POTSDAM -- Clarkson University has named Casey Jones to lead the Golden Knights Men's Ice Hockey Team after an extensive national search.

He replaces George Roll, coach since 2002, who was fired last month.

Earlier this week week, it was reported Potsdam High School and Clarkson graduate and hockey standout Craig Conroy reportedly turned down an offer from Clarkson for the coaching position. Instead, Conroy, who recently ended his National Hockey League career on the ice with the Calgary Flames, has just signed a new deal firming up his position as special assistant to Calgary’s General Manager Jay Feaster.

Jones, associate head coach and alumnus of the men's hockey program at Cornell University, served as an assistant coach at Clarkson in the early 1990s.

Fans and friends are invited to join Clarkson Pres. Tony Collins and Athletic Director Steve Yianoukos who will welcome Jones and his wife, Kimberlee, and their two children, Gabrielle and Bryan, back to Cheel Arena on Wednesday, May 25, at 4 p.m.

"Jones brings a high energy-style to the Golden Knights' that matches the enthusiasm of Clarkson fans and our commitment to great hockey in the North Country," said Yianoukos. "Jones is known for his deep understanding and grasp of the game that motivates and challenges players. We look forward to the Jones' era for the Golden Knights."

Jones is familiar with the Knights' program and the ECAC league as a 1990 graduate of Cornell University and as a member of the ivy league school's coaching staff since 2008. He has recruited players and/or coached teams that have participated in the NCAA tournament 10 times, including three schools and in two different leagues.

During the last three years at Cornell, he helped the team return to the NCAA tournament twice, and the ECAC championships each year. Jones spent 13 years in the Big 10 at Ohio State, as associate head coach for the Buckeyes before taking the associate head coach position at Cornell. At OSU, he recruited the talent that gave the institution its national place in college hockey and a Frozen Four appearance.

When Jones was at Clarkson University from 1993 to 1995, he contributed to the Golden Knights 43-19-9 record, an ECAC Hockey championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament in 1995. He also served two years as an Assistant Coach at Cornell University after graduation.

A native of Temiscaming, Que., Jones was a four-year letter winner for the Cornell Big Red and served as team captain in 1989-90.