hockey Canada Summer Showcase - Niagara IceDogs
- Four Steelheads Invited to Hockey C Anada's National Teams' Summer Showcase - Brampton Steelheads
- Peterborough this Week Named Presenting Sponsor of Petes' 60th Season - Peterborough Petes
- McCann, Hawel Invited to Hockey Canada Na Tional Teams' Summer Showcase - Soo Greyhounds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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