BONNYVILLE – Raevyn Neahr’s hockey journey has taken her from Bonnyville to Lloydminster, Edmonton and soon Calgary.

The U18 AAA forward is preparing for her Grade 12 season with the Edmonton Jr. Oilers after committing to play university hockey with the Mount Royal University Cougars next year.

Neahr joined Jena Colbourne at Ducharme Motors to talk about playing elite female hockey, living away from home and choosing the university where she will continue her career.

Finding the right university

Neahr attracted interest from several schools, including programs in New Brunswick and Vancouver. While having options was exciting, she said making such an important decision at a young age was also stressful.

“I just felt like I wanted to be somewhere closer to home and also looking for that aspect where it’s the coaching style I want,” Neahr said.

She was drawn to Mount Royal because she believes the program will continue challenging her.

“I like someone that’s more hard on me,” she said. “My coach this year with the Jr. Oilers, Joel, was so hard on me and I loved it because it always pushes me to be a better player.”

Although her university commitment is secured, Neahr still has one more season of U18 AAA hockey ahead of her. She will return to Edmonton for school and training as the Jr. Oilers prepare to defend their national championship.

Learning to live away from home

Neahr has spent the past two hockey seasons billeting away from Bonnyville. She first lived in Lloydminster while playing for the U18 AAA Steelers before moving to Edmonton to join the Jr. Oilers.

She admitted she was nervous before her first billeting experience but said the families and teammates around her quickly helped her feel comfortable.

“The families are so welcoming and everyone’s so kind. Everyone’s there for you,” she said.

Her advice for players preparing to billet is simple: treat the home with respect and help out just as they would with their own family.

“Do your dishes, keep your room clean and stuff. That’s kind of just the most important part,” Neahr said.

Consistency and adversity

Neahr has experienced both sides of high-level competition.

While playing for Lloydminster at the Esso Cup, the Steelers lost to the Jr. Oilers in the semifinal. One year later, Neahr found herself wearing Edmonton’s colours after joining the reigning national champions.

She said difficult losses teach athletes how to recover and prepare for the next opportunity.

“You have to understand that it’s not the end of the world and there will be other opportunities,” Neahr said. “You realize there is still more out there.”

For younger players hoping to reach U18 AAA, Neahr said talent alone is not enough.

“I would just say being consistent,” she said. “Coaches always look for a player that’s consistent, always putting in the effort, whether it’s practices or games.”

Being able to push through adversity is equally important.

“You’re always going to face adversity in your life,” she said. “Learning to push through those hard times is what coaches look for.”

Giving back to young players

Neahr has also spent four summers helping instruct a local female hockey camp, giving younger players the chance to learn from someone competing at the highest level of U18 female hockey in Alberta.

She was recently selected as one of the first recipients of the camp’s female athlete scholarship.

“It feels good to give back,” Neahr said. “Teaching the girls that look up to you is always a great feeling.”

As she prepares for another season in Edmonton, Neahr said competition continues to fuel her love for hockey.

“Being able to compete out there with girls that are better than me pushes me to be better,” she said.

The interview was presented with support from Ducharme Motors and Lakeland Co-op.