Martin Jones talks first NHL call-up with MayorsManor

As MayorsManor first reported earlier today, goaltender Martin Jones served as back-up to JF Berube for this morning’s Monarchs game in Manchester becasue he was being called up by the Kings. Althought the severity of Jonathan Quick’s injury is not known at this time, Jones will join the big club in Long Island later this afternoon.

Signed as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2008, Jones has appeared in 13 AHL games this season, posting a 9-2-2 record with a 2.24 goals against average and .927 save percentage.

Prior to leaving, he spoke with MayorsManor correspondent Andy Tonge and shared the following thoughts…

On how he found out he was called up:

“Well, I got a coup;e of texts from guys watching the Kings game (last night), family and stuff, saying that Quick got hurt. I also got a text last night from Mark Morris, our coach, just relaying the message that I’ll probably be heading out after this morning’s game.”

On if he’s seen video of where Quick was injured:

“I didn’t see the play, no. I still haven’t seen it actually.”

On being called up:

“I’m very excited. You never want to see a guy get hurt or anything like that, but it’s an opportunity and I just need to make sure that I go in and work hard and try to take advantage of it.”

On if his hot start to the season gives him any extra confidence heading up:

“Yeah, playing well always gives you confidence. I have confidence from the work that I put in over the last three years. I’ve been able to play well and I definitely think that I’m ready to play at the next level and here’s an opportunity for me to show t hat.”

On if he’s been given any indication if he might play in one of the Kings back-to-back games this week:

“No, I haven’t heard anything.”

On if there would be any preference to which team/game he would play:

“It doesn’t really matter to me. I’m going to be ready to go whenever I’m called upon and make sure I’m working hard in practice to prepare for whatever game they need me for. I’m just excited to have the opportunity and whatever game is okay with me.”

On if he has talked to former teammate Thomas Hickey of the New York Islanders recently:

“Not since I got the news, but I’ll definitely contact him. We’re pretty close friends and we were roomies for a few years. It will be fun to have my first NHL experience going against him.”

On Mark Morris and what it means to be apart of his 300th win at professional level:

“it was special…It was a great game this morning and good to be a part of that. I’m happy I was here for that. They will have to get a few more wins when I’m gone.”

Forward Tanner Pearson is also on his way up to join the Kings. He too spoke with MayorsManor in Manchester this morning, see the link below.

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