Sjhl preview 2014

PREVIEW 2014

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Lewchuk ready to take the reins He has been groomed for this moment for awhile, and now Brett Lewchuk is ready.

After impressing as the Estevan Bruins’ backup last year, Lewchuk will grab the reins as the starter this year, taking over from the graduating Matt Gibney.

Lewchuk, 19, is a Saskatoon native who has been in the Bruins’ organization for several years. Last season, he came in as a backup who was expected to do big things in the future.

Well, that future is now.

Lewchuk is part of a core group of second-year players the Bruins are counting on to help lead the way. None of them are more important to the team’s success than the guy between the pipes.

“He’s going to come into camp ready to go, there’s no doubt in my mind,” said Bruins assistant coach, and former professional goaltender, Aren Miller.

“He’s set up coming in to have two huge years with pretty good teams in front of him, so the ball’s in his court with how far he goes with it.

As far as I’m concerned, he’s

First goalie to go from Bruins backup to starter in years

After performing well in limited action last year, Brett Lewchuk will occupy the Bruins’ crease.

Dealing with the injury got an NCAA scholarship got time, stuff like that. Other written all over him, but he’s than that, keep it plain and was tough for Lewchuk bestill gotta go out and play simple and try to get in front cause his only extended time away from the game before well.” of the puck.”

Lewchuk is a battler who Lewchuk’s debut perfor- was when he got mono in owns some poise. Miller said mance in the SJHL went well, midget AAA. “Taking two months off he’s technically sound and has despite a broken thumb that great movement in the crease. kept him out for two months. from the game was pretty “He hates getting scored In 13 games, he went 8-2-2 tough, but it made it a lot more on,” Miller said. with a .923 save percent- exciting for me to get into it “I play the typical but- age and a 2.64 goals-against after I came back.”

Still, he was happy with terfly style,” Lewchuk said. “I average. Miller suggested like to be extremely vocal out he would have had a top five his play in the games he manon the ice, control the play and save percentage had he not aged to get into.

“I felt it was pretty good, tell my teammates if they’ve been hurt.

doing what I could to help out the team. We had a pretty good year in a tough division, and I felt I played pretty well when I did get the chance.”

Miller said Lewchuk would have played more games if not for the injury and the way Gibney played.

Lewchuk said he picked up a lot from the goalie in front of him on the depth chart.

“The way he works in practice, critiquing every detail, how he gets ready for games, how he prepares himself. I really learned a lot, and I attribute a lot of what I learned last year to him.”

Despite not playing a lot, Miller believes the experience helped prepare Lewchuk for being a starter.

“I think the biggest adjustment for Lewy last year was not playing much. You go from playing all the time to watching and learning, but I think that makes him ready. He knows the travel, he knows the rinks. There’s not a situation he’s going to

have that he didn’t face last year. That’s huge for a goalie to feel that comfort level. The only difference is getting your mindset on playing every night. Lewy was one of the most fit kids on our team last year, so it’s not going to be an issue for him to go up north and play two out of three or all three.”

Lewchuk has been working with a goalie coach in Saskatoon this summer to get ready for the season.

“This year, we have a really good group of guys coming back so I think they’re going to make it a lot easier on me, especially our defensive corps. We have five defencemen returning,” he said.

At 19, Lewchuk has a chance to do something that hasn’t happened in the Bruins’ crease in awhile.

“He has an opportunity to come in and be a two-year starter, which I don’t think Estevan has had in a long time. He could win 60 games over the next two years,” said Miller.

offensive contributor. I think long term, that’s what we’ll be looking for with Chase, but we’re not going to rush him,” said Lewgood.

“He’s going to come and he’s going to be an honest player every day. I wouldn’t put too much pressure on any of these young guys. It’s a big jump from midget. He’s going to give us an honest effort every game.”

McKersie expects a lot from himself and said he hopes to play on the top two lines once he adjusts to the league.

“I’d say I’m a guy that really uses my speed and my strength. I’d compare myself to a Jarome Iginla because I like to shoot, too. A player like that is who I would compare myself to.

“I have high expectations for myself, so I think (long term), definitely one of the leaders on the team, whether it’s goals or assists.

I definitely want to be one of the leaders the guys can look up to.”

Playing in Estevan is also a chance for McKersie to reunite with his good friend Lynnden Pastachak.

The two have been teammates for most of their career, including two years ago with the Harvest. Pastachak was a rookie with the Bruins last year.

“Lynnden’s a good player and if we ever get on a line, I’ll pass him the puck a lot and I hope he does the same for me. We have some good chemistry, so it’ll be nice for us to get together again,” McKersie said.

McKersie excited to wear hometown B scoring.

“We knew that skillwise, he was prepared for the SJHL level. I think playing AAA last year granted him the experience of being a leader on his team and a go-to guy, which will come in handy down the road for our club. He skates well, and he’s hard to play against,” said Bruins head coach Chris Lewgood.

McKersie also got some extended action with the Bruins last year, with one assist in seven regular season games. He went scoreless in six playoff games, but impressed with his work ethic. “ I ’ v e

For years, it has been merely an image in his head.

This fall, it becomes reality.

It has been a long time coming for Chase McKersie and for local fans waiting to see him follow in the footsteps of his dad, Dan, in playing for the Estevan Bruins.

McKersie, 18, comes in with some hype, being a hometown product and a secondgeneration Bruin.

His work last year in midget AAA did nothing to dispel the excitement, as he led the Yorkton Harvest in scoring with 19 goals and 45 points in 44 games. That was enough to put him in the top 20 in league

z

dreamed of playing for the Bruins for a long time, so it was a pretty good experience,” he said.

“My first game, I remember it was a lot smarter hockey, and that’s what I learned when I started playing. That definitely helped me for this year.”

Although McKersie wants to be an offensive leader on the team eventually, he can play anywhere in the lineup.

“He’s the type of guy that could fit any type of role on a team. He plays with enough sandpaper that he can be a checking player, but he also possesses enough skill that he can grow into an

Chase McKersie impressed the coaching staff during an extended cup of coffee last season.

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Page 3

Bruins going all in on youngsters Whether the Estevan Bruins sink or swim this season will depend on the performances of their 18 and 19-year-olds.

The Bruins will rely heavily on their youngsters this year to take them deep into the playoffs.

Is there some danger in this approach? “Absolutely,” said head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood.

“You’re relying on inexperienced players and as a staff, we have to make sure we prepare them properly and bring them along and put them in situations in which they can succeed.”

