SJHL Preview 2013

SJHL PREVIEW 2013

Changes

Ch-Ch-Ch Lewgood

Nicholas

Allison

Gibney

Pastachak

Thorimbert “Your Home of After Sales Service”

Meet Your Trusted Professionals

Randy Senchuk

Rick Senchuk

Landon Senchuk

Murray Arnold

k u h c Sen Ford Sales Ltd.

118 Souris Ave. N., Estevan • 306-634-3696

Ford Employee Pricing on now until September 30th.

Toll Free: 1-877-880-9094 (sales) 1-877-883-2576 (service) E-mail: sales@senchuk.com • www.senchuk.com

2 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Pastachak following in dad’s footsteps High expectations for 17-year-old Bienfait sniper Not many 17-year-old rookies get the kind of hype Lynnden Pastachak is receiving.

Then again, not many SJHL rookies have his combination of skill, determination and good bloodlines.

The Bienfait native is expected to play a significant role with the Estevan Bruins this year after two strong seasons in midget AAA witht the Yorkton Harvest.

Pastachak was called up for three games last year and based on that experience, he feels he will adjust quickly.

“The speed was for sure a lot faster and everybody was bigger and hit harder, but it was nothing I couldn’t compete with. That’s the big thing, the compete level is big time there. If you can compete, which I think I can, it should be a pretty easy step,” he said.

Bruins head coach Chris Lewgood said it’s important for Pastachak to understand that he belongs at the junior level.

“There will be some adjustment, but I guess it’s up to him. There’s such a thing as having too much respect for the league.

He’s at this level and if he realizes that, he’ll adjust early.”

Pastachak scored 29 goals and 58 points last year for the Harvest, finishing fifth in Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League scoring. He said the biggest thing he wants to offer the Bruins this year is the ability to put the puck in the net.

“I’m going to have to bring that role in there with my hands around the net. Let’s hope I can score some goals for the Estevan Bruins,” he said.

“My scoring touch is my main thing.

That’s what I’ve pretty much made my living at is scoring goals, so let’s hope I can bring that. But I don’t mind getting dirty in the corners too. I can do pretty much anything

Bienfait native Lynnden Pastachak(left) bumps a defenceman in front of the net during a scrimmage at Bruins training camp on Sept. 7. in that sense.”

Although Lewgood isn’t sure yet which line Pastachak will play on, he expects him to be a source of scoring.

“I definitely think he’ll be an offensive contributor for us. I wouldn’t (necessarily) say top six because I don’t know how we’re going to structure the club yet, but he’s going to find himself on special teams and get opportunities on the power play.”

At 5-foot-11, Pastachak won’t be one of the biggest players on the ice, but he doesn’t back down from opponents. Lewgood said that is part of what makes him such an attractive player.

“First and foremost, skill (is what sets him apart),” Lewgood said. “He’ll be a pre-

Good Luck this season Bruins!

RON'S

THE WORK WEAR STORE LTD. 1210 4TH ST ESTEVAN 306-634-8232

202 MAIN ST CARLYLE 306-453-6167

112 2ND ST WEYBURN 306-842-3006

Your friendly neighbourhood auto repair shop.

mier player in our league even as an underager.

But I think his tenacity and competitiveness is what really helps him expose that. His willingness to make things happen is huge.”

After being passed over in the WHL draft in 2011, Pastachak has worked on improving his game in his two years of midget, to the point where he was listed by the Red Deer Rebels.

“I’ve gotten faster for sure. My foot speed is a lot quicker now, so I should be able to keep up with the bigger guys. Even my scoring touch has (improved). It’s helped with my confidence level big time, playing the last two years there. I’ve played with a lot of good players that helped me out.”

For advice on wearing the spoked B,

Have a great season Bruins!

CompleteCompletions Rod Pumping Design,Supply Supply, Optimization & Field Services Penta & Services Ltd. - Specializing in Rod Pumping System Design—Directional, Horizontal & Vertical 58 Devonian Street P.O. Box 667 - Full line of API, High Strength Steel & Fiberglass Sucker Rods Estevan, Sk. S4A 2A6 - Complete Dynamometer & Fluid Level Services including Optimization Proposals Phone: 306-634-7399 - Automation Services including SAM Well Managers, Wermac/Yaskawa VFDs, Xspoc Web Based SCADA Packages Fax: 1-306-634-6989 Phone: (306) 634-7399 Fax: (306) 634-6989 E-Mail: Estevan@pentarods.com 58 Devonian Street Estevan, Saskatchewan PO Box 667 S4A 2A6

Have a great season Estevan Bruins!

• Oil Changes • Towing & Boosting • Tune Ups • Tire Repairs • Brakes • Batteries • Timing Chains & Belts

Pastachak need not go far. His father, Kevin, starred with the Bruins in the mid-1980s.

More recently, he played in the Allan Cup with the Weyburn Devils.

“It means a lot. My dad played with the Bruins when he was younger too, and now it’ll be my turn to wear the B,” said Pastachak.

“It’s big time, the fans, I’m already nervous. I have shivers going up my spine when I think about playing.”

And the message from his dad?

“He said you wear it with pride. It’s not about what’s on the back, it’s what’s on the front. I grew up around that anyway, so he’s told me that ever since I was little. Especially now that I’ll (be) living at home, it’s going to be a good year to play with the Bruins and I’m going to wear that with pride.”

Pastachak will add to a large group of Bruins from the area, including Taylor Reich (Estevan), Austin Daae (Estevan), Wyatt Garagan (Estevan), Tanner Froese (Estevan), Ben Johnstone (Carlyle) and Dayton Picard (Stoughton).

“Any time you can have local players on the team contributing in a big way, it’s huge.

You never want to lose and you always want to gain that community pride. I think he’s one more member of the community that’s going to play a role on our team. We’re pretty proud of the overall group of local guys,” said Lewgood.

Despite the buzz around Pastachak’s SJHL debut, Lewgood said he isn’t worried about putting pressure on the rookie.

“There’s pressure. Him being here is us evaluating his ability to handle that pressure and deciding that he can. As a 17-year-old, we expect him to come in and be an everyday type guy and answer the bell, and we think he’s more than ready to do that.”

JOHN DEERE

Avonlea . Estevan . Radville . Redvers . Oxbow

Highway 39 West, Estevan, SK • (306) 634-6422

Yvonne: (yserver@pentarods.com) Cell: 306-421-5842 Joel: (jmilligan@pentarods.com) Cell: 306-421-6845

. . looking after you from the inside out!

www.pentarods.com

• Wheel Bearings (repacked) • Front Wheel Drive Axle Repairs (boots) • Starts & Alternators • Shocks • Electrical Diagnostic Service & Repair • Plus many other repairs

er t r o p p u S Proud ruins of the B

Go Bruins!

1139 5th Street Downtown Estevan

306-634-2823 Thinking About Selling?

Estevan Shoppers Mall • 400 King Street

306-634-9577

Call Mack Auction Company TODAY for a free consultation!

NOw BOOKiNg FOr SpriNg 2014

Box 831, Estevan, SK 306-634-9512 • 306-421-2928 • 306-487-7815 www.mackauctioncompany.com

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 3

Gibney takes the reins as Bruins’ starter

Veteran tender returns to Saskatchewan for last season After parachuting in a starter less than 24 hours before the season opener last year, and having three goalies fi ghting for two spots the year before that, the Estevan Bruins have the luxury of knowing exactly what their goaltending will look like this time around.

Veteran puckstopper Matt Gibney and promising rookie Brett Lewchuk are set to handle the duties between the pipes this season.

Gibney was a June acquisition from the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, with future considerations going the other way.

He has been a key part of a successful Kodiaks club the last two years. In 25 games as a backup in 2011-12, he went 16-6-3 with a 2.49 goals-against average and .917 save percentage. Last year, Gibney moved into the starter’s job and appeared in 39 games, going 19-9-4 with a 2.83 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.

“I’d probably say that I’m a butterfly goalie who stays square to shooters, but is still pretty mobile and can make big saves,” said the Watrous native, who played three years of midget in Moose Jaw. His last season there was stellar, as he only allowed 1.84 goals per game and recorded a sparkling .930 save percentage.

Gibney said his experience in Camrose has taught him valuable les-

sons that he hopes to pass on to a Bruins team trying to get to the next level.

“Keeping it simple and relying on my defencemen to do their job, and doing my job. Staying strong mentally and battling through tough times and staying positive,” he said.

“Probably the biggest thing you can learn is anybody can beat anybody on a given night. My first year, we lost to the last-place team (that made) the playoffs. I definitely learned from that and learned that you have to work hard every night to win games.”

Gibney said he was interested in being closer to home for his last season and asked Kodiaks head coach and general manager Boris Rybalka for a trade.

“When I talked to my coach in Camrose about moving on, he basically let me decide where I could go and I had a few different options, but I chose to come to Estevan because I knew of the tradition the team has. I knew they had a new coach and I was excited about that. Being close to home for my 20-year-old year is going to be really fun for me.”

Bruins head coach and GM Chris Lewgood has spoken highly of Gibney as a capable netminder who can provide some leadership. The two have some history from working together at Western Cycle in Regina.

“I know he’s a good, honest guy. I’m buddies with a lot of players who have played for him (in Pilot Butte) and they really like him,” said Gibney.

As for his contributions off the ice, Gibney said he brings “experience and being cool, calm, steady in the dressing room, not going to get too high, not going to get too low. You just keep guys relaxed and bring them up when they’re maybe not doing as well as they’d like to be doing.”

Bruins starting goalie Matt Gibney stops Taysen Holt on a penalty shot during an intra-squad game at training camp on Sept. 7.

Ten players on the verge of big years It’s not always the case, but usually hockey players get better after they have some experience under their belt in the league they’re playing in. Here are 10 SJHL players who were rookies last year and could break out in 2013-14: Sam Aulie, C - Notre Dame Hounds 2012-13: 53-17-16-33 Kevin White talked up Aulie before the season and he was on the money. After a very impressive freshman campaign, he will be given every chance to shine in a leading role.

Brett Boehm, RW - Flin Flon Bombers 2012-13: 49-25-29-54 Boehm actually broke out last year in a spectacular debut, taking the SJHL’s top rookie award. He is ridiculously talented and there’s no telling how high he could go for an encore.

Dexter Bricker, LW - Melfort Mustangs 2012-13: 44-8-7-15 After coming down from Red Deer, Bricker put up decent rookie numbers on a deep Nipawin club. There will be lots of opportunity for him in Melfort after an off-season trade.

Darcy DeRoose, LW - Estevan Bruins 2012-13: 46-10-15-25

DeRoose showed he belonged in the SJHL as a 17-year-old, finding chemistry with Hudson Morrison. The big winger has plenty of skill and will be keyed on to take the next step.

