During a welcoming event at Cheel Arena, Casey Jones was formally introduced to the Clarkson University community on Wednesday afternoon as the Golden Knights’ 11th head coach in the tradition laden Men’s Hockey program.

Over 75 people attended the event at the Barben Rooms, including ECAC Hockey Commissioner Steve Hagwell and current players Alex Boak, Jake Morley, Corey Tamblyn and Nick Tremblay. Along with Clarkson President Tony Collins, Athletic Director Steve Yianoukos, Board of Trustees members, several reporters and numerous faculty, staff and friends of the program, Jones’ wife Kimberlee, and children Gabrielle and Bryan were also in attendance.

Jones, who was named Clarkson’s new head coach on May 20, returns to the University after serving the past three years as associate coach at Cornell University. A native of Temsicaming, Quebec, Jones worked as an assistant for the Golden Knights under head coach Mark Morris from 1993-95.

He spent 13 years (1995-2008) at Ohio State as a coach before returning to ECAC Hockey when he joined the staff at his alma mater, Cornell, for the 2008-09 campaign.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity here at Clarkson,” stated Jones. The more I was here (during the interview process), every single person I met with, I knew I wanted the job more and more and more. The great thing about it is my first job is a job rich in tradition. It’s a job that has a history of winning and it’s why I am coming here.”

A 1990 graduate of Cornell, Jones’ philosophy as a coach is an up tempo puck possession style game that promotes creativity, puck pressure and emphasizes team discipline and unity. As the new men’s hockey coach, he looks to develop and foster an environment that is very demanding and embraces the academic and athletic values and mission of the University.

“I realize Clarkson Hockey is at a critical stage. It needs energy and passion and someone that can communicate a positive identity and vision for the long term success of the program.”

“The energy and enthusiasm level Casey brings is very high,” said Yianoukos. “His connections in the recruiting world are very big. Those are two things that jumped out at everybody.”

After posting back-to-back ECAC Hockey titles in 2007 and 2008, and coming within one game of reaching the 2008 NCAA Frozen Four under head coach George Roll, the Golden Knights struggled the past three years with three losing seasons. Last year, Clarkson posted a 15-19-2 overall record and tied for seventh place in ECAC Hockey with a 9-12-1 league mark.

Clarkson, which has posted 69 winning seasons, won 10 ECAC Regular Season titles, five conference tournament championships and made 20 NCAA playoff appearances during its history, begins its 90th season of play when the Green and Gold open the 2011-12 campaign.