However, the Bruins are bidding to host the Western Canada Cup in 2016 and by running with a core of players that can return next season, they hope to be in good position should they host the tournament.

“That’s the centrepiece of our hockey team, is our ‘95s and ‘96s. The young guys are really the guys we expect to make a difference for us this year. We believe we have quality young guys,” Lewgood said.

The Bruins forward group is especially inexperienced, with several second-year players the team believes can get the job done but haven’t proven that yet.

“We’re not concerned.

We completely understand it’s a young group and there may be some growing pains, but we’re not concerned. We’re excited about the group and believe they can shoulder the load,” Lewgood said.

He added the key players up front will be secondyears Lynnden Pastachak,

Bruins head coach Chris Lewgood believes Zach Douglas can be the SJHL’s best defenceman this year.

Keegan Allison and Jason Duret, along with 20-yearold wingers Wyatt Garagan and R.T. Rice.

With the Bruins losing their top six scorers from last year, Allison is the highest remaining producer, with 10 goals and 21 points last year.

He carved out a reputation as a hard-working, gritty forward who wins battles for the puck and can bang in a few.

Pastachak came in last year with a lot of hype, being a Bienfait product, but the 17-year-old was hampered by a nagging shoulder injury. He did manage seven goals and 12 points in 36 games, however, showing off his nose for the net.

Jason Duret was acquired in a mid-season trade and filled a void down the middle, with seven goals and 16 points in 29 games with the Bruins.

Chris Thorimbert and Keaton Longpre will also be expected to contribute more as sophomores.

The team also got talented 19-year-old left winger Darcy DeRoose back from the WHL and he will be a go-to scorer.

“Some of our young players have to come into

their own physically. We need some of these young guys to reach their potential, and we need to be healthier than we were last year. Last year was a year filled with injuries. Even an average year (injurywise) would have helped us,” Lewgood said.

Estevan’s back end is certainly expected to be a strength, anchored by overager David Robertson and 19-year-olds Zach Douglas and Nolan Nicholas.

“I think we have among the best blue lines in the SJHL, and I’m confident we can, as a result, compete with anybody in the league.”

Lewgood especially praised the trio of returnees, recalling their play last year when the team was

down to four regular defencemen due to injuries.

“They’re some of the top guys in the league.

They’re going to get a lot of minutes. We have some good young guys coming in, but having three players like that will allow us to ease guys into their roles.

All three proved last year that they play well when relied upon heavily and actually thrive with added pressure. We intend on using them quite a bit.”

Newcomer Josh Rieg-

er has been at the top of the team’s prospect list for years and there are high hopes for fellow rookies Mason Benning and Cody Durdle.

Between the pipes, 19-year-old Brett Lewchuk takes over from outgoing starter Matt Gibney.

Lewchuk was sidelined for two months with an injury, but was stellar in the 13 games he did play, with an 8-2-2 record and .923 save percentage.

Lewgood said the club

is “very” confident in having Lewchuk in the crease most nights.

“He has every reason to be excited for this year and his numbers speak for themselves. He was one of the best young guys in the league last year at any position.

He stops the puck.

He’s not a big goaltender.

He’s fundamentally sound, athletic and most importantly, competitive. The bottom line is he keeps the puck out of the net.”

2013-14 Record: 27-20-3-6 (63 points, third in Viterra) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Battlefords in quarterfinals Leading scorer: Austin Daae (55-30-41-71) Starting goaltender: Matt Gibney (19-21-3, 2.99 GAA, .912 SP) Goals for: 164 Goals against: 173 Coach: Chris Lewgood (Second season) Potential returnees: 1994 F Wyatt Garagan, 1994 F R.T. Rice, 1994 D David Robertson, 1995 F Jason Duret, 1995 F Keaton Longpre, 1995 F Chris Thorimbert, 1995 F Connor McKenzie, 1995 D Nolan Nicholas, 1995 D Zach Douglas, 1995 G Brett Lewchuk, 1996 F Lynnden Pastachak.

Losses: 1993 F Michael Sagen, 1993 F Tanner Froese, 1993 F Austin Daae, 1993 F Austin Roesslein, 1993 F Ben Johnstone, 1993 F Corey Kosloski, 1993 D Nick Egan, 1993 G Matt Gibney.

Incoming: 1995 F Adam Canepa, 1995 F Richard Yusa, 1995 F Kurt Sonne, 1995 F Cole McKechney, 1995 F Darcy DeRoose, 1996 G Tyler Gutenberg, 1996 F Chase McKersie, 1996 F Ryan Duret, 1996 F Mahlon Head, 1996 F Brad Arabia, 1996 F Braydon Delorme, 1996 F Levi Barnstable, 1996 F Carter Cowlthorp, 1996 D Josh Rieger, 1996 D Mason Benning, 1996 D Cody Durdle, 1997 F Joey Ogden.

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Mustangs aiming to contend for title

After three seasons in various stages of rebuilding, the Melfort Mustangs believe they’re ready to make a deep run.

Last year was an encouraging step forward for the Mustangs, as they finished over the .500 mark and won the weak Sherwood Division.

They have lost only a handful of players from that team, with 18 players

returning, and head coach Trevor Blevins pulled no punches about the team’s expectations in his first full season.

“Our goal is to win a championship here, no question. I just think we’ve got the makeup to compete for that SJHL championship and we’ve got the veteran presence. We feel we’ve got the chemistry in the dressing room. All the aspects it

takes to be a winner, I think all the pieces are here. It’s just a matter of making sure it all comes together throughout the season,” he said.

Travis Mayan had a strong rookie season with 42 points, and he and 20-yearolds Adam Fauchoux (38 points) and Cole Hyrsky (36 points) will be at the core of the team’s attack.

The likes of Tristan

2013-14

Record: 26-23-1-6 (59 points, first in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Humboldt in quarterfinals Leading scorer: Anthony Pickering (53-19-34-53) Starting goaltender: Austin Rediron (15-11-1, .910 SP, 2.59 GAA) Goals for: 176 Goals against: 162

2014-15

Coach: Trevor Blevins (First full season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Adam Fauchoux, 1994 F Jamie Miller, 1994 F Cole Hrysky, 1994 F Bryden Serafini, 1994 F Regan Wilton, 1994 F Sheldon Argent, 1994 D Jay Aasen, 1994 D Riley Boomgaarden, 1994 D David Heath, 1994 G Austin Rediron, 1994 G Jack Romanuik, 1995 F Dexter Bricker, 1995 F Nick Hermary, 1995 F Travis Mayan, 1995 F Tristan Frei, 1995 D Eric Young, 1995 D Dawven Berggren, 1996 F Justin Boyer.

