Queen's Men's Hockey forward Jonathan Yantsis had a standout junior career in four seasons with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers before joining the Gaels. But there was a moment very early in his time with Kitchener that Yantsis thought it could end before it even really got started.
 
"One memory that pops up right at the start is, first shift I ended up running the goalie," Yantsis said. "I thought that was going to be it for my career in Major Junior."
 
Yantsis, who signed with the Rangers when he was 17, would overcome that moment and go on to have a successful career in the OHL in Kitchener. After five goals in his first full season with the team in 2017-18, Yantsis grew into a bigger role and into team history the next year.
 
"In '18-19 I had a bigger role on the Rangers. That year I was one of six players (in the OHL) to score 50 goals. (It was) the 17th time in Kitchener's history, since 1968, so that was pretty cool for myself."
 
That season helped Yantsis earn an invite to the Los Angeles Kings development camp. After taking part in the team's development camp, and the rookie tournament in Anaheim, Yantsis also attended the Kings' main training camp.
 
"I got to go to main camp with all their NHL guys so that was a great experience for myself, just to see what a pro actually is and what separates them. It was eye opening."
 
Yantsis returned to the Rangers for the 2019-20 season, recording 39 goals and 20 assists in 63 games before his overage season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He committed to Queen's after that season and suited up for the Gaels for the first time this past fall after the 2020-21 OUA season was cancelled to the COVID-19 pandemic. He leads the OUA in scoring with four goals and 19 points through 10 games this year.
 
Yantsis sat down to share more about himself on and off the ice.


 
Why did you choose Queen's?

I chose Queen's because of the top tier education you can get here. But also, they had just won in 2018-19 and I got to see some of the building. My brother went to the game and was telling me what an experience it was. After hearing that, and the bonus of getting an education in my back pocket, it was a no-brainer for me.
 
What's your favourite team memory?

Definitely just the first game (this season). It was everyone's first game in two years and the atmosphere in the rink that day was one of excitement and all the guys were going out there and giving 100 per cent. One of the more intense games I've played, even though it was just a regular season game. Everyone was so excited to get out there, so that definitely sticks out.
 
What's your pre-game ritual and how did it come about?

I'm kind of a weird guy when it comes to that because I like to stick to the same schedule all day. I would have my entire day planned out, every game day doing the same thing.
 
Mainly, it's getting to the rink with a nice coffee, taping all three sticks, running around the rink after that, and visualizing in the stands.
 
What's your favourite pre-game meal and why?

I eat salad and chicken as a pre-game meal because my billet parents in my second year would always tell me how their old billet kids would have it for a pre-game meal. I thought, ok let me try it. First time I tried it I scored a goal, so I thought, now I have to keep doing it, don't really have a choice. 
 
Who's your favourite professional athlete?
 
I really like Jimmy Butler just because of his work ethic and what he does out there. 
 
What's your favourite place on campus and why?

I spend almost every day in Stauffer Library. Third floor Stauffer, along the railing. I don't know how it came to be, but I go there every single time. It's a nice spot.
 
What's your favourite off-ice activity?
 
We got rollerblading around campus, rollerblading with the guys. I like playing soccer too, men's league soccer is big. 
 
What do you hope to accomplish this season?

I think we have a pretty special team. I want to go to nationals and I think we have the ability to do that and compete for a championship. That's ultimately the main goal I think we all have out there.