Adam Fauchoux, RW - Melfort Mustangs 2012-13: 48-5-14-19 Fauchoux compiled decent numbers as a rookie, and he will get an opportunity to step into the team’s top six group this year.

Dylan Fluter, RW - Humboldt Broncos 2012-13: 48-12-13-25 Fluter was among the most impressive rookies in the league last year, and with the Broncos losing many of their top scorers, he has a chance to carve out a name for himself.

Daylan Gatzke, LW - Yorkton Terriers 2012-13: 49-10-10-20 Gatzke found a way to contribute on a championship team despite not getting a lot of ice time.

With a few players moving on, he should get a

chance to make his mark in his sophomore effort.

Jake McMillen, C - Battlefords North Stars 2012-13: 53-14-16-30 The Carievale native broke into the SJHL as a 17-year-old last year and turned a lot of heads, finishing fifth in scoring on the Stars. He will take on more responsibility this year.

Hudson Morrison, C - Estevan Bruins 2012-13: 52-21-15-36 Morrison made an immediate impact in Estevan last year, finishing second in team scoring as one of the lone bright spots in a tough year.

This season, he will get more ice and take on a leading role.

Stefan Seel, C - Kindersley Klippers 2012-13: 50-7-13-20 At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Seel owns a huge frame and after an encouraging rookie campaign, he could be an impact player in Kindersley this year. Big-time potential.

Good Luck This Season Bruins!

306 636 7700 www.affinitycu.ca

307 Kensington Ave. Estevan, SK

Good Luck Bruins!

306-634-8460

Come join us for a TAILGATE PARTY and see the 2014 trucks Sept. 16 th - 21 st

GOOD LUCK BRUINS!

801 13th Ave., ESTEVAN 612 Railway Ave., OXBOW 306-483-2696 or 1-888-282-2221 1-800-915-8140 www.murrayestevan.com

306-636-1640 • 83 DEVONIAN ST. • ESTEVAN, SK

4 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

New Kramer Division toughest to predict the division.

The Hawks have lost an awful lot of talent, but they’ll hold their own in the scoring department.

Defence is a big question mark, with only two returnees. Jordan Liem will have to prove himself as a starter, but Nipawin shouldn’t have any trouble taking second.

The Ice Wolves and Mustangs are too close to call if you ask me, but since I have to pick one, I’ll go with La Ronge.

That’s mainly because the Wolves have a few young forwards who could burst out.

There’s not much to choose between the two teams though.

Here’s where you wonder what might have been for La Ronge if they’d actually gotten Alex Wakaluk and Russell Trudeau in that convoluted deal with Melville.

And now we come to the Kramer. When I look at these four teams, I don’t see any elite contenders, but I do see four solid teams and a wide-open race.

Humboldt has its share of talent back, despite losing a lot of key players, and as usual, they’ll be in the mix. I expect Kindersley to be very competitive with their base of young talent. Battlefords has most of their team back, although most of those players still haven’t proven themselves as difference-makers. Notre Dame returns a strong forward group, but there are questions in their own half of the ice.

The Broncos will score, though maybe not at a proliďŹ c rate, with a group led by Cody Pongracz. Logan Sproule, David Stumborg and Cody Pettapiece are more than capable of anchoring the blue line, and Tyler Ross should provide at least adequate goaltending. Dean Brockman’s usual wizardry gives them the edge for ďŹ rst place.

The Klippers have a critical mass of young talent and with the return of Colby Daniels from the USHL, they have a strong forward group. Gio Bombini is a terriďŹ c player and newcomer Cody Thiel will make an impact. The back end is led by a trio of 20-year-olds. The reins in goal should be safe with Tyrell King.

As for the North Stars, they have depth in spades, but it remains to be seen which players will step up. Youngsters Josh Betinol and Jake McMillen have potential, and 20-year-olds Dillon Forbes and Matthew Sheeran will stabilize the blue line in front of a strong goalie tandem.

In a departure from past years, the Hounds should have no trouble scoring with a promising group of sophomores led

by Sam Aulie and Ian Williams. But they have no returning goalies and two of their three returning defencemen missed most of the year with injuries.

Josh Lewis

EXPRESS SOUTHEAST TRADER

Contact Josh Lewis at 306-634-2654, sports@estevanmercury.ca, or, and this may be your best bet, at the rink. Is anyone else going to miss the ring of Spectra Place?

AfďŹ nity Place just isn’t the same.

www.estevanmercury.ca

634-2654 Saskatchewan’s Petroleum Monthly

EXPRESS Cont. Circulation - 9,239

CKE in the

Canada Post Publication No. 40069240

FREE

Volume 5 Issue 9

h

Patc N

I G H

Friday, January 18, 2013 January 18, 2013

Issue No. 158

A Supplement to the Southeast Trader Express

3

After Dark/After Hours “There’s always something really nice about coming to the gallery and having the acoustic set.�

*

FLYER CHECK

9

A number of Estevan residents received a surprise on Tuesday when two moose went on a walk through the city.

Local conservation ofďƒžcers and police managed to direct both animals out of town with no incident. For more on the story see Wednesday’s Estevan Mercury.

• Co-op • M & M Meat Shops • Sobeys • The Bargain! Shop

• Peavey Mart • Home Hardware • Canadian Tire • Sears

Rural Only • AgriNews • Sport Chek • Staples

Good Luck This Season Bruins! &RPH VHH WKH VHOHFWLRQ RI QHZ ÂŞV Share our Pride. Share our Prices

0HHW <RXU 7UXVWHG 3URIHVVLRQDOV

A3 Cenovus To Buy SaskPower's CO2

History In The Making

Loading the ď&#x192;&#x17E;rst shipment of canola for the CWB at Prince Rupert. See inside for details. Photo submitted by CWB. See story on Pg. 4.

&RPH VHH WKH VHOHFWLRQ RI QHZ ÂŞV

´<RXU +RPH RI $IWHU 6DOHV 6HUYLFH¾

6HQFKXN0HHW <RXU 7UXVWHG 3URIHVVLRQDOV

Share our Pride. Share our Prices

B1 CanElson Estevan Jr. A Bruins Naming Rights

C1 Former NHLer Now Keeps Oilpatch On Its Wheels

The Souris Valley Fighting Sioux take a breather between periods. Most of the over-30 Estevan rec league team works in the oilpatch.

Photo by Brian Zinchuk

)RUG 6DOHV /WG

Randy Senchuk

Rick Senchuk

Landon Senchuk

Dwight Thompson

6RXULV $YH 1 (VWHYDQ Â&#x2021; 3DUWV

ZZZ VHQFKXN FRP

Randy Senchuk

´<RXU +RPH RI $IWHU 6DOHV 6HUYLFH¾

6HQFKXN

southeastcollege.org

1.866.999.7372

)RUG 6DOHV /WG

Rick Senchuk

Landon Senchuk

Dwight Thompson

6RXULV $YH 1 (VWHYDQ Â&#x2021; 3DUWV

ZZZ VHQFKXN FRP

PERCY H. DAVIS LTD.

CUSTOMS BROKERS

Official Pharmacy Sponsor for the Estevan Bruins

HEAD OFFICE

LOCALL Y OWNED AND OPERAT ED

1239 5th Street Estevan â&#x20AC;˘ Pharmacy 637-3802

North Portal (306) 927-2165 Estevan (306) 634-5454

Nationwide Services www.percydavis.com

Checkout 637-3801 â&#x20AC;˘ Toll Free 1-888-637-3882 â&#x20AC;˘ www.pharmasave.com

FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY

z

www.estevanmercury.ca

Moose on the Loose

Big Six

PHARMACY OPEN LATE EVERY DAY

February 2013

SOUTHEAST TRADER

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coalers boast top 3 scorers in the league.â&#x20AC;?

Good Luck This Season

PIPELINE NEWS

+(1'(56 SICK? WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

SOUTHEAST SASKATCHEWANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FREE DISTRIBUTION PAPER

Y

S N I U R B GO

Hear Me Out

T

The Bruins are a work in progress, and I normally wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider them a second-place team, but that spot will be up for grabs. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have any stars, but they have depth from top to bottom.

They should score enough to get by, and the goaltending should be reliable; the biggest question mark will likely be on the blue line.

The Red Wings have a new coach hoping to get them back into the ranks of the respectable. They have a decent group of returning forwards and defencemen, but there is a gaping hole in the crease and until that is addressed, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to see them going too far.

And the Millionaires, well, even Jamie Fiesel admits itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a rebuilding year. Goaltending could be a strength with the addition of Isiah Plett, and they have a few decent forwards back, but their defence needs to be completely rebuilt.

In the new Sherwood Division, Flin Flon should be an elite team again, while Nipawin looks like they could take a step back. Rebuilding teams Melfort and La Ronge will battle for third.

The Bombers have lost a few key players, but with the likes of Brett Boehm, Dillan McCombie and Cameron Blair back, they could easily lead the league in goals.

Their blue line likely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be as good as it was last year, but Devin Buffalo remains a steady presence in goal. They should take

BEST OF LUCK!!

The thing about making predictions is that invariably, some will be wrong, even when they seem like a slam dunk.

Take last year. It took me maybe 30 seconds to decide on my predictions for the north.

Looking at the teams on paper, forecasting those six teams seemed like a piece of cake.

Alas, the game is not played on paper, and as it turned out, the Humboldt Broncos and Flin Flon Bombers switched places from my prognostications to real life.

(Although I would like to point out that I was bang on with the other four teams.

Yay me.)

Things are different this year. The SJHL decided to move to three divisions of four teams each.

This actually makes the fortune telling game a bit easier. With less teams in a division comes less of an opening for unforeseen variables to mess things up.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up being wrong again, but this year it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take me long to settle on the Viterra and Sherwood divisions. It was the Kramer Division that gave me a headache.

In the Viterra, so my thinking goes, Yorkton will be world beaters, Melville will be left to pick up the broken remains, and Estevan and Weyburn, both coming off bad years, will battle it out for second.

The Terriersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; core last year was largely made up of 19-year-olds, and now those players all have the experience of winning a championship. They are strong everywhere; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to point out a single weakness. Then again, I said that about Flin Flon last year.

Celebrating Over 75 Years of Chrysler Sales & Service â&#x20AC;˘ Proud to Support the Estevan Bruins!

â&#x20AC;˘ Sales â&#x20AC;˘ Service â&#x20AC;˘ Parts â&#x20AC;˘ Leasing â&#x20AC;˘ Fleet Sales â&#x20AC;˘ Auto Body

Estevan Motors Ltd.