Losses: 1993 F Brandon Sloan, 1993 F Landon Belchamber, 1993 F Anthony Pickering, 1994 F Jacob Bonin, 1994 D Preston Eshenko.

Incoming: 1994 D Luc Lemire, 1995 F Will McNamara, 1995 Richard Palmer, 1996 F Teal Sobkowicz, 1996 F Nick White, 1996 F Tanner Koroscil, 1996 F Jaden Sveinson, 1996 D Braxx George, 1996 D Sam Houston, 1996 D Eric Sinclair, 1996 F Howard Yawit, 1997 F Dakota Boutin.

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After being one of the top rookies in the SJHL last year, Travis Mayan is the leading light of the Mustangs’ forward group.

Frei, Regan Wilton and Justin Boyer round out the supporting cast.

“Up front, we have a solid returning core there with some skill. We’ve got some very solid veterans.

We’ve got a really good core of forwards back. We just need to add some pieces and hopefully we can be a contender,” Blevins said.

Returning defencemen David Heath, Jay Aasen and Riley Boomgaarden will be leaders on the back end. Preston Eshenko left to go to college, so the team acquired 20-year-old Luc Lemire from the Camrose

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Blevins is high on Lemire, who had 23 points last year.

“He’s a very solid twoway defenceman. The only veteran we lost is Preston Eshenko, and we felt the need to get a veteran presence on back end. Luc was a former Prince Albert Minto for three seasons, and it was a nice fit to get him back here in Saskatchewan.

“We have six defencemen that are veterans on the back end, and you can never have too many of those.”

Indeed, Blevins said the group of rearguards is “definitely a strength” this year.

“I thought we excelled there last year with the group we had. It hurts losing Eshenko, no doubt, but to get Lemire is huge for our hockey club. We added that 20-year-old presence we could have lost with Preston leaving. With that, we’ve sure shored that up.

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We definitely want to be stingy in our own zone, and that’s our goal starting the season.”

Melfort also has a full crop of rookies that will be expected to contribute at both ends of the ice, highlighted by Teal Sobkowicz, captain of the Telus Cup champion Mintos, and third-round Brandon Wheat Kings pick Dakota Boutin.

The Mustangs had eight goalies in training camp, with some of them challenging returning 20-year-old Jack Romanuik. The team also aquired Richard Palmer from Melville in the eve of the season.

“That’s the way it goes all year, right. Will we have a definite No. 1?

Who knows, that’ll play out throughout the year. We’ll give either goaltender a chance, and if they’re playing well, it is about wins and losses, so we’ll make sure we take care of that.”

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Page 5

Hawks solidly in middle of the pack After a year in which they were knocked out in the survivor series, the Nipawin Hawks have an especially good reason for wanting to get better.

“We’re pretty excited about this season. It’s our 30th anniversary, so we want to make it special for our fans. I think if you’re not going into every season with the focus on winning championships, you’ve got the wrong attitude. That being said, there are 11 other teams. We think we’ve assembled a team to give us a good chance,” said fifth-year head coach Doug Johnson.

The team’s biggest strength could be on the blue line, where 20-year-old Reece Forman is joined by a trio of 19-year-olds in Jivan Sidhu, Jayden Piattelli and Zackary Klebaum.

“Our back end should be significantly better than last year. We have four guys returning and all four played significant minutes last year,” said Johnson.

“It’s a diverse group, especially when you add our recruits,” he added, saying Forman and Piattelli will be key pieces of the puzzle.

“If Sidhu isn’t in the top 20 in scoring, I think we’ve failed him. He wants to succeed and be the offensive catalyst we think he can be.

Klebaum can anchor that D corps.”

Joe O’Brien was a rookie starter last year and posted a strong .927 save percentage. Johnson believes the American will be better this year.

“He understands the league better and also the country better. Hockey in Canada is different than hockey in the US,” said the coach.

Kris Spriggs had a solid rookie season and will be asked to build on that as a sophomore.

“He’s very technically sound. He’s not the biggest guy and he’s not the most athletic guy, but he’s very technically sound. He has great focus on the game and is a student of the game. He understands what will happen and reads the play well.

He’s a year older and a year wiser. He’s not the young guy any more. We need him to be our quarterback back there and help our with breakouts and rushes and be a vocal leader on the ice.”

Putting the puck in the net, however, could be an issue for this year’s edition of the Hawks.

“Our biggest issue is going to be goal scoring. Losing (Tad) Kozun, (Tayler) Balog and (Mitch) Doell, our top three scorers from last year, obviously scoring goals is going to be at a premium, so we change our philosophy a bit, focus

on special teams and hope the young guys have done their work this summer.”

Carter Danczak is the team’s top returning scorer with 13 goals and 31 points last season. Garret Lockeridge (23), Kris Spriggs (22), Evan Mignault (22) and Carter Coben (21) will also have to contribute to an attack that will score but committee.

“The three big ones returning are Danczak, Spriggs and Mignault. Our 20-year-olds, Coben and Lockeridge, really have to do a great job leading that group and being consistent every night, doing things right.

A pair of off-season trade pickups will also be leaned on in the effort to score goals.

“We’re pretty excited to have Torrin Grange and Chase Thudium in the fold.

Good Luck in the

They’re two key acquisitions that give us a deeper scoring group than we had

AS

Record: 25-27-1-3 (54 points, second in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 3-1 to Notre Dame in survivor series Leading scorer: Tad Kozun (56-38-27-65) Starting goaltender: Joe O’Brien (13-15-3, .927 SP, 2.57 GAA) Goals for: 150 Goals against: 175

2014-15

Coach: Doug Johnson (fifth season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Garret Lockeridge, 1994 F James Sorrey, 1994 F Carter Coben, 1994 F Carter Danczak, 1994 D Reece Forman, 1995 F Ian Skinner, 1995 F Blake Fournier, 1995 F Brett Harris, 1995 F Kris Spriggs, 1995 F Evan Mignault, 1995 D Jivan Sidhu, 1995 D Jayden Piattelli, 1995 D Zackary Klebaum, 1995 G Joe O’Brien.

