The Middle Atlantic Press was kind enough to send us an advance copy of their newest title, Jonesy: Put Your Head Down & Skate, by former Washington Capital Keith Jones. Drafted in the seventh round of the 1988 draft by the Caps, Jones also played for Colorado and Philadelphia.
“Jonesy is the story of Keith’s career in the league as well as all of the interesting stories he accumulated over the course of his career, playing with some of the league’s best players in the last 15 years…”
Written with ESPN’s John Buccigross, it’s a relatively short book, 187 pages, and a quick and easy read. I finished it in an evening. As you follow Jones’ hockey career, you are treated to some interesting stories (such as his connection to Clyde Petkovich) and some odd facts. For example:
- The first NHL game Keith attended was in 1987-8 when the Washington Capitals visited Maple Leaf Gardens. Keith’s first NHL game as a player was almost as a Capital at Maple Leaf Gardens.
- Keith is the only player in history to score his first NHL goal at a neutral site.
- Keith is the only player in NHL history to be on three different teams that blew a 3-1 playoff series lead (Washington, Colorado, Philadelphia).
Jonesy has its serious moments as well. In the introduction, Keith discusses the death of his older brother Greig for the first time throughout his hockey career and how the experience gave him strength and a human quality he previously lacked. The book ends with an ultimate touching and tear-jerking account of why John Poor and his Keith Jones Capitals jersey was the richest man in the rink.
Although the book has a few issues, such as the over use of the term “cup of coffee” when referring to a brief stint playing in the NHL, it should not dissuade you from picking up a copy and enjoying the insights.
Also, be sure to check out Off Wing Opinion as Eric McErlain has been posting some excerpts from the book and has part one of his interview with Keith.
