Breaking Barriers: Rebecca Kuresh’s journey to the WHL
For Rebecca Kuresh, the path to becoming an athletic therapist wasn’t always clear. But looking back, it seemed inevitable.
Growing up as a dancer, Kuresh was no stranger to injuries—an experience that gave her firsthand knowledge of the physical and mental toll recovery can take. While she always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, it wasn’t until her final year of undergraduate studies, during a practicum at a hockey academy, that she discovered her passion for becoming an athletic therapist.
“I’m really excited. It’s a huge opportunity for me to able to prove myself at the next level. I’m excited to join the team, meet everyone and be a Kamloops Blazer.”
– new Athletic Therapist Rebecca Kuresh pic.twitter.com/URxbjLlNCl
Kuresh is now the head athletic therapist for the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League. She plays a critical role in helping top major junior hockey players stay in peak condition and navigate the often-challenging road to recovery.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping athletes reach their highest potential,” she told Daily Faceoff. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see where players I worked with years ago are now.”
Prior to joining the Blazers organization in 2023, Kuresh spent time with both the Canmore Eagles and Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. She also had previously been selected for the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, 2021 and 2022 AJHL Top Prospects Showcase and the 2019 CJHL Top Prospects game as an athletic therapist.
Hockey has been a constant in Kuresh’s life. She grew up cheering for the Calgary Flames before later following the Chicago Blackhawks. Some of her favorite players are Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, and Miikka Kiprusoff, who helped shape her love for the game and turned her into a diehard fan of the sport. When the opportunity arose to work in hockey professionally, she knew it could either strengthen or diminish her passion for the sport. Fortunately, it only made her love for the game grow stronger.
Kuresh’s impact on the team hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Blazers assistant general manager Tim O’Donovan praising her dedication and skill.
“Rebecca brings a different energy to our group. She’s fun to be around, and she’s thorough and excellent at her job. It was an easy hire for us. The guys all trust her and have great relationships with her. Nothing has changed—it just feels natural,” O’Donovan said.
As one of only three female athletic therapists currently working for teams in the WHL, Kuresh is part of a small but growing group of women making an impact in hockey. She acknowledges the importance of initiatives like National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which help create awareness and open doors for young girls who aspire to work in athletics.
“It’s not just important for me personally, but for society as a whole,” she said. “Showing young girls that a career in sports is possible is incredibly impactful.”
While she doesn’t always think about the influence she has, moments on the bench often serve as reminders. “Sometimes, a small moment—like giving a little girl a fist bump on my way to the bench or tossing a puck over the glass—reminds me that I might be the reason she decides to pursue a job in sports,” she told Daily Faceoff.
Kuresh’s journey is far from over, and her aspirations extend beyond the WHL. When asked about her next career goal, she didn’t hesitate.
“Ultimately, the goal is the NHL. However, next up, I’d love to do a World Juniors or a World Championship.”
Daily Faceoff Live is on the road! From February 10th to 20th, we’re bringing you live shows every weekday straight from Four Nations, delivering exclusive coverage, insider analysis, and all the tournament action as it unfolds. Don’t miss a beat—subscribe to the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel and follow us on social for the latest updates. It’s international hockey, so expect intensity, excitement, and maybe even a little chaos. Stay locked in and catch us live from Four Nations!