Losses: 1993 F Mitch Doell, 1993 F Michael Lambert, 1993 F Tad Kozun, 1993 D Ben Petros, 1993 D Leighton McLachlan, 1993 D Eric Bollefer, 1993 G Steven Glass, 1994 F Tayler Balog.

Incoming: 1995 F Torrin Grange, 1996 F Chase Thudium, 1996 F Keegan Kjargaard, 1996 F Brodie Schuette, 1996 G Austyn Kozun.

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Terriers could escape RBC Cup hangover Last year, the Yorkton Terriers did what every Junior A franchise in Canada dreams of by winning the RBC Cup, doing it in dramatic fashion.

Despite their run to the top, the Terriers have most of their forwards back and should be able to score on a regular basis.

Unlike past squads, however, the Dogs could struggle in their own end, losing all but two defencemen and goaltender Kale Thomson.

“It’s different in that in the last three or four years, we’ve always known we have our top three defencemen pencilled in. That’s a big change, obviously. We do have 10 veteran forwards returning and only two on defence. Our team the last couple of years was built from the net out and defence out, so it’s a little bit different for our program that we’ve always had that strength,” said Yorkton head coach Trent Cassan.

Despite being crowned national champions, Cassan said the goal remains the same this year and the team can’t rest on its laurels.

“I hope they come back very hungry and motivated. We don’t expect or tolerate any kind of complacency. Our guys still have to be humble and know that it’s a new year.

It’s a very good league. You have to put work in over the summer and in training camp. We as a staff will stress right from the start that our expectations are for the guys to be a composed team and a team that competes but also, last year was obviously a tremendous year and a great year for the organization, but that means we have to work that much harder this year to maintain the foundation that’s been built.”

There is a strong group coming back up front, led by 19-year-old Kailum Gervais, who had 32 points

Dylan Baer is entering his fourth and final season and will anchor the Terriers’ back end. in 46 games last year. The likes of Tyson Enzie, Zach Zadorozniak and Dylan Johnson, who each had 20 points last year, will also need to step up.

The team also added Kurt Johnas, who scored 17 goals in Virden last year.

“There’s probably not one or two guys who are going to stand out as far as scoring a whole pile of points, but we have good depth there. We can put together good, solid lines to spread the scoring around.

We’ve got good young players that were affiliated players last year and stepped in and played really well. I think it’s going to be competitive for the older guys to show that they’ve improved,” Cassan said.

On the blue line, the Terriers have lost the undisputedly best top three group in the league, in Chase Norrish, Brady Norrish and Devon McMullen.

“It’s certainly going to be a lot different than what everyone’s seen from us the last couple of years. You just don’t replace McMullen or the Norrish twins.

Those guys were dynamic, exceptional players and exceptional leaders. (Dallas) Rossiter and (Dylan) Baer are both good-sized guys. They’re going to get a lot more responsibility than they’ve had in the past, but we’re not putting a whole lot of pressure on them either.

Cassan said he was working on adding a veteran defenceman.

“With the amount of turnover we have, there’s going to be four or five rookies on the back end.

If we can have one more veteran back there, that would help.”

Backup goaltender Riley Medves is back and the team has brought in some other options to challenge for the No. 1 job.

“Riley’s returned. He was a very good teammate and a very good backup last year. Kale played the bulk of the games. When Riley got an opportunity to play, he played very well, but as a 20-year-old, he’s going to be challenged. We’ll give him an opportunity to see how he does in exhibition

and the start of the year. If you’re going to have that many new faces on the back end, you’re going to need solid goaltending. Who’s on our roster come opening night will be determined throughout exhibition.”

With a team much dif-

ferent than the kind of club they’re used to icing, the Terriers may not be at the top of the standings again, but their aim is to contend.

“There’s a lot up in the air as to where we’re at with our goaltending and defence. I think our

forwards are a pretty solid group. Our ‘94s have played in a lot of big games over the last couple of years and have learned what it takes to get to the top, and now they’re going to have to learn what it takes to try to stay on top.”

2013-14

Record: 37-12-2-5 (81 points, first in Viterra) Playoffs: Won Canalta Cup and RBC Cup Leading scorer: Brett Boehm (48-31-35-66) Starting goaltender: Kale Thomson (31-11-3, .934 SP, 1.89 GAA) Goals for: 186 Goals against: 125

2014-15

Coach: Trent Cassan (Fifth season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Daylan Gatzke, 1994 F Dylan Johnson, 1994 F Josh Ellis, 1994 D Dylan Baer, 1994 D Dallas Rossiter, 1994 G Riley Medves, 1995 F Zach Zadorozniak, 1995 F Cortlan Procter, 1995 F Matthew Cox, 1995 F Riley Hunt, 1995 F Tyson Enzie, 1995 F Kailum Gervais, 1995 D Sam Stormoen.

Losses: 1993 F Derek Falloon, 1993 F Tyler Giebel, 1993 Tayler Thompson, 1993 D Devon McMullen, 1993 D Chase Norrish, 1993 D Brady Norrish, 1993 G Kale Thomson, 1994 D Tanner Lishchynsky, 1995 D Holden Cronin, 1996 F Jordan Ross.

Incoming: 1994 F Kurt Johnas, 1996 F Corwin Stevely, 1996 F Carson Cayer, 1996 F Adam Santoro, 1996 F Brayden Senft, 1996 F Kai Robinson, 1996 D Levi Morin, 1996 D Dayton Boutilier, 1996 G Ryan Bontorin, 1996 G Bailey Stephens.

Ed Komarnicki, MP

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Page 7

Question mark in net for promising Broncos Ryan Smith’s first big challenge as the new head coach and general manager of the Humboldt Broncos is to find a starting goalie.

The Broncos lost both of last year’s star rookies over the summer.

Ryland Pashovitz, who broke some SJHL records in a spectacular year, has joined Waterloo of the USHL. His backup, Cade Spencer, has decided not to play hockey this year.

Smith said several goalies would be coming in to compete for spots, including 18-year-old Brandon Holtby from the Tisdale Trojans.

“The crease is open.

Losing both guys really hurt us. They’re both good goalies and they’re both good people, but this is the nature of junior hockey.

You can’t hold onto guys forever,” said Smith. “It’s obviously a big concern of ours, but we feel we have some quality individuals coming to camp. It’s a great opportunity for these guys. Not very often are there two spots open. We will be watching very, very closely how our goalies play throughout camp and the exhibition schedule.”