Doug Sands Sales Manager

Dustin Sands

Sales Consultant

Kyle Cottrel

Sales Consultant

Family Owned & Operated

Estevan Motors Ltd.

DODGE â&#x20AC;˘ CHRYSLER â&#x20AC;˘ JEEP â&#x20AC;˘ RAM

634-3629

Corner of 4th & Souris, Estevan

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 5

Bruins looking to build throughout season It’s not easy to accurately predict where the Estevan Bruins will wind up this year.

Coming off a disappointing season that resulted in a change behind the bench, the Bruins don’t have a lot of elite talent, but they have a deep cast of players who can contribute.

Gone are the likes of Dylan Smith, Calder Neufeld, Cole Olson and Alex Cote up front, but with a few newcomers and the return of Austin Daae from the Prince Albert Raiders, first-year head coach Chris Lewgood is optimistic.

“I think it’s going to be a committee thing and I know that’s kind of a cliche answer, but I think that’s the way it’s going to have to be,” said Lewgood, noting that Daae, Hudson Morrison and Tanner Froese should be among the scorers leading the way.

“I think depth is our strong suit. I don’t think we are going to have any problems putting four lines on the ice that can play, there’s no doubt about that.”

Morrison finished second in team scoring last year in an impressive SJHL debut, putting up 21 goals and 36 points. He played alongside rookie left winger Darcy DeRoose (10-15-25) most of the year, and their play was one of the few bright spots for the Bruins.

“I think Morrison will most certainly be as impor-

GO

tant as anyone up front. He could lead the way for scoring on offence. He works as hard as anybody does on the ice,” Lewgood said.

DeRoose was re-assigned by the Moose Jaw Warriors on Sept. 8 and Lewgood said, “this should be his year to shine.”

Daae will be a key cog in the Bruins’ offence, having notched 16 points in 21 games last year before joining the Raiders. Other returning forwards are Froese (13-14-27), Wyatt Garagan (7-4-11 in 39 games) and Taylor Reich (6-5-11).

The team re-acquired Carlyle centre Ben Johnstone in the off-season. He will be an integral part of the offence as well, having scored 30 points last year between Virden (MJHL) and Nipawin.

Highly touted 17-yearold Lynnden Pastachak will likely find a spot in the team’s top six, and fellow rookies Chris Thorimbert and Keegan Allison are also expected to contribute.

On the blue line, the Bruins are without a consensus No. 1 defenceman after trading Tyler Kauk to Flin Flon in July. Although that trade was eventually voided, he is not returning and the Bruins are looking to deal him elsewhere.

They do have a group of four returnees who will be expected to take a step

forward. Lewgood said he’s encouraged about that group.

“I’m pretty excited about our D corps. From what I’ve seen of him, David Robertson is poised to have a huge year. You look at (Brett) Blatz and (Zach) Douglas, that’s a pretty solid one-two punch, then you have guys like (Leighton) McLachlan and (rookie Nolan) Nicholas to round it out. I think our D corps is actually quite stable.”

Although Lewgood is happy with his top four, he feels the team still needs to add some depth to round out the group.

“We don’t have our D core set yet. I’m happy with what we do have, but I wouldn’t say we’re set there.

We have some work to do in rounding that out.”

There are two new faces between the pipes this year.

Matt Gibney was acquired from Camrose over the summer to assume the starting job, while promising 18-year-old Brett Lewchuk comes in to back up.

Lewgood has known Gibney, 20, for a few years and is comfortable with him in the net. Lewchuk, meanwhile, is expected to take over the reins one day.

“I’m very confident (in Gibney). With Matt, the one thing you get is steady. In the years I watched him play, he was always a pretty steady opponent and a leader in the room. I think he’s a great

leader for us.

“I think goaltending is absolutely a strength for us. Lewchuk is close. He’s not far from being a starting goalie.”

Lewgood acknowledged that the Bruins have some work to do to be a contender. His hope is that the club grows stronger as the year goes on.

“I think we’re a young team that, by the end of the year, could make some noise.

I think we’d be an up-andcoming team. It’ll be a transition throughout this year more than a transition season, if that makes sense. I think come February, we’ll be able to play with anybody.”

After a strong SJHL debut, Hudson Morrison will take centre stage for the Bruins this year.

2012-13

Record: 21-29-4-0 (46 points, 5th in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Yorkton in Sherwood semis Leading scorer: Cole Olson (54-16-24-40) Starting goaltender: Curtis Martinu (16-29-0, .893 SP, 3.35 GAA) Goals for: 153 Goals against: 191

2013-14

Coach: Chris Lewgood (1st season) Potential returnees: 1993 LW Austin Daae, 1993 RW Tanner Froese, 1993 LW Taylor Reich, 1993 D Brett Blatz, 1993 D Leighton McLachlan, 1994 C Hudson Morrison, 1994 LW Wyatt Garagan, 1994 C Dayton Picard, 1994 D David Robertson, 1995 LW Darcy DeRoose, 1995 D Zach Douglas.

Losses: 1992 C Cole Olson, 1992 RW Tyler Paslawski, 1992 RW Dylan Smith, 1992 C Alex Cote, 1992 LW Calder Neufeld, 1992 D Connor Milligan, 1992 G Curtis Martinu, 1993 D Tyler Kauk, 1993 LW Matt Brykaliuk, 1993 RW Brett Dumaine, 1993 D Nick Egan.

Incoming: 1993 G Matt Gibney, 1993 C Ben Johnstone, 1995 C Keegan Allison, 1995 F Chris Thorimbert, 1995 F Keaton Longpre, 1995 D Nolan Nicholas, 1996 RW Lynnden Pastachak, 1996 D Carter Forsyth.

SCORE

S BIG! N I U BR SV !

O G F Siever Vermeersch & Fonstad

We’re “Counting” on a Another Great Season!

An Association of Professional Accountants 1123 4th Street, Estevan

634-7331

Mel Siever, B. Admin., CMA Jim Vermeersch, B. Ed., FCGA Donna Fonstad, Dipl. Acct., CGA Ryan Siever, B.Sc., CA

1437 4th Street • 634-9228

Score excellent service & competitive pricing on all your building supplies.

Proud supporter of the Estevan Bruins!

HERE’S HERE’S TO TO A GREAT GREAT A SEASON! SEASON! #400 Kensington Ave. • Estevan, SK Production Systems

306-637-6055 306-634-7600

WOOD COUNTRY ESTEVAN MCLEAN TISDALE Ph: (306) 634-5111 • Fax: (306) 634-8441 • 407 Kensington Avenue, Estevan Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE: www.wood-country.com

6 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Terriers gunning for Canalta Cup repeat When you win a championship, other teams put a target on your back the next season. Every opponent brings their best game against you. It’s very hard to repeat.

But there’s no reason to believe the Yorkton Terriers can’t do it.

Much of the nucleus of last year’s Canalta Cup champions is back.

Among others, the Terriers lose goalie Dawson MacAuley (Regina Pats) and graduating forwards Nathan Murray, Jeremy Johnson and Patrick Martens, but some of their best players were 19-year-olds.

Last year, head coach Trent Cassan said the team couldn’t look ahead to this year’s crop of 20-year-olds because you never know how things might change. Now that 12 months have passed, he’s quick to point out that this is a different team.

“All our captains from last year return, so I think there’s a pretty good leadership group returning. A lot of the guys gained a lot of valuable experience last year. (But) I think each year, a team takes on a new identity. It’s a new group of guys.”

One of the challenges facing this group

will be how to replace the 51 combined goals scored by Jeremy Johnson and Patrick Martens last year.

Still, scoring figures to be a strong suit for Yorkton again. It all starts with 20-year-old centre Tyler Giebel, who had 22 goals and 38 points last year as part of a deep forward cast.

“He’s a really good leader, a highly skilled guy, but he plays a complete game.

He’s on the first unit penalty kill and first unit power play. He was (an alternate) captain for us. His game kept getting better and better in the second half and into the playoffs and at the Western Canada Cup, he was one of the leading scorers in the tournament. We’re going to count on him a lot,” Cassan said.

Other key forwards will be Tayler Thompson (30 points), who recently returned from the Portland Winterhawks, as well as Derek Falloon (29 points), Curtis Oliver (21 points in 43 games) and sophomore Daylan Gatzke (20 points).

Cassan also thinks a pair of other 19-year-olds will take the next step.

“Josh Ellis was a good pickup for us at the trade deadline. We knew he could slot into a lot of different spots. He didn’t put up big numbers in the playoffs, but I think the intangibles he brought to the lineup were pretty important for us.

“Dylan Johnson is kind of on the same path as Jeremy was on when he joined us …

Jeremy was a really good skater and goal scorer, whereas Dylan is a really big guy who plays physical and will have a power forward type role.”

Defence shouldn’t be a question either, as the T-Dogs’ top three blue liners — captain Devon McMullen, Brady Norrish and Chase Norrish — are all returning as 20-year-olds.

“Their expectations for themselves and the effort and leadership they bring to the rink every day is the same as it was.

There’s no (extra) pressure on them,” Cassan commented.

Dylan Baer, 19, is going into his third year and will also play a key role.

Yorkton essentially had two starters last year, with Kale Thomson being the No. 1 for the first half of the year before being overtaken by MacAuley. Thomson is the undisputed starter now.

“Thomson had a real good season for us, but it was just a scenario where we had two capable goaltenders. He had two or three games where he maybe had subpar outings, and Dawson came in and was basically rock solid all the way through,” Cassan said.

The coach said it’s important that the Terriers not rest on their laurels after the championship season.

“Whoever you play, teams are going to get excited to play you. But having said that, I don’t want to see any complacency among our guys. Last year was a great year, but we have to move on from that … we can’t take things for granted because of the success we had last year.

“It’s a great league and legitimately, there are six or seven teams each year that have a strong chance to win it.”

2012-13

Record: 36-14-1-3 (76 points, 1st in Sherwood) Playoffs: Won Canalta Cup Leading scorer: Nathan Murray (54-14-28-42) Starting goaltender: Dawson MacAuley (16-6-1, .921 SP, 2.14 GAA) Goals for: 196 Goals against: 148

2013-14

Coach: Trent Cassan (4th season) Potential returnees: 1993 C Tyler Giebel, 1993 D Brady Norrish, 1993 D Chase Norrish, 1993 RW Tayler Thompson, 1993 C Derek Falloon, 1993 RW Curtis Oliver, 1993 D Devon McMullen, 1993 LW John Odgers, 1993 G Kale Thomson, 1994 LW Daylan Gatzke, 1994 RW Dylan Johnson, 1994 D Dylan Baer, 1994 C Joshua Ellis, 1994 D Dallas Rossiter, 1995 LW Kailum Gervais.

