Paradise, N.L., forward selected first overall in Maritime Junior Hockey League draftPublished Jun 14, 2025 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 2 minute readEthan Jones helped the East Coast Blizzard win the Newfoundland and Labrador Under-18 Major Hockey League title in 2024-25. Photo by Nathan EdwardsEthan Jones has a chip on his shoulder and that’s music to the ears of his new head coach and general manager.A week after being passed over in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft, the Bage Valley Wildcats selected him first overall in the Maritime Junior Hockey League draft.The 16-year-old Paradise, N.L., has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions from June 7 to 14.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“It was really tough when I didn’t hear my name,” he said. “I got over it pretty quick, just came home and had the mindset already of just going out there to prove all those Q teams wrong.“To being pick first this morning was definitely a huge confidence booster.” The Valley Wildcats selected East Coast Blizzard centre Ethan Jones first overall at the Maritime Junior Hockey League draft June 14 in Grand Falls, N.B. Photo by Nathan EdwardsJones said Wildcats general manager Corey Mullett and head coach Dave Flanagan told him confidentially he would be the top pick a couple of days before the draft. After the secret became public on June 14, the response from friends and family was immediate.“My phone was … blowing up,” he said.Read More Wildcats makeover underway with trades, signings ahead of June 14 draft Fletcher recognized for strong season with Valley Wildcats Flanagan says Wildcats players have clean slate after coaching change Newfoundland and Labrador is golden at the Atlantic Challenge Cup The five-foot-11, 159-pound, right-shot centre had nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points in 31 games with the East Coast Blizzard, who won the under-18 title in Newfoundland and Labrador in March.Article contentJones described himself as a 200-foot player with high hockey IQ and good speed. He can set up plays and has a heavy release.“We were really high on Jones for a long time,” Mullett said. “He’s a great kid (who) interviewed well.”He suspects Jones will be motivated and determined for the 2025-26 season.“Anytime you have an athlete that is very confident in himself and his ability (who) kind of gets overlooked … you can’t be frustrated. You have to use it as fuel,” Flanagan added.“I think Jonesy is going to be one of those players that takes that and runs with it.”Jones said he believes he can make the jump to junior A and will be ready when training camp begins in August.“We’re hopeful he can step in next year and make his presence known,” Mullett said.Article content
Passed over in QMJHL draft, Ethan Jones wants to prove teams wrong with Valley Wildcats