Smith, the reigning MJHL coach of the year in Selkirk, was not hired to replace legendary coach Dean Brockman until late August, meaning he didn’t have much time to familiarize himself with his new team.

“I’m inheriting a team. I personally have a few feelers out on players,

Ryan Aubertin is among the veterans that will be asked to help the Broncos put the puck in the net. but I have not recruited anyone personally. That was all done by Dean and Brayden (Klimosko),” said Smith.

“It’s huge shoes to fill. (Brockman) is a real good person and he’s an excellent coach. His track record speaks for itself.

When you think about the SJHL and coaching in particular, his name comes up right away. I’m not naive to think there isn’t pressure. I realize I’ll be under a microscope, and I think people will be curious to see how it works out.

There are always going to be naysayers, but I feel like the support is here in town.

They love the Broncos, and they’re optimistic about the future without Dean.

It’ll take a few games to get into it. To fill Dean’s shoes, I’m not going to try and do that all in one day.

His legacy is here to stay.”

After reaching the

Go BRUINS We hope you have a great season.

league semifinals last year, Smith sees his team as a contender this season.

“I believe that we have a good nucleus. I think the players we had last year grew as a group and grew as a team ... I think they feel they weren’t far off last year and that they’re a step closer to winning a championship this year.

I think we have a strong team and we’ll make some noise and be in contention.

We feel we have a good team and we’ll compete and be one of the teams you have to look out for.”

Jarrett Fontaine, Ryan Aubertin, Dylan Fluter and Gray Marr are among the Broncos’ top returning forwards and will be expected to lead the way.

“I think you’ll see Gray Marr step up. He had a pretty good year last year. He’s going to come into his own. He’s at the right age to feel comfort-

able with his game. He’s got a 200 foot game, he can score, he can play defence,

he can skate,” said Smith.

The Broncos scored only 146 goals last year, putting them 10th in the league, but Smith believes he can help change that.

“I think we have a group that has struggled to score some goals, but I think we have some players who can score, I just don’t think they have the confidence right now.

We’re going to try to pull that out of them. On my teams, I’ve never had a problem scoring goals and that’s from forward one to forward 13. I’ve got some ideas that we can get some guys to put the puck in the net a little more. Our forwards are fast, strong, they compete hard, they’re very well disciplined. There’s

just a little lack of confidence in the goal scoring department and offensive play.”

On the blue line, Smith said Greg Moro and Connor Swystun will need to step up.

“Our back end is very strong. It will probably be our most competitive position in our camp. With five or six guys returning and some high end recruits, it is going to be a big strength of ours this year.

We maybe lack a little bit of offence there, but I think there’s some guys who we can bring that out of them.

They haven’t realized it yet. Our back end is going to be a battle to get on the ice and get into the lineup.”

2013-14

Record: 31-20-1-4 (67 points, third in Kramer) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Yorkton in semifinals Leading scorer: Jarrett Fontaine (56-15-21-36) Starting goaltender: Ryland Pashovitz (18-8-3, .948 SP, 1.60 GAA) Goals for: 146 Goals against: 132

2014-15

Coach: Ryan Smith (First season) Potential returnees: 1994 F Ryan Aubertin, 1994 F Dylan Fluter, 1994 F Matthew Audette, 1994 F Justin Lund, 1995 F Jarrett Fontaine, 1995 F Austin Duzan, 1995 F Stuart Symenuk, 1995 F Gray Marr, 1995 F Thomas Stanislavski, 1995 D Greg Moro, 1995 D Ryley McNeil, 1995 D Anthony Kapelke, 1995 D Stefan Freter, 1996 D Connor Swystun.

Losses: 1993 F Cody Pongracz, 1993 F David Miazga, 1993 F Kyle Oleniuk, 1993 F Rhett Blackmur, 1993 F Brandon Long, 1993 D Logan Sproule, 1993 D David Stumborg, 1995 G Ryland Pashovitz, 1995 G Cade Spencer.

Incoming: 1995 F Jackson Michelenko, 1996 D Hunter Breza, 1996 G Brandon Holtby, 1997 F Logan Schatz.

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Page 8

SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Page 9

Meet your 2014-2015 Estevan Bruins Name: Adam Canepa Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Portland Jr Pirates

Name: Brad Arabia Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Thunder Bay Kings

Name: Brandon Schaber Age: 19 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Buffalo Jr Sabres

Name: Zach Douglas Age: 19 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Brett Lewchuk Age: 19 Position: Goalie 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Carter Cowlthorp Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Southwest Cougars

Name: Chase McKersie Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Yorkton Harvest AAA

Name: Josh Rieger Age: 18 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Regina Pat Canadians

Name: Tyler Gutenberg Age: 18 Position: Goalie 2013/14 Team: Brandon AAA Wheat Kings

Name: Mason Benning Age: 18 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Battlefords AAA Stars

Name: Mahlon Head Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Okanagan Rockets

Name: Chris Thorimbert Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Cody Durdle Age: 18 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Central Plains Capitals

Name: Connor McKenzie Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: David Robertson Age: 20 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Jason Duret Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Lynnden Pastachak Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Levi Barnstable Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Regina Pat Canadians

Name: Wyatt Garagan Age: 20 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Keegan Allison Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Keaton Longpre Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Ryan Smith Age: 17 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Estevan Midget A Bruins

Name: Ryan Duret Age: 18 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: PA Mintos AAA

Name: Richard Yusa Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Providence Catholic

Name: Nolan Nicholas Age: 19 Position: Defence 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: RT Rice Age: 20 Position: Forward/Defence 2013/14 Team: Estevan Bruins

Name: Joey Ogden Age: 17 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Detroit Honeybaked U18

Name: Darcy DeRoose Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Everett Silvertips

Name: Kurt Sonne Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Port Moody Panthers

Name: Cole McKechney Age: 19 Position: Forward 2013/14 Team: Golden Rockets

Chris Lewgood Head Coach/ General Manager

Aren Miller Assistant Coach

Darnell Glass Assistant Coach

Page 10

SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Balanced Klippers look to go deep It’s tough to find a position of weakness on the Kindersley Klippers.

After two significant off-season trades, the Klippers are looking to contend for the second straight year, with better results than last season’s quarterfinal sweep, they hope.

It was a busy summer for head coach and general manager Rockie Zinger.

One of the two major deals saw the team flip leading scorer Colby Daniels to the La Ronge Ice Wolves for 19-year-old star Owen LaClare.

