Jennifer Jones prepares for emotional farewell at Scotties after retirement announcement

For thousands of Canadians, Jennifer Jones is their connection to curling.

For the past two decades, Jones has been at the forefront of the game not only across this country but around the world.

Her desire to be the best is so incredibly evident every time she takes to the ice. Her competitive spirit and desire to win is unrivaled by most.

Jones is retiring from women's curling — but before that she's about to compete in her 18th Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary with the chance to become the winningest women's skip in Canadian history as she eyes a seventh title.

There's no question every game she plays at this year's championship will be filled with emotion.

WATCH | Jones joins That Curling Show to reflect on sparkling career:

And more than anything, Jones wants to thank all of the fans who have made this curling journey worthwhile.

"It's because of the fans that you've made my dreams bigger than I could have ever imagined," Jones told CBC Sports. "I'll never be able to thank the fans enough, thank curling enough. But just know that I'm grateful for every opportunity. I'm grateful for every message. I'm grateful for every time a fan came down and told me their story. I'm grateful for every hug. You've made my life far bigger than I could have ever thought possible."

This has not been an easy decision. The weight of retirement can be felt in every word Jones shares as she talks about her love of the game, the fans and her favourite moments.

Tears stream down as she tries to find the words to match the enormity of giving up something that has been such a monumental part of her life for so long.

Jones says that it inevitably came down to choosing to spend more time with her family — the grind of the curling with her four-person team as well as with her husband Brent Laing in mixed doubles has been a lot. She's missed too many moments with her two young daughters.

"From September to December, I didn't have one weekend off between women's and mixed doubles. I just couldn't for sure commit to two years. Maybe I could have done two years, but I don't I don't know. I didn't want to play one more year and then all of a sudden I can't commit to that next year," she said.

There aren't many curlers on the planet who have the resume Jones has.

She's tied with Colleen Jones for the most Scotties titles ever with six — her first win came at the 2005 Scotties in St. John's when Jones made one of the most memorable shots ever to win a championship.