Two Central Plains Capitals players will continue their hockey playing careers at the collegiate level next season, the Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League (MFMHL) announced today.

Defenceman Marisa Fraser and forward Lauren Blight have committed to attend and play for Red Deer College and Assiniboine Community College respectively.

The Capitals' captain this season, Fraser, from Portage la Prairie, is in her third year in the MFMHL. In 160 games over that span, she has 44 points (9-35—44).

“Fraser is known for being a tremendous skater with an excellent shot who plays big minutes against the opposition's top players,” says Capitals head coach Ferdi Nelissen in a release. “She is a key player on both the (power play) and penalty kill units.”

Fraser: “I'm pretty excited for it. It's just a new team and something different. I'm looking forward to having a new life somewhere else.”

Blight, an Oakville, Man., native in her first MFMHL season, will play in the American College Hockey Association with the ACC Cougars — located in Brandon, Man. — next season. The 17-year-old has eight points this season with the Capitals.

“It's good that I can continue playing cause I like it so much,” Blight says, noting she will study agriculture.

Nelissen adds: “Blight is a hard working player in all three zones of the rink who possesses a great shot.”