Losses: 1992 LW Nathan Murray, 1992 RW Jeremy Johnson, 1992 RW Patrick Martens, 1992 C Zak Majkowski, 1992 D Austin Bourhis, 1992 C Brenden Poncelet, 1992 D John Neibrandt, 1994 G Dawson MacAuley.

Incoming: 1994 D Nick Sandy, 1995 F Cortlan Procter, 1995 G Brody Nelson, 1995 D Matthew Cox, 1995 F Tyson Enzie, 1995 F Dalton Menke, 1995 D Holden Cronin, 1995 RW Brayden Schmidt, 1995 RW Damon Hanson, 1995 F Steven Phillips, 1996 RW Jordan Ross.

Good Luck!

Have a great season.

5 STREET Autobody 634-7101 th

In his third year in the league, 19-year-old defenceman Dylan Baer will take on more responsibility with the Terriers.

a n n a W er?

g r u B

When you are craving a big juicy burger – don’t settle for fast food.

Our mouthwatering burgers are handmade with the freshest, top-quality ground beef, piled high with your choice of toppings.

601 - 5th St., Estevan, Sk.

Good Luck ruins Mike DeBruyne 306-421-3348

mike.debruyne@bhgress.ca

Black Beards Restaurant

1305 - 9th Street • 634-2514

our t u o k c Che er g r u b w ne menu!

Good luck this season, Bruins!

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 7

New era begins in Weyburn with Thoma at helm help make the transition that much easier,” said the new head coach.

Thoma inherits a team that missed the playoffs last year, although the majority of that roster is back.

“Obviously every year you start with the goal of making the playoffs. That didn’t happen last year.

Whether we’ll be in the thick of things or not, I guess that remains to be seen. You want to improve every day,” he said.

The biggest question

mark looming for the Wings is goaltending. After trading away last year’s starter Jean-Philippe Boucher, the two goalies currently in the mix don’t have much SJHL experience.

“We’ve got (Nate) Ferris returning, who was our backup last year, and Nic Clark, who spent some time here last year. As of right now, those are the only two guys we have. We’re looking to improve in all areas,” Thoma said.

Ferris appeared in 18

2012-13

Record: 16-35-0-3 Playoffs: Did not qualify Leading scorer: Miguel Pereira (47-19-30-49) Starting goaltender: J-P Boucher (12-15-2, .907 SP, 3.20 GAA) Goals for: 149 Goals against: 213

2013-14

Coach: Bryce Thoma (1st season) Potential returnees: 1993 LW Sam Williams, 1993 D Ryan Cooper, 1993 D Tyler Borstmayer, 1993 C Kyle Oleniuk, 1993 C Austin Roesslein, 1993 RW Brian Farkas, 1993 C Shain Scheschuk, 1993 D Adam Pulliam, 1993 G Nate Ferris, 1994 RW Lane Harbor, 1994 RW Josh Lees, 1994 C Thomas Carleton, 1994 D Colton Laroque, 1994 C Jayden Roosen, 1994 D Brandon Ganz, 1994 D Drake Brown, 1995 C Ty McLean.

Losses: 1992 G Jean-Philippe Boucher, 1992 RW Miguel Pereira, 1992 C Ryan Ostertag, 1992 LW Jackson Schneider, 1993 D Carter Struthers, 1993 RW Robert Wilkinson.

Incoming: 1994 G Nicholas Clark, 1995 F Tucker Neuberger, 1995 F Dylan Frey, 1995 D Koty Wilcocks, 1995 F Jacob Jeske, 1996 F Nicholas Pouliot, 1996 F Donavon Lumb.

Good Luck Bruins!

Sentry Pumping Units International

games last year, and his statistics were not exactly impressive. He posted a 2-12-1 record with a 4.26 goals-against average and an .885 save percentage.

Clark played in three games last season, with a 4.86 goals-against average and .858 save percentage.

Weyburn has seven defencemen returning, losing only Carter Struthers, who took a scholarship at Bemidji State University.

Ryan Cooper and Tyler Borstmayer figure to lead that group. Cooper broke out for 27 points last year, and the towering Borstmayer brings a strong two-way game to the table. Colton Laroque will also be ex- Adam Pulliam is part of a large group of returning pected to step up after being defencemen for the Red Wings. acquired from Notre Dame at last year’s trade deadline. turning. Whether they’ll want to be able to push the “We’ve got some other play here or play somewhere pace of the play and keep guys, 18-year-olds who are else, I guess that remains up with everyone in the going to push those guys and to be determined. Our plan league.”

With the SJHL rewe’ll let that sort itself out,” is to take the best players, regardless of age.” aligning from two divisions Thoma said.

Thoma isn’t sure where to three this year, the Red Among the large group his club will end up this Wings are in a grouping with of returning forwards, Sam year, but he knows the kind three familiar foes: Estevan, Williams (29 points in 32 of team he wants to build.

Melville and Yorkton.

They games), Kyle Oleniuk (23 “Our team as a whole, could be battling for second points), Ty McLean (17 points in 29 games) and we want smart, skilled play- place with their Highway Lane Harbor (21 points in ers who can skate. They’re 39 rivals, with Yorkton ex34 games) will be asked to not always easy to find, but pected to field a very strong that’s the idea of what we team and Melville entering help lead the way.

“We have players re- want with our team. We a rebuild.

Good Luck This Year, Bruins!

Bryce Thoma is stepping into some pretty big shoes.

The former Red Deer Rebels assistant is the man tasked with taking over the Weyburn Red Wings after the departure of legendary bench boss Dwight McMillan. “(General manager) Ron (Rumball) has been a great man to work with. He’s got a wealth of knowledge.

Both him and (assistant coach) Darcy (Pindus) are good guys to learn from and

• Two Way Radios • High Speed Internet

Authorized Dealer

Ron Dunville • 306-421-4353

• SCADA • Sales and Service

GPS Tracking

“Your Communications Experts” 1254 - 7th Street, Estevan, SK • 634-9994

8 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Millionaires starting virtually from scratch The Melville Millionaires have lost a staggering amount of talent from last year’s team that reached the Sherwood Conference final.

Gone are eight of the team’s top 10 scorers last year, plus most of their blue line and goaltender Alex Wakaluk, last year’s league MVP. Aside from losing a plethora of talented graduates, the Mils will suffer this year from a blockbuster trade with the La Ronge Ice Wolves last season.

At the time, Melville received pointper-game scorer Nathan Boyer and veteran defenceman Brennan Ritchie for a pair of youngsters, Rhett and Kade Kehoe. The Mils still owed La Ronge three players this year, and they turned out to be Wakaluk, sublime sniper Russell Trudeau and talented winger Michael Sagen.

But Wakaluk joined UMass-Amherst, and Trudeau has apparently quit hockey, so the deal didn’t turn out the way the Wolves hoped. They still owe Melville one player.

“A lot of people think we’re going to be a train wreck because of the trade,” said Mils head coach and general manager Jamie Fiesel, who acknowledges this will be a tough season. “(But) this is not something that just happens. We’ve looked at it for a while, a bit of a retool. We want to get our hard working culture back in Melville.

“We fully intend to be in the playoffs.

How we’re going to do it, I don’t know, but we’ll find a way.”

The Mils lost some of their depth over the summer too, as eligible returnees Daniel Orsborn, Rylan Badduke and Zach Simpson all left.

The top returning forwards are 20-year-old Colin Mospanchuk (27 points), and 19-year-olds Allen Kilback (33 points) and T.J. Reeve, who potted 12 goals and two assists in 24 games last season.

“They’re going to be the key. The biggest thing they’re going to do is not only are they going to lead on the ice, they’re going to be our leaders off the ice for how hard we’re going to work and our mental attitude towards the game,” Fiesel

said of the trio. “We’re going to have a lot of young guys and our veterans are going to have to lead them on and off the ice.

“The guys that are still around here are guys that want to be here and want to commit to that work ethic.”

On the blue line, the only rearguards coming back are 20-year-old Adam DiBella (10 points) and 19-year-old Adam Koopman, who got into 36 games last year. Fiesel has brought in several older defencemen to compete for spots.

“We’ve got some more size on the back end than we’ve had in the past. Last year our team was super skilled, but when we got into the playoffs I was surprised with how the game was being called. There were a lot of head shots, a lot of clutching and grabbing and our team wasn’t really built for that.”

Goaltending could be the Mils’ biggest strength this year, as Fiesel acquired 20-year-old Isiah Plett from the MJHL’s Winnipeg Blues in the off-season.

Plett posted a sparkling 25-6-0 record for the Blues, with a .913 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average.

“Plett gives us that goaltender we’ve been looking for. It’s hard to replace Wakaluk, but when you have such a young team, you better have good goaltending.”

Fiesel said the door is open for any player, no matter how young — citing 16-year-olds Rykr Cole and Dakota Boutin as examples — to make the team. He has recruited heavily in the U.S. over the summer.

“We went hard in the States, we went all over. We were prepared for this year, ready to have a bit of a retool, it’s been awhile. We like our young guys.

We recruited in Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado. We have 16- and 17-year-olds with realistic shots.

“I think we’ll be a young, hard working team, with a good goalie, with a little more size, but one of our challenges is going to be scoring goals. For us to score goals, we’re going to have to invent ways this year and we might have to have lowerscoring games.”

2012-13

Record: 35-14-2-3 (75 points, 2nd in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Yorkton in Sherwood final Leading scorer: Ian McNulty (49-27-42-69) Starting goaltender: Alex Wakaluk (28-15-3, .930 SP, 2.32 GAA) Goals for: 203 Goals against: 141

2013-14

Coach: Jamie Fiesel (10th season) Potential returnees: 1993 C Allen Kilback, 1993 RW Colin Mospanchuk, 1993 D Adam Dibella, 1993 C Dirk De Waal, 1994 RW T.J. Reeve, 1994 D Adam Koopman, 1994 RW Tyson Predinchuk.

Losses: 1992 LW Ian McNulty, 1992 C Sean Aschim, 1992 RW Nathan Boyer, 1992 C Christian Magnus, 1992 LW Lucas Froese, 1992 D Brennan Ritchie, 1992 D Kyle Scaber, 1992 D Tyler Bird, 1992 D Kevin Woodyatt, 1993 RW Russell Trudeau, 1993 G Alex Wakaluk, 1993 LW Michael Sagen, 1993 LW Alex Elliott, 1993 C Daniel Orsborn, 1993 D Rylan Badduke, 1993 D Zach Simpson.

