When the Regina Thunder hit the field in 2017 they will be missing a big piece of their offence from a year ago following the graduation of receiver Kristiane Desautels; from the CJFL Class of 2016.

The Calgary native spent four years with the Thunder and started three of them.  In 2016 he was the Thunder’s second leading receiver averaging 17.4 yards a catch, gathering 507 yards on 29 receptions and scored three touchdowns.

With so many emotions this past season, Desautels says the highlight of his final year was beating Calgary in the final game on Taylor Field. “We knew we could beat them from the first time we played them and it was a great feeling finally having everything come together.”  He didn’t make a catch that game, however returned seven kicks for 48 yards.

Now that his junior football career is over, he has had a chance to reflect, “Winning the National Championship in 2013 was the highlight of my career. We were underdogs the whole season but everyone believed it could happen and when it did it was surreal. A close second to that would be beating Saskatoon in 2014. It was the first game played on their new field and we recovered back to back onside kicks and scored on each of those drives to win.”

Over the course of four seasons Desautels had a number of teammates, but who was his favourite?

“The best teammate is a hard one. Most of the guys were great people/great players, but for me the most influential teammate would have to be Brady Keller. He always worked hard and never slacked off or missed practice, aside from injury. He was one of those guys that wasn't the biggest, fastest or strongest but he gave everything he had every play and if we threw it up to him we knew he would come down with it. He was always willing to help you out on/off the field. He taught me a lot about tracking the ball in the air, which was huge because I also return kicks. I learned a great deal about coverage's and how to be patient from him. “

What would he tell a rookie entering his first year with the Thunder?

“I would tell any rookie to work hard and good things will come. When I first got to the Thunder we had one of our coaches set up our off season workouts, they weren't bad workouts by any means but that was one of our only resources. Now the team has grown and they have a nutritionist, a true strength and conditioning coach, loads and support from the community and many other resources than before.

I would also tell and rookie to get into the play book ASAP. Once you can understand what is going on around you, you can then start to fine tune everything else.”

Currently the Notre Dame (Calgary) grad is not sure what’s next.  He would love to continue to play football if the opportunity was there, but if not he’s going to finish up school and start working towards having a successful life.  

“The thing I will miss the most from playing with the Thunder is practice, to be completely honest. No matter what kind of day I had, when I got to practice I was always in a good mood. Most of my good friends were on the team and everyone got along pretty well. In terms of football we all had each other’s best interest in mind. Plus I got to go out and compete and become better every day at something that I love. “

What’s the one lesson he learned in the CJFL and with the Regina Thunder that he’ll always take with him?

“The most valuable thing that I learned was that; every day and every week is a process. If you don't embrace the process then your end results are what suffer. Meaning that you must go out and work hard, respect the ups and downs, and strive to learn and get better, both mentally and physically, to obtain whatever goal(s) you have set. Also that if you are not true to these things then you must be accountable for whatever the finished product may be. This is true in football and in life.”

Regina Thunder receiver Kristiane Desautels joins the Joins the CJFL Class of 2016.