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Jones set to make a U turn
Bryan Horwath Stillwater Courier
Published Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Sometimes a change is needed in life.

For Lake Elmo native and former Stillwater Area High School hockey standout Chelsey Jones, that time is now.

After two years and two very productive hockey seasons at Northeastern University in Boston, Jones has indicated she plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota and play for coach Brad Frost.



Pending admission into the University of Minnesota, Chelsey Jones will be eligible to play hockey for the Gophers this fall.

Jones totaled 27 points (16 goals, 11 assists) during her freshman year at Northeastern in 2006-07 and 22 points (13 goals) this past season.

Leading her team in goals both seasons, Northeastern finished a combined 12-50-5 the past two years.

Although she just started the transfer process, Jones says she has been in contact with the coaching staff at Minnesota and expects to enroll for fall semester.

I was recruited by Minnesota out of high school, but I decided that I liked the opportunity at Northeastern more, Jones said in a phone interview this week. Right now, I'm feeling like I need a change and I like what Minnesota has to offer.

Jones was quick to point out it wasn't anything lacking at Northeastern that piqued her interest in transferring, it was simply a needed change in scenery and a chance to come home.

Nothing bad happened at Northeastern and I'm going to leave on a good note, she said. It was a great experience here and it's a great group of girls on the hockey team.

Frost was named Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) coach of the year this season after leading the Gophers to a 27-7-4 record and a spot in the NCAA tournament.

The first-year Minnesota head coach has been with the program for eight years and recruited Jones two years ago.

He helped me a lot through the recruiting process back when I was first heading to college, Jones said. He's a very nice gentleman and his coaching is among the best. He coached me during some camps back in Minnesota and he did a great job this year with that program.￾

A six-year member of the Stillwater varsity team, Jones led the state with 104 points (68 goals) during her senior in high school and was named the Associated Press state player of the year.

I had a great time growing up playing hockey in Lake Elmo and Stillwater, Jones said. I played on some boys teams when I was younger and that taught me a lot in terms of the aggressiveness of the game. Playing for Stillwater in high school was great“ Tony Scheid is a great coach and he's done a wonderful job with that program.

Jones plans to study political science at Minnesota and hopes to one day get her law degree.

For now, Jones will spend the rest of the spring enjoying her final semester in Boston and will head back to Minnesota in May.

I'm really looking forward to getting back in touch with friends and family, Jones said. Minnesota is a great hockey state and I'm looking forward to putting on the maroon and gold. I'd also like to help out a little and do what I can with the Stillwater program because it gave so much to me.￾

Although she missed out on Stillwater's state hockey championship in 2007, Jones will try her best to help the Gophers secure their fourth national championship in the next couple of years.

Why wouldn't she have to sit out a year like everyone else who transfers?

Bensonmum wrote:Why wouldn't she have to sit out a year like everyone else who transfers?

This only applies if within the same conference. She currently plays outside the WCHA.

rwb1351 wrote:

Bensonmum wrote:Why wouldn't she have to sit out a year like everyone else who transfers?

This only applies if within the same conference. She currently plays outside the WCHA.

I think having to sit out only applies to transfers within the WCHA, i.e. going from one WCHA school to another (example: Rachael Drazan). I don't think any other conference has a similar type agreement amongst their members.

rwb1351 wrote:

Bensonmum wrote:Why wouldn't she have to sit out a year like everyone else who transfers?

This only applies if within the same conference. She currently plays outside the WCHA.

While not completely accurate, I what rwb is referring to is a WCHA policy specifically aimed at inter-conference transfers that will almost always require the player to spend one academic year in residence at the new school (i.e., sit out or red shirt) before being eligible to play. It's not true however that a player can transfer from one conference to another without receiving an NCAA transfer exception, and this must be granted by the governing body.

The fact that she has been talking to the Gophers is an indication that Northeastern has granted in writing permission to the U of M for the transfer discussion, which is required by the NCAA.

The rule that applies here is the NCAA Transfer Rule, and although it's widely assumed to be a firm one-year sit/red shirt policy for transfers in all division one sports, there are notable exceptions which can be granted, particularly among the non-major (excluding football, basketball, baseball) and women's sports. Exceptions are also more likely to be granted to those who have attended their school for more than one year and progressed to their degree, as an athlete would be required, and by virtue of the fact it's her first transfer (the so-called "one time transfer exception"). Provided she is eligible for the exception, it's very possible she would be able to play for the maroon and gold this fall.

...and I hope Frosty is still there when Chelsey suits up in the Maroon & Gold.

I heard that she was quitting hockey to study criminal justice. Anyone know about that?

hocktang wrote:I heard that she was quitting hockey to study criminal justice. Anyone know about that?

Hopefully just a rumor, but it begs the questions: Why can't she study criminal justice while still playing hockey? All of the athletes eventually have a major they focus on.

I think that would be an april fools. She is going to play hockey at the U.

hockeywild7 wrote:I think that would be an april fools. She is going to play hockey at the U.

E-gads, that would be the second time I've been "fooled" today. Now I'll be extra-wary of everything else I hear!