TORONTO — As Jennifer Jones was engaged in a post-game interview on Friday, her youngest daughter, Skyla, tugged at her leg, underscoring the emotional difficulty of her retirement decision. The veteran skip’s voice quivered as she recounted Skyla’s heartfelt plea, “Don’t,” reflecting the struggle of leaving the sport she loves.
Jones’s storied career came to an end following a narrow 7-6 defeat to Anna Hasselborg at the Princess Auto Players’ Championship. This game marked the conclusion of a long farewell that began with her retirement announcement last February and highlighted an illustrious career in curling.
Reflecting on her decision, Jones expressed, “I believe it’s the right time and the right choice.” She explained that curling has been a central part of her life, and she is eager to explore new challenges ahead. Despite her readiness to move on, she felt a deep emotional pull, particularly from her daughters, who were visibly affected by the decision.
During the game, Hasselborg turned the match around with a pivotal three-point score in the sixth end. Though Jones managed a tap for two to equalize, Hasselborg ultimately clinched the victory with a decisive hit in the final end. As “Simply The Best” played over the loudspeakers, an outpouring of support filled the Mattamy Athletic Centre, with many in the crowd, including Jones’s family and former teammates, visibly emotional.
In her address to the crowd post-game, Jones promised to connect with every fan, signing autographs and taking selfies. She also took time to appreciate the overwhelming support she has received throughout her career. Although her competitive curling journey is ending, Jones plans to continue in mixed doubles with her husband, Brent Laing.
Elsewhere at the event, Rachel Homan secured the top spot in the women’s standings with a perfect 5-0 record, while Bruce Mouat and Mike McEwen led the men’s field. The playoffs, featuring top teams like Scotland’s Bruce Mouat and Sweden’s Niklas Edin, are set to culminate in the finals on Sunday.
For now, the focus remains on Jones and her remarkable curling journey. As she noted, despite her retirement, her passion for the sport remains undiminished.