Incoming: 1993 G Isiah Plett, 1993 C Kelvin Walz, 1994 F Brady Constant, 1994 F Adam Danyluk, 1994 D Will Holtan, 1995 D Joseph Sutherland, 1995 D Ben Mack, 1997 F Rykr Cole, 1997 F Dakota Boutin.

Sean Aschim is among the plethora of talent the Millionaires have lost from last year’s contending squad.

Good luck this season Bruins!

516 Nesbitt Drive (behind Power Dodge) Estevan • 634-2631

DOREEN EAGLES, MLA ESTEVAN CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 1108 - 4th Street, Estevan Phone: 1-306-634-7311 Toll Free: 1-866-284-7496

uck Good L e in th ason 4 Se 2013/1ruins!

B 306-634-3221 409 KENSINGTON AVE.

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 9

Bombers have another shot at league title

Despite entering the season with a veritable smorgasbord of talent, the Flin Flon Bombers finished third in the north last year before losing to the Humboldt Broncos in the Bauer Conference final.

This time around, they have a chance to finish the business they couldn’t last season.

Although there are some big losses, the Bombers still return enough skill to ensure they will contend.

Head coach and general

manager Mike Reagan could not be reached to comment on this year’s club.

From an offence that finished second in the league in goals last year, gone are leading scorer Riley Storzuk, Dylan Balaski, Konrad Litke and Brett Penner, as well as high-flying rearguard Josh Roach, who produced 54 points last year.

But the Bombers will be able to score with the best of them again this year. For starters, they have reigning

SJHL rookie of the year Brett Boehm, who absolutely blew away the field with a spectacular 54-point campaign.

The sky is the limit for Boehm, 19, who was ranked 201st among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings last year, but fell out of the final list.

This will be Boehm’s last year in the SJHL, as he has a scholarship to MinnesotaDuluth starting next season, so that should serve as extra

2012-13

Record: 34-19-1-0 (69 points, third in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Humboldt in Bauer final Leading scorer: Riley Storzuk (44-18-39-57) Starting goaltender: Devin Buffalo (23-14-0, .927 SP, 2.42 GAA) Goals for: 198 Goals against: 143

2013-14

Coach: Mike Reagan (7th season) Potential returnees: 1993 LW Cameron Blair, 1993 D Tanner Clark, 1993 RW Brody Robinson, 1993 C Landon Hiebert, 1993 C Cole McCaig, 1993 D Brock Hounsell, 1993 C Greg Wiwcharuk, 1993 G Devin Buffalo, 1994 RW Brett Boehm, 1994 C Dillan McCombie, 1994 D Garrett Zelinski, 1994 D Danys Chartrand, 1995 LW Tyson Empey.

Losses: 1992 LW Riley Storzuk, 1992 D Josh Roach, 1992 C Dylan Balaski, 1992 LW Konrad Litke, 1992 RW Brett Penner, 1992 D Brandt Weldon, 1992 RW Spencer Mault, 1992 C Jason Wark, 1992 C Andy Blanke, 1993 D Dallen Hall, 1993 G Brandon Wildung.

Incoming: 1993 F Jean-Kristoff Grenier, 1993 F Justin Rasmussen, 1994 F Parker Evans-Campbell, 1995 F Evan Akkerman, 1995 G Simon Hofley, 1995 D Cole Nichols, 1995 D Keifer Schaufler, 1995 D Brandon Workun, 1995 D Robbie Cameron, 1995 F Ram Brar, 1995 C Paul Soubry, 1995 F Evan Patrick.

FINANCIAL

“In the business of creating, enhancing and insuring client’s personal wealth” • Employee Life & Health Benefits* • Group Retirement & Pension Plans • Business & Personal Life Insurance* • Disability & Critical Illness Insurance*

• Personal & Business Life Insurance* • RRSPs & RRIFs • RESPs & TFSA’s • GICs Annuities* • Full Financial Planning* • Retirement Planning*

Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc. is a Member MFDA IPC. * Insurance products are offered through Spectra Financial.

Manulife Securities and the block design are registered service marks and trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it and its affiliates including Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc.

Reynold Bert, CFP Ron Areshenkoff, CPCA

Certified Financial Planner

Mutual Fund Associate Life Insurance Representative

403B 9th Avenue, Estevan, SK (306) 634.7979 • Toll Free: (877) 770.0948 Fax: (306) 636.2267 • info@spectrafinancial.ca

motivation.

Boehm’s partner in crime will be 19-year-old centre Dillan McCombie.

The sublimely skilled pivot regressed last year, putting up 21 goals and 34 points a year after scoring 57. Assuming he bounces back, he should be a legitimate threat for the league scoring title.

It doesn’t end with those two. Trade acquisition JeanKristoff Grenier, 20, tore up the Quebec Junior A circuit last year and has a season of major junior with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles under his belt. Two other off-season pickups, Justin Rasmussen and Parker Evans-Campbell, will be expected to add secondary scoring.

Flin Flon also has Cameron Blair (31 points), Landon Hiebert (18 points in 41 games) and sophomore 18-year-old Tyson Empey (eight points in 34 games) as forwards who should contribute.

The Bombers have lost a

Goaltender Devin Buffalo could be the SJHL’s best goalie this year lot of talent on the back end, as Roach, Brandt Weldon and Dallen Hall have departed.

They do have returning 19-year-old Tanner Clark; the offensive rearguard has put up 58 points over the last two years and will contribute to the attack.

He will be joined by 20-year-old bruiser Brock Hounsell, as well as Garrett Zelinski and Danys

Your Action Packed Winter Awaits!

Chartrand. A large group of incoming recruits includes 18-year-old Cole Nichols, who is expected to make an immediate impact.

For the third straight year, the Bombers will have the services of trusty netminder Devin Buffalo. The 20-year-old recorded a stellar .927 save percentage last year and could be the best returning tender in the league.

2014 Haulmark

and Rainbow Trailers IN-STOCK

Call For Details

441 4th Street, Estevan

306-634-7977

We install Auto-Start car starters.

Good luck this season!

Proud sponsor of the Player of the Game Award

Estevan Trophy & Engraving Phone: 634-6005

Fax: 634-6405

Have a great season Bruins!

502 6th Street, Estevan, Sk. 306-637-2525

10 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Hawks need returning players to fill voids

If the Nipawin Hawks are to stay in the upper echelon of the SJHL, they will need a lot from their returning players and recruits.

Through graduation and trades, the Hawks have lost many of the players who staked last year’s club to a second-place finish in the north.

Up front, along with losing top scorer Wheaton King and fellow grads Eli Lichtenwald and Brady Zerr, Nipawin moved out several forwards who would have been integral parts this year.

Former Bruin Jesse Bernard (49 points) was shipped to Dauphin, Ben Johnstone (20 points in 27 games) was dealt back to Estevan, Artsiom Kalashnikov (16 points in 30 games) went to Virden and promising 18-year-old Dexter Bricker (15 points in 44 games) was sent to Melfort as the futures in last year’s Carter Berg trade.

All the movement means Tad Kozun (54

points) and Tayler Balog (39 points) will have to carry the mail offensively, which they’ve shown they can do.

“They are going to have to be our best players night in and night out for us to have success,” said Hawks head coach and GM Doug Johnson. “Throw in Mitch Doell and Dustin Skilliter, and we think our forward group is going to be pretty dynamic. How those 20-year-olds play is going to dictate how we do.”

Johnson said he is also expecting “huge years” from sophomores Carter Danczak and Carter Coben.

“Coben is arguably the toughest guy in the league, but he has a skill set not many know about. Danczak could stickhandle out of a phone booth,” Johnson commented, while adding that Garret Lockeridge and Michael Lambert will also be relied on for their grit.

There will be some intrigue around the

2012-13

Record: 32-14-2-6 (72 points, 2nd in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Flin Flon in Bauer semis Leading scorer: Wheaton King (52-19-36-55) Starting goaltender: Davis Jones (22-11-6, .926 SP, 2.39 GAA) Goals for: 172 Goals against: 137

addition of Mikkel Joehnk, a 20-year-old Austrian native who split last year between the junior Space Coast Hurricanes in Florida and a pro team in Denmark’s second division, where he scored 14 points in 16 games.

The blue line could ultimately be the Hawks’ biggest weakness. Four defencemen graduated, including last year’s anchor Jeff Datoff, while 19-year-old Jesse Roden decided not to play hockey this season.

That leaves 20-year-olds Eric Bollefer and Ben Petros as the lone returnees.

“The back end is going to be a work in progress, but not a bad work in progress. We really like the guys we have and we feel we have two great leaders in Ben Petros and Eric Bollefer,” Johnson said. “But with up to four new guys manning the blue line every night, we know there’s going to be struggles. It’s a matter of them buying in early and progressing as players.”

The incoming defencemen include 18-year-old Max Powiada, who was acquired

from Battlefords last year along with Danczak in the Justin Waskewitch trade.

In goal, Jordan Liem will take on the starter’s job after posting stellar numbers as Nipawin’s backup last year. He will be backed up by 18-year-old Kenora, Ont., native Brandon Beaulieu.

“We’re comfortable with them, we’re happy with them, but again, it’s early in the season. We hope we don’t have to go out and look for somebody, we’re not planning on going out looking for somebody,” Johnson said, going on to note there will be high expectations for Liem.

“I think the bar is set pretty high. We had Davis Jones the last two years, who had outstanding numbers and an outstanding presence. Nobody worked harder and that’s what we expect from Jordan. We expect him to be our hardest worker day in and day out and be in the top third of the league in goals-against average and save percentage. If he does that, it won’t be a surprise at all.”

2013-14

Coach: Doug Johnson (4th season) Potential returnees: 1993 LW Tad Kozun, 1993 LW Dustin Skilliter, 1993 C Mitch Doell, 1993 RW Michael Lambert, 1993 D Eric Bollefer, 1993 G Jordan Liem, 1993 D Ben Petros, 1994 LW Tayler Balog, 1994 C Carter Danczak, 1994 LW Garret Lockeridge, 1994 LW Carter Coben.

Losses: 1992 LW Wheaton King, 1992 D Jeff Datoff, 1992 C Eli Lichtenwald, 1992 G Davis Jones, 1992 D Carter Berg, 1992 LW Brady Zerr, 1992 D Jesse Williamson, 1992 D Grant Jensen, 1993 C Jesse Bernard, 1993 C Artsiom Kalashnikov, 1993 C Ben Johnstone, 1994 D Jesse Roden, 1995 LW Dexter Bricker.

Incoming: 1993 F Mikkel Joehnk, 1994 D Reece Forman, 1994 D Desmond Bast, 1995 G Brandon Beaulieu, 1995 D Max Powiada, 1995 D Zackary Klebaum, 1995 F Stephen Wilson, 1995 F Evan Mignault, 1995 F Jaryd Wiebe, 1996 F Blake Fournier.

