Jones Twins Up For Challenge:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Jones twins up for Challenge

Published: October 29, 2009

They’ve only been together for a mini training camp and a few practice sessions out east, but twins Connor and Kellen Jones already like their new linemate.

The Vernon Viper speedsters will skate with Cody Kunyk of the AJHL Sherwood Park Crusaders at the World Junior A Challenge, which starts Sunday in Summerside, P.E.I.

The talented Kunuk, 19, is sixth in AJHL scoring with 13-18-31.

“He’s a really skilled and hard working player and we are practising well together,” said Kellen.

“The team is pretty close already and we’ve been playing cards and just hanging out lots as a team.”

Wanting to keep the players focussed, Canada West head coach Rylan Ferster (also Salmon Arm SilverBacks GM) confiscated their cell phones and laptops for the duration of the tourney.

“By taking the phones and laptops away, one of the things Ferster stressed was to be focused, and that there would be no excuses or distractions for us not winning gold,” said Connor. “I think we’re going to be a real hard working and physical team.”

Canada West opened exhibition play against Belarus Thursday night in Charlottetown, and they tangle with the U.S. tonight in Montague.

They open the six-team tourney Sunday against Russia. Fans can follow WJAC action live on the Internet by visiting www.hockeycanada.ca.

Meanwhile, the Vipers are preparing for a six-game road schedule without the twins, starting tonight against the Merritt Centennials at Nicola Valley Arena. Vernon visits the SilverBacks Tuesday at the Sunwave Centre.

Vipers’ head coach Mark Ferner admits losing the twins will be a blow, but believes the Vipers are deep enough up front to compensate. He adds it will be a good opportunity for other players to step up their play.

“It’s not like we’re losing two guys off two different lines,” said Ferner, who is undecided as to where the twins’ linemate Cory Kane will play. “We’ll test the waters with a few different combinations...it will be interesting to see how we do without them and see what some of the other guys can do.”