“It was two coach slash general managers that talk quite often discussing over the summer. It really wasn’t a, ‘Hey, I’m looking to move this guy,’ (situation),” said Zinger. “It was a deal that made sense for everybody. At the end of the day, a change was good for everyone involved. The rationale was if you’re going to acquire a player like Owen LaClare, you have to give up a player of high quality and that’s what Colby Daniels is. We wanted to add to our 1995 age group, we’re pretty thin at ‘95 forward and Owen added to it.

“We also needed to rebuild our right side. (Cody) Thiel, (Brandon) Lauder and (Eric) Pouliot were gone. We took one of our assets, a left winger, which we had a few of, and moved one of them to try to acquire a guy on the right side.”

The summer’s other big trade sent starting goalie Tyrell King to B.C., with the Klippers getting defenceman Joel Webb in return.

Zinger said with 17-year-old backup Evan Weninger looking so impressive, it was a chance to add an asset somewhere else.

“Weninger’s going to be the best goalie in the league. Tyrell King was unreal for us, but so was Evan Weninger. From a position of strength, we needed to acquire a defenceman, because we were losing (Austin) Yano and (Jared) Pilet, who logged a lot of minutes. We needed someone to plug into that situation. We’ve

Underrated defenceman Branden Scheidl will be asked to step up his game on the Klippers’ back end. got two starting goaltenders, so let’s dangle one to try to acquire a defenceman.

Which one are you going to move, the one with one more year or the one with possibly three more years?

We ended up finding a real good fit where it worked out for everybody. It’s one of those things where you look back as coaches and we all gain from it.”

Zinger said Weninger is “phenomenally quick down low and gets from post to post. The other thing is he’s unfazed. He has an ability to release the past. He lives in the moment ... it seems like the bigger the game, the better he plays.”

LaClare joins a forward group with a lot of weapons, including Stefen Seel (38 points) and Connor Garden (29).

“I think we have to have a balanced attack. We’re not built to have one line that just goes, goes, goes,” Zinger said.

“LaClare is a big physical presence. You really

notice him. Every time we played them up in La Ronge, he was always around the paint, right in that area. He gets a lot of goals down there. He’s hard to contain along the wall. He’s big, he skates well, he doesn’t shy away from those hard areas.

He’s a proven player who (tripled) his point total last year. I think you’ll see him take another step in the right direction.”

Another strength for the Klippers is on the back end, where Shaun MacPherson returned from Portland late in the year.

“Shaun MacPherson has the ability, in my mind, to be the best defenceman in our league. He does things you don’t see a lot of Junior A defencemen able to do.

He’s a very good quality defenceman. I think he’s going to be the core of it, and then you’ve got Joel Webb.

He’s going to step in and be a top four defenceman for us. He’s going to be a good player.

“You look at guys who

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logged a lot of ice time last year with little fanfare, in (Branden) Scheidl and (Conner) Veroba. They got overlooked a bit. If they can take steps in the right direction,

that’s a pretty solid nucleus to work with.”

Not only do the Klippers have top-end talent, they’re a deep club as well.

“We feel like we’ve got

an opportunity here where our depth is going to be pretty strong, to the point where if guys go down we’ll have some chess pieces to manoeuvre around.”

2013-14

Record: 34-16-3-3 (74 points, second in Kramer) Playoffs: Lost to Melville 4-0 in quarterfinals Leading scorer: Colby Daniels (55-13-28-41) Starting goaltender: Tyrell King (23-13-3, .930 SP, 2.16 GAA) Goals for: 165 Goals against: 130

2014-15

Coach: Rockie Zinger (fouth season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Devin Case, 1994 F Connor Garden, 1994 F Stefen Seel, 1994 F Marc Dubeau, 1994 F Graham Lanigan, 1994 D Shaw Watkins, 1994 D Shaun MacPherson, 1995 F Eli Jarvis, 1995 D Conner Veroba, 1995 D Branden Scheidl, 1996 F Cody Young, 1996 G Evan Weninger.

Losses: 1993 F Cody Thiel, 1993 F Gio Bombini, 1993 F Brandon Lauder, 1993 F Eric Pouliot, 1993 D Jared Pilet, 1993 D Austin Yano, 1994 F Colby Daniels, 1994 F Dylan Tuskey, 1994 G Tyrell King, 1994 D J.R. Wojciechowski, 1994 F Sean Naish.

Incoming: 1995 F Owen LaClare, 1995 D Joel Webb, 1996 D Ty Lindberg, 1996 F Jordan Wittman.

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Page 11

Youthful Wings look to end playoff drought In a league where 10 of 12 teams make the playoffs, missing the dance two years straight doesn’t often happen, and the Weyburn Red Wings are aiming to get back in this year.

The Wings lost only a handful of players to graduation, but a few other players won’t be back.

“We’ll see who shows up at training camp. It happens in major junior and it happens in Junior A. I’m not sure if it’s burnout for players, but some kids decide to walk away from the game,” said second-year head coach Bryce Thoma.

Ty McLean, who led the club in scoring as an 18-year-old, is believed to be among the players not returning to the club.

In addition, last year’s starter, 17-year-old Rylan Parenteau, was trying out with the Prince Albert Raiders. Thoma said he won’t be back whether he makes the

WHL or not.

That leaves returning backup Jack Burgart, along with four other goalies Thoma said would be attending training camp.

“It’ll be no different than last year, we’ll start with three and get down to our two,” he said.

Up front, the Red Wings will need several players to help get the job done, including returning captain Josh Lees (26 points) and Jon Brumwell (23). There is also a solid group of returning youngsters, including Jacob Jeske, Matt Eng, Donavon Lumb, Nick Pouliot and Braden Mellon. “ We k e p t t h r e e 17-year-old forwards last year who all played very well for us, especially Jacob Jeske is one of a handful of youngsters that will need to take a step forward for the Wings to score goals. in the second half of the year, in Lumb, Mellon and Jeske to build on the years two of the leading men on way on and off the ice. I “We missed the playPouliot. We expect them to they had last year. the back end. think it starts with him. offs by one point, so obvitake a step forward and be “Having a big centre“The blue line is al- He’s a guy who wants to ously our goal is to make better players, and Eng and man like Jon Brumwell, ways a work in progress. be in Weybyurn and is from the playoffs this year. I who plays a very honest It’s a tough position to play, Weyburn. He’s our captain think that’s every team’s game, is definitely an asset along with being a goalie. and heart and soul. goal.” to have down the middle,” Any time you make a misThoma added. take on the back end, it’s in “I don’t think we’re your net.”