The Hawks will look to former Bruin prospect Garret Lockeridge to bring more grit to the table this year.

Go Bruins Go!

BLACK AND GOLD

313 Imperial Ave Estevan, Sk. 306-634-1070

Good Luck in the 2013/2014 Season

AS &

OILFIELD OPERATING LTD.

106 Souris Avenue N. Estevan, SK

Safety Oilfield Consulting (306) •634-4087 • as.oil@sasktel.net

* Bed Trucks * Winch Tractors * Pickers

RIG MOVING

Phone: 306-482-3244

good luck this season

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 11

Ice Wolves looking for winning attitude And so the post-Bob Beatty era begins in La Ronge.

The man who led the Ice Wolves to two SJHL championships and made an art form of attracting good players to the remote northern community is gone.

Shawn Martin, who has had several coaching and managing stints with teams in the AJHL, is stepping into Beatty’s shoes as head coach and general manager.

He has his work cut out for him, with a team that missed the playoffs last year and is trying to get back to its winning ways.

Martin said he believes the Wolves will take a step forward this year.

“I think the guys have come back with a different attitude. They obviously don’t want to go through what they did last year. Adding some veteran leadership like (Jaret) Smith and (Michael) Sagen has changed the attitude in the dressing room.”

Sagen, 20, ended up being the future considerations in a blockbuster deal with Melville last year that saw the Ice Wolves trade Nathan Boyer and Brennan Ritchie for Rhett and Kade Kehoe and futures.

The bounty coming back this summer

ended up being Sagen, along with potent scorer Russell Trudeau and reigning league MVP Alex Wakaluk in goal.

One problem though. La Ronge isn’t getting Trudeau or Wakaluk. Trudeau decided to quit hockey and Wakaluk took a scholarship to UMass-Amherst.

Those two could have dramatically changed the Wolves’ fortunes this year, but Martin isn’t dwelling on it.

“I think it would have obviously strengthened us, but that said, you’ve gotta move on and play the cards you’re dealt,” said the first-year bench boss.

But Sagen, who had 32 points last year, will play a leading role in the team’s attack, and Martin believes Rhett Kehoe, 19, will have a good season.

“I think the change of scenery kinda caught him off guard (last year). He’s come in to camp and he’s looked real good,” Martin said.

Other key forwards for the Wolves include 19-year-olds Jared Iron (15 points in 27 games) and Jason Berube (17 points), and 18-year-old Owen LaClare (12 points).

“(Sagen, Berube and Iron) looked good in training camp. Those will be our go-to guys. We’re looking for a breakout year from Owen LaClare,” Martin said.

One of the bright spots last year was 16-year-old sensation Braden Oleksyn, who scored 11 goals and 28 points. But he is currently with the Calgary Hitmen and the Wolves don’t know if he will be back.

The Ice Wolves don’t have any stars on the back end, but Martin believes it will be a solid group.

“We’ve got some good older players in Brett Hope and Eric Macoretta. Caley Bjork, we’re looking for good things as well,” Martin said.

Hope (18 points) and Macoretta (14 points) will lead as 20-year-olds, and Bjork will be expected to take on more responsibility as a sophomore.

Rookies Jorden Rooke and Zach

Harms will help round out the group.

“Rooke and Harms will be a work in progress, but they’ll be good defencemen in this league. We’re looking for a combination of Bjork and the two young guys to step up; we think they can all play significant roles right now,” Martin said.

Returning backup Dasan Sydora has the inside track on the starter’s job, but he is battling a pair of 18-year-olds in Tyler Fuhr and Antoine Pellerin.

“We had three goalies in camp and they all performed fairly well. It’ll be a day-by-day decision.”

Sydora, 19, went 3-9-1 last year with an ugly 4.24 goals-against average, though he managed to post a .903 save percentage on a bad team.

Fuhr backed up with the Vancouver Giants last year and Pellerin comes in from Gilmour Academy in Ohio.

2012-13

Record: 20-31-0-3 (43 points, 6th in Bauer) Playoffs: Did not qualify Leading scorer: Graham Smerek (53-16-23-39) Starting goaltender: Myles Hovdebo (17-21-2, .914 SP, 3.39 GAA) Goals for: 147 Goals against: 203

2013-14

Returning netminder Dasan Sydora has the inside track on the Wolves’ starting job but must fight off a pair of rookies.

Coach: Shawn Martin (1st year) Potential returnees: 1993 C Sebastien Beauregard, 1993 D Brett Hope, 1993 D Eric Macoretta, 1994 C Jason Berube, 1994 RW Jared Iron, 1994 C Rhett Kehoe, 1994 G Dasan Sydora, 1994 RW Jessey Touchette, 1994 D Caley Bjork, 1994 D Owen Solecki, 1995 C Owen LaClare, 1996 LW Braden Oleksyn.

Losses: 1992 C Graham Smerek, 1992 LW Brett McNevin, 1992 RW Tim Rollins, 1992 LW Pavlo Zerebecky, 1992 LW Spencer Brennan, 1992 D CarlPhilippe Ouimet, 1992 G Myles Hovdebo, 1993 D Louis-Joseph Sawyer, 1993 D Franklin Cook, 1994 RW Brendan Boyd, 1994 C Brandon Halbgewachs.

Incoming: 1993 LW Michael Sagen, 1993 LW Jaret Smith, 1993 C Tyson Valette, 1994 LW Kyle Campbell, 1994 F Cole Golka, 1995 G Tyler Fuhr, 1995 G Antoine Pellerin, 1995 F Joe Bristow, 1995 F Dion Big Plume, 1995 D Jorden Rooke, 1995 D Zach Harms, 1995 F Brayden Atkinson, 1996 LW Kade Kehoe.

Before & after the game!

Good Luck!

Have a Great Season!

306.634.3637 Estevan, SK

901 13th Avenue, Estevan, SK

306-634-3209

Proud To Support Local Sports Teams

BIG SELECTION

Supporter of the Black and Gold.

GO BRUINS! Wedding Favours

BIG Company Apparel

IDEAS

Company Gifts 101 6th Street, Estevan Ph: 306 634 8655 • Fax: 306 634 8028

T-shirts for special events or occasions

405 Kensington Ave. Estevan, SK. 306-634-9846

12 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Mustangs feel they’re “on the upswing” The Melfort Mustangs returned to the playoffs last year and even made it past the survivor series, but they still have plenty of work to do.

After losing a couple of key players to graduation and a few who were eligible to return, the Mustangs need their returnees and new recruits to fill the holes.

Along with goaltenders Jesse Wilkins and Patrick Johnson, the team has also lost forwards

Jarrett Zentner, Brandon Formosa, Logan Sceviour, Brennen Bosovich and Godric Tham, as well as defencemen Brandon Parron, Cody Brown and Preston Eshenko.

Third-year head coach and GM Gavin Holcomb is confident about his group though.

“We’ve got a really good group of core guys returning and some good young players coming in.

There’s always an adjust-

ment, but we do feel we’re on the upswing,” he said.

To fill the void in net, Melfort acquired 20-yearold Mitch Maraschiello from the AJHL’s Drayton Valley Thunder. He went 15-9-5 with a 2.81 goalsagainst average and .909 save percentage last year.

“He’s very quick, he’s got good experience in junior hockey. He had good numbers last year. The reviews on him are really good and we’re excited to

2012-13

Record: 19-29-4-2 (44 points, 5th in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Humboldt in Bauer semis Leading scorer: Brandon Sloan (54-18-23-41) Starting goaltender: Jesse Wilkins (12-21-2, .905 SP, 3.46 GAA) Goals for: 142 Goals against: 186

2013-14

Coach: Gavin Holcomb (3rd season) Potential returnees: 1993 LW Brandon Sloan, 1993 D Matt Saunderson, 1993 LW Anthony Pickering, 1993 C Brady Goebel, 1993 D Zach Walker, 1993 LW Landon Belchamber, 1994 RW Adam Fauchoux, 1994 C Cole Hyrsky, 1994 D Jay Aasen, 1994 F Regan Wilton, 1994 C Jamie Miller, 1994 D David Heath, 1994 LW Sheldon Argent.

Losses: 1992 G Jesse Wilkins, 1992 RW Logan Sceviour, 1992 LW Godric Tham, 1992 D Brandon Parrone, 1993 C Jarrett Zentner, 1993 C Brandon Formosa, 1993 C Brennen Bosovich, 1993 D Cody Brown, 1994 D Preston Eshenko, 1994 G Patrick Johnson.

Incoming: 1993 G Mitch Maraschiello, 1994 RW Tyrenn Bauer, 1995 F Dexter Bricker, 1995 F Nick Hermary, 1995 C Tristan Frei, 1995 D Dawven Berggren, 1995 D Eric Young, 1995 F Travis Mayan, 1995 D Zak Hicks, 1995 G Luke Grassl, 1996 F Justin Boyer.

Prairie Mud Service

Official ESTEVAN BRUINS

7th MAN IN SPONSOR “Serving Western Canada with 24 hour Drilling Mud Service”

Bus: 306-634-3411 Fax: 306-634-7310 info@prairiemud.ca

have a 20-year-old in goal,” said Holcomb.

In terms of scoring, last year’s leading scorer Brandon Sloan will be the centrepiece of the team’s plans. He had 18 goals and 41 points last year.

“He put up numbers last year and we expect him to be on the same path.

He’s definitely going to be a go-to guy for us,” said Holcomb.

With the departure of Zentner and Formosa, several supporting cast players will be relied on to take their game to the next level, including Anthony Pickering (20 points), Adam Fauchoux (19 points), Cole Hyrsky (15 points in 41 games) and Regan Wilton (11 points in 42 games).

Martin feels new recruits Travis Mayan, Justin Boyer and Tristan Frei are also capable of chipping in.

Overager Matt Saunderson will lead the Mustangs’ defensive effort, coming off a 25-point season. Sophomores David Heath and Jay Aasen also need to take on more responsibility, while a trio of rookies will make their SJHL debuts.

“We feel good,” Hol-

Leading scorer Brandon Sloan is back with the Mustangs this year, while key forward Brandon Formosa (28) is not. comb said of the blue line.

“Along with our returning guys, we’ve got some good young prospects coming in too. We feel we’re solid.”

Melfort is now in the Sherwood Division with three familiar foes in Flin Flon, Nipawin and La Ronge. They will likely battle the Ice Wolves for third place, but with the new league-wide playoff format, the top two in each

division get an automatic berth and the next four best teams across the three divisions also get in. Martin stressed that every game will be meaningful.

“There’s always so much parity within our division and the league.

