USHL Sioux Falls Stampede

Stampede name Andy Jones new assistant coach

Published on November 25, 2006 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Sioux Falls Stampede News Release


Sioux Falls, SD- The Sioux Falls Stampede announced today that Andy Jones has been hired as the club's new assistant coach, replacing Doug Schueller who recently accepted a Division I coaching position at Bowling Green State University. A native of Minnetonka, MN, Jones joins the Stampede from Amherst College in Massachusetts where he played collegiate hockey and also served as an assistant coach from 2000 to 2005.

Jones was recruited by Amherst College in both hockey and baseball out of high school and played both sports throughout his collegiate career (1996-2000). While playing hockey, Jones received the "Friends of Amherst Hockey Award" which is given to the player who shows outstanding sportsmanship and leadership throughout the season. He was also the recipient of the "Edward Hitchcock Fellowship Award" in athletics in 2000. Each year the position allows a graduating student-athlete who shows outstanding leadership the opportunity to coach varsity teams.

As a senior, Jones captained Amherst to a 15-6-3 overall record and their first ever berth in the NESCAC Postseason Championship Tournament.

While an assistant at Amherst College, Jones coached the team's defense and managed the penalty kill unit. He was also the recruiting coordinator for the Midwest Region in which he scouted the United States Hockey League and North American League quite heavily. During the 2000-01 season, Jones helped coach the Jeffs to their most successful season in school history when the team posted an 18-5-3 record and advanced to the conference championship game.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the Stampede family," said Jones. "They are a first class organization, comprised of high quality people and I think the success of the club speaks for itself. I am looking forward to getting started and contributing to the team."

Jones also worked as an assistant coach with the Amherst baseball team for two seasons where he worked primarily with the outfield and as the hitting coach. In 2001, Jones was asked to take over the girl's varsity soccer team at midseason. He went on to lead the club to the NCAA tournament and into the Final Four.

"Andy is a very articulate and thoughtful person," said Stampede head coach Kevin Hartzell. "I was very impressed with his vision for the game of hockey and what he picked up on by just watching one practice. He is a great teacher and I think someone who can come in and help the players and help me as a coach. He is a very intelligent and personable guy who will also be a great individual for this great community."

Prior to joining the Stampede, Jones worked as an assistant coach with Minnetonka High School where he was the team's defensive coach and scouting director. He helped lead the Skippers to their first State Tournament appearance since 1994.

"Andy is a great teacher of the fundaments of hockey," said Amherst head coach Jack Arena. "He is a real good hockey guy, someone who is straightforward and overall just a really good person. He really understands the game of hockey and is well respected by everyone at Amherst," added Arena.

Jones received his BA from Amherst in Psychology in 2000 and his MBA in 2004 from Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He will join the Stampede behind the bench tonight (Saturday) as they host the Sioux City Musketeers at 7:05 PM at the Sioux Falls Arena. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Sioux Falls Arena Box Office or at any Ticketmaster location.

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 25, 2006


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