MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Former Mercyhurst women's hockey player Jess Jones was selected in the first round of the 2013 Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) Draft, held Monday evening in Mississauga, Ontario. Jones was drafted third overall by the Brampton Thunder.

Jones will join four other former Lakers currently playing in the CWHL: forwards Meghan Agosta- Marciano (Montreal Stars), Kelley Steadman (Boston Blades), Vicki Bendus (Brampton Thunder), and Bailey Bram (Brampton Thunder).

Jones, a native of Picton, Ontario, finished her career at Mercyhurst with 61 goals and 93 assists for 154 points in 138 games (2008-2012). She posted a career-high 48 points during her senior season, earning a College Hockey America (CHA) Second Team nod in 2012. She was also named to the CHA All-Rookie Team in 2009.

Last year, Jones traveled to Europe to play in the Austrian-based EWHL (Elite Women's Hockey League) for the Belarus Pantera Minsk organization. While playing for Pantera, Jones notched 53 points on 28 goals and 25 assists. She also contributed to Pantera's first-ever EWHL League Championship after posting eight points in the championship series and, for her efforts, was named to the Tournament All-Star team.

The Canadian Women's Hockey League is the most premier, professionally run women's hockey league in the world. A number of former Olympians and world champions currently play in the five-team league. The teams in the league include: Alberta, Boston, Brampton, Montreal, and Toronto. The CWHL was founded in May 2007 out of the ashes of the former National Women's Hockey League (NWHL).