Our division’s important, but the way it’s seeded now, it’s important to play well against every team,” he said.

Good Luck Bruins On Your New Season!

We Are Behind You All The Way!

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 13

Klippers Shooting for continued progress The last two years have not been kind to the Kindersley Klippers.

The product on the ice hasn’t been up to par, the attendance and season ticket numbers have dwindled, and the team is deeply in debt to the Town of Kindersley.

A new season is beckoning though, and this one should give the fans more to cheer about, and in turn, help the team’s financial picture.

After missing the playoffs in 2011-12 and losing in the survivor series last year, the Klippers could be on the verge of returning to respectability.

The team has built up a strong group of younger players, bolstered by some key 20-year-olds and offseason acquisitions.

Helping matters is the fact that Kindersley is now in the Kramer Division, and aside from bringing an easier travel schedule, the race for first place will likely be wide open, with the Klippers battling Humboldt and Battlefords for that spot.

“You go through it and I think we’re a little bit improved in all three areas,” said Klippers assistant coach Chris Forsman.

“We’ve got a lot more depth in all areas. We’re building from where we started a couple years ago to where it is now.”

The Klippers got some excellent news on Sept.

11, when burgeoning star winger Colby Daniels was released by the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Daniels tallied 46 points

in 48 games last year, and there is no ceiling in sight for the feisty forward in his third SJHL season.

Daniels will share the stage with 20-year-old Gio Bombini, who broke out for 21 goals and 48 points last year and had an enormous series against the Bruins.

They will be joined by Cody Thiel, who was part of Red Deer’s back end the last two years but is moving to forward. Forsman said his offensive instincts from his days as a defenceman will bring a lot to the table.

“He’s a power forward type. He skates pretty well for a big guy and he can shoot the puck. I think he’s a good complement to have going up and down the wall alongside Gio, because he can create some space and shoot the puck. He brings leadership as well.”

Brandon Lauder (22 points), Stefan Seel (20 points) and trade acquisition Connor Garden (13 points in Bonnyville) will be leaned on to provide secondary scoring.

Garden was one of several trade pickups this summer, along with centres Sean Naish and Devin Case, defenceman Shaw Watkins and goalie Alex Bitsakis.

“We have more depth than we’ve had in years past. They’re guys who’ve played at the junior A level,” Forsman said of the newcomers.

The Klippers return four players on a blue line that could be a strength.

“We’re pretty happy with those guys. It’s a pretty

good mix,” Forsman said.

Jared Pilet came in as a 19-year-old last year and anchored the team’s back end, putting up eight goals and 21 points in the process.

Austin Yano will be asked to bring more to the table offensively after managing 15 points between Estevan and Kindersley last year. He had 27 points as a rookie.

Troy Gedny is another offence-oriented defender who struggled in that aspect last year and will need to step up.

Newcomers Watkins, Brett Bohlken and Brenton Chilton will round out the group.

The Klippers still had some very hard decisions to make in goal as of last week. Tyrell King will take over the starter’s job full-time after coming on strong late last year, posting a .911 save percentage in 30 appearances.

Behind him are three promising goalies — Bit-

sakis and a pair of 17-yearolds re-assigned from the WHL in Evan Weninger and Rylan Parenteau.

“We were happy with (King) last year, he and (Warren) Shymko did a good job for us,” said Forsman. “We’re pretty happy

with our goaltending situation. We’ve got some tough decisions to make.”

The Klippers are now in the Kramer Division, and that means being in the same division as the rival Battlefords North Stars after being separated the last

few years.

“Battlefords is our rival, our natural rival, there’s a bit of a history there, so we’re excited about that for the fans,” Forsman said.

“That puts a little something extra on the line, guys are more competitive.”

2012-13

Record: 22-27-3-2 (49 points, 4th in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 3-1 to Estevan in Sherwood survivor series Leading scorer: Gio Bombini (48-21-27-48) Starting goaltender: Warren Shymko (11-16-0, .891 SP, 4.06 GAA) Goals for: 154 Goals against: 200

2013-14

Coach: Rockie Zinger (3rd season) Potential returnees: 1993 C Giovanni Bombini, 1993 LW Brandon Lauder, 1993 D Jared Pilet, 1993 D Austin Yano, 1993 D Troy Gedny, 1993 RW Clayton Ludlum, 1994 G Tyrell King, 1994 LW Colby Daniels, 1994 C Stefan Seel, 1994 C Cody McKinnon, 1994 LW Mitchell Schwark.

Losses: 1992 C D. Jay McGrath, 1992 LW Bradley Buckingham, 1992 C Ryan Doner, 1992 G Warren Shymko, 1993 LW Kyle Davies, 1993 LW Beau Stewart, 1993 D Justin Schoffer, 1993 D Justin Coachman, 1994 D Sean Whelan, 1994 RW Colton Schick, 1994 D Bryce Perpilitz.

Incoming: 1993 F/D Cody Thiel, 1994 C Sean Naish, 1994 C Devin Case, 1994 D Shaw Watkins, 1994 G Alex Bitsakis, 1994 LW Connor Garden, 1995 D Brett Bohlken, 1995 D Brenton Chilton, 1996 LW Cody Young, 1996 G Evan Weninger, 1996 G Rylan Parenteau.

Terry Germain 306-421-2021

terry.germain@century21.ca

Have a Great Season, Bruins!

GO BRUINS! 1305 6th Street, Estevan

Phone: 306-636-2444 Designing One Room at a Time

FREE DELIVERY • IntEREst FREE FInancIng aVaILabLE O.a.c. • www.roombyroomfurniture.net

Go BRUINS

The esTevan Bruins

We hope you have a great season.

! n o s a e s t a e r g a o Here’s t

Proud sponsor of training complex

Serving SE Saskatchewan from our NEW CONCRETE facility

306.634.8001

306-634-7276, Estevan, SK

2013 EBEX Awards Business of the Year

SJHL 14 September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Stars aiming high with large returning group Although the Battlefords North Stars have lost several key players from last year, they are banking on a large group of returnees to take them higher.

A total of 15 players who spent significant time with last year’s fourth-place club are back.

“We had young leadership last year and now that that leadership is a year older, they have experience and that’s what we really need to step (forward),” said third-year head coach Kevin Hasselberg.

Although key forwards Kyle Hall, Braeden Johnson, Luke McColgan and Josh Betinol are gone, the latter two having found jobs in the USHL, Battlefords has eight returning forwards to soak up the scoring duties.

Carnduff’s Jake McMillen is among those who will be asked to lead offensively.

He is the club’s top returning scorer, posting 30 points at just 17 years old.

“He was our leading rookie scorer last year. He’s going to be a year older now and we’ll definitely lean on him to provide some offence,” said Hasselberg.

A trio of 19-year-olds also figure largely into the team’s plans: Austin Evans

2012-13

Record: 26-21-2-5 (59 points, 4th in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 3-0 to Melfort in Sherwood survivor series Leading scorer: Kyle Hall (54-19-24-43) Starting goaltender: Connor Creech (19-14-3, .910 SP, 2.57 GAA) Goals for: 156 Goals against: 164

2013-14 In his third season, 20-year-old defender Matthew Sheeran will be counted on to assume a leading role on the Stars’ blue line.

(27 points), Blake Young (20 points) and Ryne Keller (10 points in 38 games). Hasselberg said all three of them “should be able to take another step” this year.

“We need Keller and (Tanner) Quinn and (captain Robbie) Newton to provide a more prominent offensive role than they have in the past,” he added.

A pair of incoming 19-year-olds, Jack Petrino and Robin Carlson, “will definitely get leaned on” as well, Hasselberg said.

Petrino (19 points in 38 games) was acquired as the future considerations in last year’s trade that saw Justin Waskewitch sent to the OCN Blizzard. Carlson (nine points in 41 games) and overage goaltender Luke Lee-Knight

were brought in from the AJHL’s Lloydminster Bobcats for futures.

Knight will assume the starting duties this year. The Calgary native was with Humboldt for a short time in 2012-13 before joining the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, where he appeared in 21 games, posting a 3.90 goalsagainst average and .881 save percentage.

Knight will have 18-year-old Casey Parker to back him up. Parker played in 18 games as the Stars’ rookie backup last year, with a 3.15 goals-against average and .898 save percentage.

In front of them will be a group of defencemen that Hasselberg is pretty excited about.

Although the North Stars

GO GO

Coach: Kevin Hasselberg (3rd season) Potential returnees: 1993 D Dillon Forbes, 1993 LW Tanner Quinn, 1993 D Matthew Sheeran, 1993 LW Robbie Newton, 1993 D Kyle Schmidt, 1993 C Travis Marit, 1993 C Ben Greenaway, 1994 C Josh Betinol, 1994 RW Austin Evans, 1994 LW Blake Young, 1994 D Spencer Gosselin, 1994 C Ryne Keller, 1994 D Joren Johnson, 1995 C Jake McMillen, 1995 G Casey Parker, 1996 D Kendall Fransoo.

Losses: 1992 G Connor Creech, 1992 LW Kyle Hall, 1992 D Brody Luhning, 1992 LW Braeden Johnson, 1992 D Evan Ripley, 1993 C Brandon Long, 1994 C Luke McColgan.

Incoming: 1993 G Luke Lee-Knight, 1994 F Jack Petrino, 1994 C Robin Carlson, 1994 C Nick Fountain, 1995 LW Igor Leonenko, 1995 D Latrell Charleson, 1995 F Brian Hillis, 1996 D Braden Lacoursiere. have lost offensive dynamo Brody Luhning and behemoth Evan Ripley to graduation, they have a group of three20-year-olds coming back, as well as some encouraging younger players.

“We’re thrilled. That’s where our strength is going to be, on defence, and we’ve got a crew of them coming back that we think we’re going to get some (strong play) from,” said Hasselberg.

The defence corps will

be led by Dillon Forbes (16 points), whose conditioning has been “phenomenal,” Hasselberg said, as well as former Saskatoon Blade Kyle Schmidt and Matthew Sheeran (13 points in 35 games).

Joining them are 19-yearolds Spencer Gosselin (16 points) and Joren Johnson (nine points in 24 games), both of whom Hasselberg expects to elevate their game.

The coach is also excited

about incoming recruit Latrell Charleson, an 18-year-old listed at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds.

He split last year between the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings (two assists in 20 games) and the Pacific International Junior Hockey League (three points in 12 games).

“Charleson and Johnson are two guys who have experience in Junior A that we’re going to lean on,” said Hasselberg.

GO BRUINS! Put Our Team To Work For You!

24 Hwy 39 E, Estevan, SK

Commercial & Residential

306-634-7341

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE BRUINS! Serving Estevan & Area For Over 40 Years!

