Reauna Blight transitions from player to coach with Regina Junior Rebels

Reauna Blight has been making the transition from playing to coaching, and her efforts are being recognized by people around her.

Blight was captain of the Regina Junior Rebels last season in the Saskatchewan Junior Female Hockey League. Now, she’s on the bench as an assistant coach for the team.

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“It’s been tricky to transition into for sure. I still get the itch, but I like it. I have a great support system to help me learn my new role,” Blight said.

“It’s tough sometimes, because they are your friends, but the girls understand it, as we can be friends outside of the rink but when we come to the rink, I’m your coach. They respect that, and it makes me happy.”

Her dedication to the role and the work she has put in saw Blight named The Green Zone Community Coach, in a contest powered by Kal Tire. The contest recognizes local volunteer coaches in minor sports, awarding them a $100 gift card to Source for Sports. Blight is the first winner of the monthly prize.

Reauna Blight served as captain of the Regina Junior Rebels last season. This time around, she’s behind the bench as a coach. (Reauna Blight/Submitted)

James Westerman, whose daughter Brianna plays on the team, nominated her for the contest.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Westerman said, noting Blight’s love for the game and her willingness to pass on her knowledge.

“There are tons of things she could be doing instead of hanging out at the rink at 10:30 at night with a bunch of other 18- and 19-year-old girls. She’s passing along the love of hockey and the camaraderie and teamwork and competitiveness and working hard to reach your goals.”

Blight played hockey in Alberta at SAIT for a couple seasons, but moved back to Saskatchewan for work. She was approached to coach shortly after her season ended last year with the Rebels.

“They asked me at the end of the year if I’d help out. It was kind of a no-brainer, and I said ‘Yeah!’” Blight said.

“Just have to get used to the itch that I can’t skate it end to end anymore. I can’t take the shot like they can.”

This is just the second season the Saskatchewan Junior Female Hockey League has been in existence, after the U22 league launched last year. Blight said it’s great to have the option available to female hockey players.

“It’s been really nice. It’s good for girls that are around our age that are going to school, and they may not want to do the full commitment to university or they didn’t get that opportunity or they are just working,” Blight said.

“They can still play in a highly competitive league, and still do what they love. Its been good. There are six teams in the league, and hopefully it expands as it grows. The hockey is great.”

The Rebels finished second in the standings this season, and will soon begin their playoff run.

Blight said she’s excited to see all the hard work the players have put in paying off.

“It’s just as rewarding (as playing),” she said.

“As a player you know how much you’re putting into it, but as a coach you watch and see how hard these girls try in practices and games, and to watch it get rewarded is such a nice feeling, because they try so hard. It’s very nice,” Blight said.