Big Rapids Cardinal hockey player to join Lake Superior State Laker program

BIG RAPIDS — Zach Jones had planned to attend Lake Superior State University to earn a degree in fish and wildlife.

But hockey came into play.

Jones was introduced at a signing program Monday at BRHS for his plans to play hockey at a club in Lake Superior State.

He was a tri-sport athlete who competed in tennis, hockey and golf at BRHS.

“Zach is a tough, intractable defender who was a great teammate,” said BRHS coach Tim Blashill. “He played all the positions for us and did all the roles we asked of him, with positivity. Zach recorded a shutout when he stepped in to be the team’s goaltender when they needed him.

“Hockey is the sport I’ve played almost my entire life,” he said. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve played there. I decided to continue with this.

“They have a few teams that I can play for. They have a few ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) teams and I will play for one of them,” Jones said. “I was planning on going to school for my degree in what I want, fishing and wildlife. Their coach (ACHA) said they were open to kids playing hockey because they don’t have a lot.

Jones considers the forward his strongest position for college hockey.

“This summer, I plan to lift and get stronger,” Jones said, “and develop more hockey skills in stick handling and shooting stuff that I can do on dry land. It shows those who say I wasn’t the great hockey player that I can actually play somewhere.