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UMass Hockey's Zac Jones Signs a Contract with the New York Rangers

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Hockey

University of Massachusetts hockey sophomore defenseman Zac Jones has signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers, foregoing the final two seasons of his NCAA eligibility. The 2019 third round draft pick becomes the seventh player in head coach Greg Carvel's UMass tenure to ink an NHL deal.

"Jonesy has decided to sign an NHL contract and adds to the list of exemplary players from our program who will move on and find success at the highest level of hockey," said Carvel. "His growth has a player, both on and off of the ice, over the past two years has been truly impressive. Jonesy was one of the most coachable players I've had the pleasure to work with and I'm very excited for him and the future he will have in the NHL."

"I want to say thank you to everybody in the UMass hockey program," said Jones. "From our coaching staff, to our photographers, thank you for everything that has been done to prepare me for this next step in my career. The culture that has been instilled in me over the last two years will be with me for the rest of my life. To the boys, thank you guys for the best season of my life. I don't know if I've been a part of a closer group of guys. I'm excited to keep track of this program because this first natty championship is just the start of something special."

Jones, a 2020-21 CCM/AHCA Hockey All-American and Hockey East Second-Team All-Star, finished tied for third for the Minutemen in points this season with 24 in 29 games on nine goals and 15 assists and was +3 with three power-play goals, one shorthanded tally and one game winner. He finished second nationally in goals by defensemen, third in points, fifth in goals per-game (.31) and tied for seventh in points per-game (.83).

Over two seasons in a UMass uniform, the Glen Allen Virginia native amassed 47 points on 12 goals and 35 assists over 61 contests and ranks 10th all-time in program history at +29. He opened the scoring in the Minutemen's 3-2 win over Minnesota Duluth in the NCAA National Semifinal and was selected to the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.