JONES NAMED TO US WJC PRELIMINARY ROSTER

Portland Winterhawks defenseman Caleb Jones is one of 27 players selected to USA Hockey’s preliminary roster for the 2017 U.S. National Junior Team.

The players will attend training camp Dec. 16-20 at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York, followed by an additional camp in Oshawa, Ontario, from Dec. 20-24. The final 23-man roster is expected to be named by Dec. 24. Team USA will compete in the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5, in Montreal and Toronto, Canada.

“Caleb has had a chance in the past to represent USA at several international events but I know the opportunity to play in the World Junior tournament on the biggest stage is something he’s always looked forward to,” said Portland Winterhawks Vice President, General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. “I am confident he will impress at the camp.”

Jones is the only WHL player on the preliminary roster and attended USA Hockey’s National Junior Evaluation Camp in August. This season Jones is currently fifth on the team in scoring, but first among defensemen, with 25 points in 28 games played. His 22 assists are tied for second among defensemen in the Western Hockey League. He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, and signed an entry level contract with the Oilers last spring.

Winterhawks group tickets and packages are on sale now, visit winterhawks.com for full details on pricing and availability.