Daryl Watts ready for Canadian women's hockey team debut in Rivalry Series

Daryl Watts continues her hockey reboot with the Canadian women's team.

The former college star, who once thought she'd retired from hockey and didn't lace up her skates for almost 10 months, gets her chance with the national team in the Rivalry Series against the United States starting Wednesday in San Jose, Calif.

"I've wanted to play for this team since I was a kid," the 25-year-old forward from Toronto said Tuesday.

She credits the Professional Women's Hockey League, which starts its second season Nov. 30, for giving her a stage to prove herself.

"I had a pretty successful college career and it wasn't enough to get on the team at the last Olympics, and there wasn't really a pro league when I graduate, so that's why I retired," she said.

"Now the PWHL gives you the opportunity to showcase your talents at the highest level.

WATCH | Watts' hat trick helps Ottawa beat Toronto:

Daryl Watts hat trick gives PWHL Ottawa a big win over Toronto

"Historically, there were just a few events throughout the year. Now there's more eyes on you throughout the season, which helps someone like me get on the team and lots of other girls."

The first freshman to win NCAA hockey's Patty Kazmaier Award in 2018 had 40 goals and 42 assists in 38 games for Boston College.

She played for Canada in the world under-18 championship in 2016 and 2017 and for the national development team in a three-game summer series against the U.S. in 2018.

Watts wasn't included on Canada's centralized roster of players trying out for the 2022 Olympic Games. Her college hockey career over, Watts was accepted into Wisconsin's masters' program in commercial real estate.

Shortly after changing her mind and withdrawing from school, Watts saw she could make a living