Hometown Hero: Eston's own Rilyn Roadhouse guarding the net for Western Prairie Jr Klippers
When it comes to goalies in the Female Junior Hockey League, Rilyn Roadhouse has quickly earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. Born and raised in Eston, Saskatchewan, Rilyn has been skating since she was just four years old, developing her skills on the local rinks before making her mark in the junior league.
The 18-year-old netminder has had an impressive journey so far, starting her hockey career playing boys' hockey. “I wanted to try out goaltending while I was still playing on the boys' team,” Rilyn shared in a recent interview. “I ended up really liking it. When I was asked to join the girls' team in Rosetown during Pee Wee, I just stuck with it and fell in love with the position.”
Rilyn’s passion and dedication to the sport have paid off. She’s been with the Western Prairie Jr Klippers since the league’s inception last year, and the team is currently sitting fourth in the standings this season.
Reflecting on the season so far, Rilyn is optimistic. “We got a couple of quick wins early on, and that’s been a big motivator for us,” she said. “We’re looking to keep that momentum going and finish as one of the top teams in the league.”
Last weekend, the Jr Klippers had a split result with a win against Swift Current but suffered a hard-fought loss against Outlook. “Our game against Swift Current was great; we battled hard and got pucks in the net,” Rilyn recalled. “Against Outlook, it was tough. They have a few strong players, and we just couldn’t score as much as we wanted, but it was still a really competitive game.”
Looking ahead, the Jr Klippers have a big test this weekend as they face off against the top-ranked Saskatoon Blaze. Rilyn isn’t backing down from the challenge. “I’m feeling confident,” she said. “In our last game against them, they only scored two goals, plus an empty netter. I think we can hold our own against them. It’s going to be a fast-paced, hard-working game.”
The Female Junior Hockey League in Saskatchewan is still in its infancy, having launched just last year, but it has already made a significant impact. Rilyn is thrilled to be a part of it. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for girls looking to continue playing competitive hockey after minor hockey,” she said. “Whether you’re a bubble player for university or coming off college hockey, it’s a great option. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun.”
Rilyn Roadhouse and the Western Prairie Jr Klippers are set to take on the Saskatoon Blaze this weekend, and fans can expect a thrilling matchup. With Rilyn in goal, the team’s prospects are looking strong. Don’t miss the action as the Klippers aim to climb higher in the league standings.
Catch the Western Prairie Jr Klippers in action and show your support for local talent like Rilyn Roadhouse, who’s proving that small-town roots can lead to big-time performances on the ice.
Hear the full interview below