While her time in the Manitoba Female Under 18 AAA Hockey League has come to an end, sensational forward Kylie Lesuk will continue to light it up as she's committed to the University of Manitoba Bisons.

Lesuk said that in her mind, it was always going to be the Bisons and broke down the process she went through in making her decision. "When I found out that UofM was interested in me, I made sure they knew I was interested in them. They've always been on my radar. They're close, they have great programs there as well. I was talking to a couple of other schools. I declined some NCAA and other U-Sport Universities to sign with the Bisons. I enjoy how nice and close it is to home. They also have a really great science program and hockey program, so I can continue my studies."

It's not often talked about when players decline offers but Lesuk freely admits while there might have been some thoughts of going elsewhere, for her the perfect fit was right here in her home province. "For a couple months I thought about how cool it would be to go off somewhere else. Dorm with other teammates. But I found out quickly that my heart was here, staying closer to home."

After the commitment announcement came out, a short time later, Lesuk was named the MFHLU18AAA Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer. 

Both awards mean a great deal to Lesuk. "It was pretty nice to be named those. I've been playing in that league for the past four years so it's been a while since I first started and it's changed so much. I find I have also become a better hockey player. With my coaches and my family by my side, they've really pushed me to follow my dreams and follow my hockey career, wherever it takes me. It's nice to be recognized for my hard work at the end of the season."

What perhaps makes Lesuk the happiest is not her own success but seeing her now former teammates and forever friends also get opportunities. "It's super cool! Some of them I'll be playing against, others I'll be talking too and talking about how their journey is going. I couldn't be happier that my age girls were able to sign on teams."

With the hockey season and sports up in the air, Lesuk is staying ready for when it's go time. She does say that there are some nerves as she prepares to move up in her hockey life. "I'm nervous and also excited. It was a great 4 years with the (Selects) and the Brams (Head coach Bill and fitness trainer Bailey) . I learned so much from them. I'm super excited to be joining the Bisons because of the program and I've heard really good things about my new Head Coach Jon Rempel, so I'm very excited to be a part of that."

Lesuk will spend the summer getting ready to dominate both on the ice and in the classroom.