Former Central Plains Capitals forward Lauren Blight will continue her hockey playing career at the collegiate level come fall.

An Oakville, Man., native, Blight has committed to play for the Assiniboine Community College Cougars for the 2017-18 American Collegiate Hockey Association season. A defensive-minded forward, Blight had seven points (3-4--7) in 43 games during the 2016-17 Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League season.

"She is a strong defender in all areas of the ice, skates well, and is not afraid to play along the wall, in front of the net or any tough area on ice," says Cougars head coach Terry Arksey. "Blight is a team player, accepting her role and working hard, shift-in and shift-out. She has a contagious work ethic and we look forward to her leadership on and off the ice next year."

Capitals assistant coach John Ferg echoed Arksey, calling Blight a two-way, 200-foot player that earned time on the Central Plains penalty kill with strong defensive play.

Blight will enrol in the ACC Agribusiness program with the intention of pursuing a career in the agriculture industry.