JOHNSON

Plumbing & Heating Ltd. 1037 - 5th Street • Estevan - Ph: 634-5172 • e-mail: johnsonpandh@sasktel.net

Cathedral Insurance Brokers

#10, 910 13th Avenue N., Estevan, SK S4A 2J4

306-634-2671

’s after the game

98 Souris Ave., Estevan

Ed Komarnicki, MP Souris-Moose Mountain

Proud supporter of the Estevan Bruins Your Member of Parliament

634-6610

Good Luck Bruins!

308 - 1133 4th Street Estevan, SK S4A 0W6 Phone: 634-3000 Fax: 634-4835 Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon-Fri Email: ed.komarnicki.c1@parl.gc.ca Website: edkomarnicki.com

Toll Free: 1-866-249-4697

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 18, 2013 SJHL 15

Goaltending, defence question marks for Hounds The hallmark of the Notre Dame Hounds in recent years has been a strong defence and good goaltending.

That is about to change.

After losing six defencemen from last year’s third-place squad, the Hounds’ bread and butter now lies up front.

“We like our forwards.

That’s the strength of our team this year. The last couple of years it’s been our defence. We’re confident about our forward group and we’re excited,” said Hounds head coach and general manager Kevin White.

Although Notre Dame

has lost their top four scorers from 2012-13, they have a deep cast of returning forwards, including a few expected to take big strides as sophomores.

That group is highlighted by Sam Aulie (33 points), Ian Williams (30 points) and Dillon Schwartzenberger (22 points in

2012-13

Record: 27-21-1-5 (60 points, 3rd in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-3 to Melville in Sherwood semis Leading scorer: Brandon Millin (54-29-28-57) Starting goaltender: Ty Reichenbach (19-12-2, .905 SP, 2.89 GAA) Goals for: 164 Goals against: 173

2013-14

Coach: Kevin White (4th season) Potential returnees: 1993 C Dillon Schwartzenberger, 1993 C Kale Derkson, 1993 LW Logan Saworski, 1993 D Brandon Kuse, 1994 C Sam Aulie, 1994 LW Jared Martin, 1994 C Ryan Donovan, 1994 C Cory Anderson, 1994 C Dylan McIntosh, 1994 D Yanni Mamais, 1994 D Austin Lightfoot, 1995 C Ian Williams.

Losses: 1992 LW Brandon Millin, 1992 D Carson Grolla, 1992 D Mitch Boucher, 1992 D Troy Murray, 1992 D Jens Johnson, 1992 RW Catlin Foley, 1992 D Paul Brisebois, 1992 LW Josh Bruha, 1992 G Michael Salmon, 1993 G Ty Reichenbach, 1993 D Blaine Thomson, 1994 LW Dion Antisin.

Incoming: 1995 G Alexi Thibaudeau, 1995 G Eric Williams, 1995 D Spencer Trapp, 1995 F Jon Paris, 1996 F Jacob Cardiff, 1996 F Keegan Milligan.

Score Big Every Time with a Diamond from

Go Bruins Go Downtown, Estevan 634-2215

34 games). Aulie and Williams both had strong rookie seasons and the future seems bright for both.

The entire line of Aulie, Jared Martin and Ryan Donovan is back and all three will be asked to build on their rookie offerings.

White noted that from the team’s top three lines in last year’s playoff series against Melville, only Brandon Millin and Dion Antisin are gone. The latter has joined the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks after scoring 36 points as a rookie.

The blue line is a much different story, though.

Gone from last year ’s stellar defence corps are former SJHL defenceman of the year Carson Grolla and offensive threat Mitch Boucher, as well as Troy Murray, Jens Johnson, Paul Brisebois and Blaine Thomson.

Thomson decided to go to school this year, while the other five graduated.

That leaves Brandon

Kuse, Austin Lightfoot and Yanni Mamais as the returning rearguards. Kuse and Lightfoot both went down in November with broken ankles and didn’t return.

“Obviously it’s important for those three guys to step up. We’ve got some good young guys coming in. Like anything, it’s going to be a work in progress.

When you graduate five 20-year-olds and your best returning defenceman decides not to come back, you gotta rebuild your defence.

We’ve been lucky to have a good defence the last few years,” said White.

Goaltending is also a major question mark after Ty Reichenbach committed to American International College and Michael Salmon graduated.

“We have five guys coming in (to compete for jobs). We’ll start there and we’re hoping we can find two,” said White, adding that he may seek a veteran via trade if the training camp hopefuls don’t

work out.

Although they have been weakened defensively, White doesn’t think the Hounds will stray from their identity this year.

“I do believe we’ll be the same type of team I like to have and that’s a physical team. I think we’re going to be an up tempo team that likes to compete hard, go to the net and play hard.”

The Hounds will have to do it in a new division.

As part of the league’s realignment, they are now in the Kramer Division with Humboldt, Kindersley and Battlefords. Having been separated from nearby teams like Weyburn and Estevan, they will have a more rigorous travel schedule now.

“It’s an issue. But this is what they decided on, so there’s not a whole lot we can do. We’ret disappointed we’re not in the same division as teams that are 45 minutes away from us, 75 minutes away from us,” White said.

GOOD LUCK ESTEVAN BRUINS NEW LOCATION

8-461 King Street, Estevan

306-634-8384

“Creative Solutions for Your Marketing Needs”

GOOD LUCK BRUINS!

Your Collision Expert Since 1985!

Here’s To Another Great Season!

445 4th St., Estevan 80 King St. East • Estevan, SK

Ph: 634-3689

voted us u Yo Estevan’s Favourite Pizza

306-634-2815

TrusTed...YesTerdaY TodaY + Tommorrow Proud To Support Our Community’s Jr. League Hockey Team!

GO BRUINS!

Call

634-2220

pick-up or delivery SOUTHERN PLAINS

www.towercafe.ca

Estevan • Carlyle • Oxbow

• Grocery • C-Store • Gas Bar • Petroleum-Ag • Touchless Car Wash

16 SJHL September 18, 2013

Estevan Mercury

Your 2013-2014 Broncos should be in the mix once again CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins Game Schedule TEAM LEGEND FF:FLIN FLON NIP: NIPAWIN HUM: HUMBOLDT MLF: MELFORT

KIN: KINDERSLEY WEY: WEYBURN MEL: MELVILLE BAT: BATTLEFORDS ND: NOTRE DAME YOR: YORKTON LR: LaRONGE

GAMES START AT 7:30 PM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

It doesn’t seem to matter how much talent the Humboldt Broncos lose.

They usually find a way to be competitive and then some the next year.

Last year, coming off a year where they hosted the Royal Bank Cup, the Broncos still managed to tie for first overall in the SJHL and make it to the league final, where they lost to Yorkton.

That’s unheard of in Junior A hockey. You load up for your hosting year in a bid to win it all, and usually you sacrifice the next year or two in doing it.

While they may not be a Canalta Cup favourite this year, the Broncos should still be competitive and perhaps contend for the title. They have 14 players back who played all or a significant part of last season.

Broncos head coach and GM Dean Brockman could not be reached to comment on this year’s team.

The Broncos won’t be a powerhouse of offence, but they should score enough to get by without the likes of Joey Davies andAdamAntkowiak.

The returning cast of forwards is led by Cody Pongracz, who tied for 10th in league scoring last year with 22 goals and 53 points.

Second-year winger Dylan Fluter will be expected to take his game to the next level after a solid rookie season, contributing 12 goals and 25 points. So too will David Miazga (17 points), Ryan Aubertin (16 points), Brandon Tidy (16 points) and Justin Lund (seven points in 23 games).

The blue line will be Humboldt’s biggest strength, with seven potentially returning players who spent time with the club last year.

Offensive-minded rearguard Logan Sproule put up 30 points this year and he could have a big year as a 20-year-old. David Stumborg

also broke out with 23 points, and 19-year-old Cody Pettapiece is no slouch himself when it comes to offensive ability, with 20 points in 47 games. That trio will lead the Broncos’ defence corps.

Other returning blue liners are Rhett Blackmur (12 points), Christopher Manhas (five in 34 games), Kyle Lipinski (five in 25 games) and Jeffrey Ness (two assists in 24 games).

In the blue paint, the Broncos won’t have star Matt Hrynkiw at their service for the first time in four years.

What Humboldt does have is a pair of former Bruins in the mix. Tyler Ross, who played 14 games for Estevan over the last two years, is the Broncos’presumptive starter.

While it won’t be easy to fill Hrynkiw’s shoes, Ross has the talent to be a capable No. 1.

Meanwhile, 18-yearolds Ryland Pashovitz and Cade Spencer are battling for the backup position.

2012-13 Record: 36-14-2-2 (1st in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Yorkton in Canalta Cup final Leading scorer: Joey Davies (53-27-29-56) Starting goaltender: Matt Hrynkiw (27-11-2, .939 SP, 1.83 GAA) Goals for: 185 Goals against: 120 2013-14 Coach: Dean Brockman (10th season) Potential returnees: 1993 RW Cody Pongracz, 1993 D Logan Sproule, 1993 RW Brandon Tidy, 1993 D David Stumborg, 1993 C David Miazga, 1993 D Christopher Manhas, 1993 D Rhett Blackmur, 1994 RW Dylan Fluter, 1994 D Cody Pettapiece, 1994 C Ryan Aubertin, 1994 RW Justin Lund, 1994 C Matthew Audette, 1994 D Kyle Lipinski, 1994 D Jeffrey Ness.

Losses: 1992 G Matt Hrynkiw, 1992 C Joey Davies, 1992 LW Adam Antkowiak, 1992 C John Lawrence, 1992 LW Neil Landry, 1992 C Adam Zbitniff, 1992 D Kameren Ballas, 1992 RW Carter Page, 1992 D Braeden Laroque, 1993 G Michael Gudmandson, 1995 LW Alex Forsberg.

Incoming: 1993 G Tyler Ross, 1994 F Connor Venne, 1995 G Ryland Pashovitz, 1995 D Greg Moro, 1995 C Gray Marr, 1995 LW Stuart Symenuk, 1995 G Cade Spencer.

Get in the

Game!

We carry all your sporting good needs.

• Hockey Skates & Equipment • Bicycle Sales & Service • Skate Sharpening • Team Uniforms • Caps & Jackets • Baseball & Soccer Equipment

Thank You

to our fans and corporate partners for your tremendous support!

For Tickets- Call 306-634-7730 or go On-line at www.estevanbruins.com

www.jlsbikeskate.com #2 - 938 Eva Street, Estevan • 306-634-8006

Have A Great Season Bruins!

Supporting the black and gold in Estevan!

1302 5th Street Estevan, SK 306-634-3581