Ainsworth Selected to Jr. Nationals

The Ainsworth family has been known in the hockey circles of Prince William County for quite some time, starring at Osbourn Park High School. 

Now, Chase Ainsworth will have the opportunity to shine on the Junior hockey level as he was selected to the Washington Jr. Nationals, the only Junior-A hockey team in the Washington, DC area.  The Junior level of USA Hockey is one of the highest levels of amateur hockey in the United States.

The Jr. Nationals, who play in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, are a college development program and produce many players each season who go on to play in college and higher levels of Junior hockey.

In the last NHL draft, Nick Petersen, a former Jr. National, was taken in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

John Carlson, a top prospect with the Washington Capitals, played against the Jr. Nationals with the New Jersey Rockets in 2006-2007.

Ainsworth is joined by Woodbridge’s Shaughn Shields as the two Prince William County based players on the team.

The Jr. Nationals season begins October 3 at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington against the Philadelphia Little Flyers at 5:30 p.m.