J.R. Avon: Local product shines for hometown Petes
Like most players, J.R. Avon cites his family as his main inspiration in hockey growing up. But unlike most players, he grew up in a household with a Stanley Cup champion. Avon’s stepfather is former Pete Steve Larmer who had a lengthy NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers.
Avon is a native of Selwyn, ON and has had the opportunity to play junior hockey in his hometown – a rare scenario in the OHL. Avon was incredibly surprised when he was selected by the Petes but appreciates the opportunity to play in front of friends and family on a nightly basis.
“I had no idea that I was going to be selected by the Petes before the draft and I didn’t think that I would go so high. I just saw my name come up with the pick and I couldn’t believe it.”
I would like to thank all of my friends and family and my coaches of the last couple of years, for all the help they have done for me. I can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life in my hometown with a great organization. pic.twitter.com/7vr4XdC4st
— Jr Avon (@Avonjr_1010) April 6, 2019
While Avon lists his main role model in hockey as his stepdad, he has had a number of other hockey figures in his life. Avon played his OHL draft year for the Peterborough Petes U16 AAA team and was coached by former Boston Bruin Marc Savard. Avon says Savard helped him refine his offensive game heading into his first OHL season and was able to give him an idea of what to expect in his rookie year.
#BringItToBroad prospect @Avonjr_1010 deflects Sproule’s shot for his 8th power play goal of the season! #GoPetesGo | @NHLFlyers pic.twitter.com/OjD1TjuRxl
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) January 26, 2022
Like most players, Avon wasn’t able to play at all in the 2020-21 season which ultimately led to him going undrafted in the 2021 NHL draft. Avon was looking to build on a successful OHL rookie season in 2019-20 where he put up four goals and 11 assists in 57 games. He also was able to learn from an experienced Petes roster and improve upon his own game.
“The biggest thing that I learned from those older guys was their work ethic off the ice and how much work they put into the game.”
This past summer, Avon was invited to participate in prospect and development camps for the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent. After a month at Flyers camp, they rewarded all of his hard work by signing him to an entry-level contract. Avon says that the contract offer came completely out of the blue and was something that he hadn’t seen coming during his time at camp.
“I had been down there for about a month and then one day, I got a call out of the blue from my agent saying that the Flyers wanted to sign me.”
Dream come true! I have signed my first NHL contract with the @NHLFlyers I would like to thank all my past coaches, trainers and family for all the help. It’s been a great journey so far with lots of work ahead pic.twitter.com/PlEU86r7WN
OFFICIAL: We’ve signed forward JR Avon to a three-year entry level contract!https://t.co/ZaeDESgmYv
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 22, 2021
— Jr Avon (@Avonjr_1010) September 24, 2021
Avon has come back to Peterborough with an NHL contract in hand and is having a breakout second OHL season putting up over a point per game. Avon has also seen a large amount of success in recent games as he has been able to reunite with fellow Peterborough native and minor hockey teammate Chase Stillman after he was acquired in a trade deadline deal. Avon and Stillman have shown instant chemistry and will look to carry it through the rest of this season and into next year where an experienced Petes roster will look to contend for a championship.
“The chem is still there!” ????
Hometown boys Chase Stillman and JR Avon attribute their minor hockey days to their recent chemistry on the ice.#GoPetesGo pic.twitter.com/ZXDCkXvSIC
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) January 22, 2022