2013-14 a team that has one guy Thoma said having Record: 21-28-3-4 that’s going to put up 75 Lees back is encouraging.

(49 points, fourth in points. We’re going to win “At the end of the day, by committee, with good it depends on who shows Viterra) goaltending, good defence up at camp. It’s a work in Playoffs: Did not and being strong up the progress and I think Josh qualify middle.”

Lees, returning as our capLeading scorer: Ty Colton Laroque and tain, is a guy who’s going McLean (51-15-27-42) Mason Anderson will be to be relied on to lead the

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Starting goaltender: Rylan Parenteau (16-22-2, .926 SP, 2.72 GAA) Goals for: 152 Goals against: 176

2014-15

Coach: Bryce Thoma (second season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Josh Lees, 1994 F Jon Brumwell, 1994 D Colton Laroque, 1995 F Joe Bristow, 1995 F Matt Eng, 1995 F Jacob Jeske, 1995 D Curtis Piecowye, 1995 D Mason Anderson, 1995 D Zach Landon, 1995 F Logan Herchak, 1995 G Jack Burgart, 1996 F Donavon Lumb, 1996 F Nick Pouliot, 1996 F Braden Mellon.

Losses: 1993 F Brian Farkas, 1993 F Shain Scheschuk, 1993 D Tyler Borstmayer, 1994 F Brendan McKay, 1994 D Cody Pettapiece, 1994 D Nathan Morris, 1995 F Ty McLean, 1996 G Rylan Parenteau.

Incoming: 1994 G Nicholas Malvin, 1996 D Daniel Fellner, 1996 D Trenton Zakaluzny, 1996 F Drake Glover, 1996 G Derek Mazil, 1996 F Trey Tendler, 1996 F Ian Parker, 1996 F Tyrell Pompu, 1996 D Skyler Reeve, 1997 D Logan Leslie.

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Page 12

SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Stars still competitive after ‘facelift’ It has been an offseason of change for the Battlefords North Stars, but fourth-year head coach Kevin Hasselberg is optimistic about this year’s squad.

“We’re doing a bit of a facelift,” he said.

Last year, the Stars were unbeatable in the second half and made it to the SJHL semis. A good deal of the core is gone through graduation and trades, but Hasselberg expects the club to go at least as far as it did in 2013-14.

Over the summer, the North Stars jettisoned key forward Luke McColgan, defenceman Latrell Charleson and last year’s strong backup Darren Martin in trades, and also lost forwards Blake Young (university) and Jack Petrino (NAHL).

Added to the roster were starting goalie Spencer Tremblay, forwards Adam Smith, Matthew Saharchuk and Carson Boehm, along with defencemen Michael Statchuk and Brock Weston.

Hasselberg hinted that there were trade requests.

“At the end of the day, every player has to do what’s best for themselves.

A lot of players have guidance and advice and make opinions based on their evaluations of the current situation, and we have to respect that. Our obligation is to our players, and part of that obligation is to have players who want to be part of your program,” he said.

“The players that are coming in all are excited and have a lot of enthusiasm to play here. That’s where it starts. We’re really excited about the players coming to camp, and they’re coming for the right reasons. They believe in our program.”

Tremblay, 20, has some major junior experience, but struggled last year with the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs, with a 5.15 goals-against average and .878 save percentage in 25 games.

Still, the Stars have faith in his ability.

“We’re very confident in Spencer. He’s got a great attitude. He’s had a challenging process up to this point in his junior career, where maybe he hasn’t met his own expectations, maybe he’s played well but been pushed aside for various reasons. He’s got a lot to improve in his game, but he wants to be a player and to lead this team and help our team be successful. He’s got a lot of tools, a very strong skill set for that position and combining that with our goaltending coach, Travis Harrington, he’s going to be right there.

“We were very lucky to have Michael Gudmandson last year, and we didn’t have him at the start of the season. We’re confident that Spencer can carry on in that department.”

Although there are some returning 20-yearolds, youth will be impor-

tant this year, with the likes of Jake McMillen, Reed Delainey and Regan Yew up front and Kendall Fransoo and Robin Yew on the blue line.

“It’s going to be critical. Those are our core players. These are the kids that are going to take the next step. Kendall’s going into his third season and so is Jake. Reid was a significant player last year, and he’s

going to have a tremendous opportunity. “There are a lot of character kids there that we feel are going to lead the charge and lead with their actions. It’s going to make the job easier for the kids coming in.”

Keller and McMillen are the top returning players up front, and they will get help from the likes of Delainey, Smith, Saharchuk, Igor Leonenko and Nick

Fountain.

“With the players we have coming in, there’s going to be an opportunity for a lot of skill and some creative ways to put the puck in the net, but we’ve combined that with some grit and some size so we can play a more checking style of game,” Hasselberg said, noting training camp would provide a chance to mould the team’s style of play.

2013-14

Record: 36-17-0-3 (75 points, first in Kramer) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Melville in semifinals Leading scorer: Cam Blair (39-19-24-43) Starting goaltender: Michael Gudmandson (20-3-1, .944 SP, .174 GAA) Goals for: 176 Goals against: 139

2014-15

’s after the game 98 Souris Ave., Estevan

Entering his third season at just 18, the sky is the limit for Kendall Fransoo.

On the blue line, veteran Jake Erickson and youngsters Fransoo and Robin Yew are back.

Statchuk and Weston are also expected to be key contributors.

“You know what’s significant, is they all bring a different element to the team and that’s exciting for us. We’re not going to have guys like Latrell (Charleson) and Dillon (Forbes) with their size, but we will have strong skating defencemen with creativity and the ability to do different things on the rush. We’re going to look different, but that’s exciting for us as coaches,” said Hasselberg.

Although the team has a different look, the coach believes there is enough talent to at least replicate last year’s run.

“When we evaluate the last three seasons, I really believe we’ve been consistent. We’ve faced a lot of different challenges along the way. With players that have come back for their second and third years, and new staff having fresh, new ideas, I only feel that we can improve.”

306-634-6610

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Coach: Kevin Hasselberg (Fourth season) Potential returnees: 1994 F Nick Fountain, 1994 F Brenden Heinrich, 1994 F Ryne Keller, 1994 D Jake Erickson, 1995 F Regan Yew, 1995 F Jake McMillen, 1995 F Igor Leonenko, 1995 D Robin Yew, 1996 F Reed Delainey, 1996 D Kendall Fransoo.

