BROOKLYN, NY, August 31, 2017 – Jess Jones, the co-leader in scoring last season in the CWHL, today reached an agreement in principle to play the upcoming NWHL season for the Buffalo Beauts.
Jones was 17-20-37 in 24 games last season with the Brampton Thunder. Her 37 points equaled Marie-Philip Poulin for a share of the Angela James Bowl as the league’s leading scorer.
“After playing in the European and Canadian leagues, I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing against the great talent in the National Women’s Hockey League,” said Jones, 26. “I’ve admired the league from my home base in Toronto, and of course I know some of the players from my collegiate career, so I’m really pumped to become a member of the Buffalo Beauts.”
Raised in Picton, Ontario, Jones was the third overall selection in the 2013 CWHL Draft. In four seasons with the Thunder, she was 43-43-86 in 95 games. The 2016-17 season was her true breakout year as a pro. “I had a great experience in Brampton,” said Jones. “My teammates, the staff and the fans were incredible there. I’m sorry to leave all the great friends I made there, but the opportunity that the NWHL and Buffalo presents is really exciting to me.”
Previously, Jones led HK Pantera Minsk to its first-ever championship in the Elite Women’s Hockey League. She finished as her team’s leading scorer, with 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points in just 19 games.
While at Mercyhurst from 2008-2012, Jones was 61-93-154 in 136 games.
“Jess was a great player for our program,” said Mercyhurst head coach Michael Sisti. “She is a very smart hockey player and will be a valuable addition for Buffalo. We wish her the best of luck with the Beauts.”
At the international level, Jones was a member of Team Canada’s Under-18 team at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Championship and had 2 goals and 4 assists in five games.
