Jess Jones makes PWHL Toronto roster out of camp

The half sigh, half laugh from Jess Jones as the question's being asked says more than any answer could.

"Did you think this league would be created in time for the end of your career?"

At 33 years old, Jones is among the oldest players in the PWHL. Five of the six older than her in the league have played for the Canadian or American national teams (Sweden's Johanna Fallman is the exception).

That's what makes Jones unique in the PWHL. Hockey's a young player's game - that's true both in men's and women's hockey. For a non-national team member in their early 30s, an opportunity to play in a league like this was supposed to have passed them by.

It was a sentiment shared by star defender Jocelyne Larocque on draft day. The 35-year-old had doubts a league like the PWHL would come to fruition before her playing days were done. But as soon as it was announced, Larocque's involvement was guaranteed with her status on the Canadian national team.

That's where Jones' experience differs. Even after the PWHL was announced, there was a very real chance she'd be on the outside looking in. A talented player from a previous generation who barely missed the chance to play in a proper professional league - that's what it could have been.

But instead, here Jones is, with a one-year contract in hand to play for PWHL Toronto at 33 years of age.

Jones' roster spot had to be earned. She arrived in Toronto's camp as a free agent invite after being passed over in the PWHL draft.

"It was a bit stressful," Jones said of the weeks before signing her contract. "But I think you just take the moment and do your best every day, have fun, and that's how I kinda treated the training camp. Go out there and do my best, have fun, enjoy the time here with the team, try to get a spot, and work hard."

First joining the CWHL's Brampton Thunder in 2013, Jones has seen the women's game change firsthand over her career.

"That's the big difference to me, is speed," Jones said. "The game is just getting faster, the girls are getting so much more skilled. It's really, really nice to see, actually."

As is the case for so many in the PWHL, Jones has an almost bittersweet feeling as the league becomes a reality: Grateful it's finally here, but disappointed it couldn't have been sooner.

"Do I wish this league was created five, six years ago when I was more in my prime? 100 percent," Jones said. "I'm happy that I've got the opportunity to come out and play for a year, or for as long as I can right now, 'cause I would still say I enjoy the game."

She added: "I have slowed in step here and there, but I know there's a lot of things that I can work on and contribute the best I can on and off the ice."