The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings wrapped up their 2024-2025 season with Awards Night over the weekend. Giving thanks to those involved and rewarding the players who made an impact on the season. As well, they honoured the eight graduating players who are aging out of junior hockey. I had the chance to sit down with each of them and recap their experiences as a Red Wing, starting with this year’s captain, Blake Betson. You can listen to the full interview at the bottom of this article.
Dylan: I guess tell me your full name and position with the Red Wings.
Blake: My name is Blake Betson. I'm from Regina SK and I played Center for three years with the Weyburn Red Wings.
D: Yeah, and now you're done your 20-year-old season, obviously we'll start with this year because it was quite a wild ride. I mean for you, it was your first year as the captain, you spent your entire junior career (with the Red Wings) This season was crazy, what was it like for you as the captain?
B: You know, it was fun and kind of tough to see it end the way it did, but at the end of the day, there's no other way I'd really rather go out. Seeing everyone grow throughout the year is a pretty cool thing for me and seeing everyone come together that was something that's pretty awesome and you know to be the leader of all that is a pretty cool feeling and just, yeah couldn’t be happier to go out like this.
D: For sure, said especially this is only my first year (with the Red Wings) but you guys last year just getting into the playoffs that big seven game series against Humboldt and then this year to make it all the way to the SJHL Finals is pretty crazy, maybe what's the growth been like for someone like yourself that's experienced these years with the Red Wings?
B: I think it's definitely helped a lot going into this year having guys like me and Dallen (Oxelgren) and Breigh (LeGrandeur) who have kind of been here for three years, we've been through all the highs and lows. It's pretty cool to see the growth and just the city really came around us this year too. Everyone kind of believed in us a little more than what I've seen in the past, so it's pretty awesome feeling.
D: Yeah, for sure. That was kind of going to be my next question. Like, how has this community kind of taking you in and been able to foster that culture of really rallying behind you guys, what's that been like?
B: It's been awesome and kind of surreal. You know, you go out in public, you go grab lunch, and there's people telling you good luck buying us lunch and stuff. So, it's just awesome to see everyone come together and one good thing (head coach) Cody (Mapes) said in the playoffs was don't be scared of how many fans we have. Like we got 1500 Red Wings in the building, so you know, it's awesome.
D: So now that concludes your junior hockey (career), obviously you haven't committed to to playing anywhere. So maybe what's the future look like for yourself? Going to school, or you know maybe what are the plans for Blake Betson in the future?
B: Honestly, I'll be real honest with you. I'm trying to figure that out, but I think I'm kind of ready to move on and sense and kind of get real with life. And yeah, whatever that is, I'm unsure yet, but going to go to school for sure.
D: Well, hopefully whatever you do, you're successful in it. I wish you all the best and so you'll probably end up being around the CPP in the future trying to catch in a few Red Wings games?
B: For sure, 100%.