Losses: 1993 F Tanner Quinn, 1993 F Cam Blair, 1993 F Ben Greenaway, 1993 F Taylor Reich, 1993 D Dillon Forbes, 1993 D Kyle Schmidt, 1993 G Michael Gudmandson, 1994 F Luke McColgan, 1994 F Jack Petrino, 1994 F Blake Young, 1995 G Darren Martin, 1995 D Latrell Charleson, 1996 D Braden Lacoursiere.

Incoming: 1994 G Spencer Tremblay, 1994 F Adam Smith, 1994 D Michael Statchuk, 1995 F Matthew Saharchuk, 1995 D Brock Weston, 1996 F Josh Laframboise, 1996 F Carson Boehm.

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Page 13

Bombers reloaded and ready to rock The Flin Flon Bombers entered last season with a talented team but struggled and dealt some elite 20-year-olds at the trade deadline.

With the futures they got back, combined with the returning core, it appears the team has quickly transitioned back into a contender.

“That was kind of what we were aiming to do. I think we’ll have a pretty good team. I like the guys we brought in, but the league’s very competitive. It’s always a grind, year after year,” said Bombers head coach and general manager Mike Reagan.

“We’re going to be a tough team to play against.

We’re going to be a different type of team than we have been in the past, and hopefully that’ll put us in good position.”

Last season, the Bombers dealt away star forwards Brett Boehm, Dillan McCombie and Cam Blair, as well as the league’s top goaltender in Devin Buffalo.

Among the haul of futures received in the offseason were Chris Raukman, a 33-goal scorer with the Drumheller Dragons, and a pair of promising defencemen in Tanner Lishchynsky, a key member of last year’s national champion Yorkton Terriers as an 18-year-old, and Braden Lacoursiere, who impressed with the Battlefords North Stars at 17.

They also got Tanner Lomsnes, a point-per-game scorer with the Dauphin Kings, but he is testing his luck in the North American Hockey League, along with forwards Connor Bucsis and Paul Soubry and defenceman Cole Nichols.

Second-year defenceman Rob Cameron forms part of a formidable top four group for the Bombers.

The Bombers also had five players in WHL camps entering their own training camp.

Up front, Rauckman will be a centrepiece of the attack, with Reagan saying the team would be “relying on him heavily.”

Austin Calladine, who is currently trying out in the WHL, is the team’s top scorer eligible to return.

Parker Evans-Campbell (31 points), Erik Pedersen (30) and Austin Evans (28) will also be expected to lead.

Tyson Empey, who scored a disappointing 13 points last year, will be counted upon to make strides in his third season.

Danys Chartrand was arguably the Bombers’ best defenceman last year, with 22 points, and Rob Cameron is back for his sophomore year. Combined with the acquisitions of Lishchynsky and Lacoursiere, Reagan is excited about the team’s back end.

“We really like our top four,” he said.

“We like our core. I think it’s a pretty big core of guys that make up our team. It’s not just two or three guys. The guys we have coming back, down the stretch, we really liked those guys.

“We’re really happy with the makeup of our team. We’re going to be a hard working team. I think we’re going to be a tough team to play against. We’re going to score a lot more goals than we did last year because our D corps is a lot better. One of our weaknesses last year was the D getting the puck up to our forwards,” Reagan said.

The coach said there isn’t one strength on the team that stands out more than others, and that it’s a solid group across the board.

“I think we’ve got a really good balance. We really upgraded on our back end from a year ago, but in saying that, I think we’re going to score a lot more up front, when you add a 33-goal man to your lineup.”

After Buffalo’s departure, rookie Simon Hofley was impressive late in the

season and in the playoffs.

He will take over the reins this year.

“We’re very happy with our goaltending. Simon Hofley was given a great opportunity to prove himself down the stretch. It took some time, but we’ve got a confident goaltender in him now. His numbers as a rookie were better than Devin Buffalo’s numbers as a rookie, so if you make that comparison, the future is looking pretty bright in goal.”

There is also 17-yearold Connor Ingram, fresh off winning the Telus Cup with the Prince Albert Mintos. He is currently trying out for the WHL. Wi t h t h e l i k e s o f Boehm, McCombie, Blair,

Buffalo and others, the Bombers were picked by many to win the Canalta Cup over the last couple of years.

They fell short of that goal, and despite the era of those players ending, Reagan said it’s important to make a big run this season.

“We’ve gotta make a real strong push to win a championship or at least get really deep into the playoffs, or else we really wasted a year. We’ve preached to our guys that expectations are real high for this club. But there’s still a lot of work to do and everybody knows you don’t win a championship in September. It’s going to be a work in progress. There are going to be some ups and downs, we realize that.”

2013-14

Record: 23-30-1-2 (49 points, third in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 3-2 to Estevan in survivor series Leading scorer: Austin Calladine (46-17-17-34) Starting goaltender: Simon Hofley (11-13, .916 SP, 3.28 GAA) Goals for: 139 Goals against: 169

2014-15

Coach: Mike Reagan (Eighth season) Potential returnees: 1994 F Parker Evans-Campbell, 1994 F Austin Evans, 1994 F Dean Allison, 1994 D Danys Chartrand, 1994 D A.J. Kapcheck, 1995 F Seamus Maguire, 1995 F Evan Akkerman, 1995 F Tyson Empey, 1995 F Austin Calladine, 1995 F Erik Pedersen, 1995 D Rob Cameron, 1995 G Simon Hofley.

Losses: 1993 F Brody Robinson, 1993 D Brock Hounsell, 1994 D Simon Desrosiers, 1994 F Peter Poulin-Roy, 1995 F Dalton Menke, 1995 F Connor Bucsis, 1995 F Paul Soubry, 1995 D Cole Nichols.

Incoming: 1994 F Chris Rauckman, 1995 F Alex Smith, 1995 D Tanner Lishchynsky, 1995 F Neil Woolfrey, 1996 D Braden Lacoursiere, 1996 D Mason Etter, 1996 F Kristian St. Onge, 1997 D Curtis Roach, 1997 D Dustin Perrilat, 1997 G Connor Ingram.

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Page 14

SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Hounds strong with big returning group The bodies are there.

Now it’s time for them to prove they can play leading roles on a good team.

The Notre Dame Hounds have almost their entire team back from last year, but that alone isn’t enough for first-year head coach Clint Mylymok to declare them a contender.

“Our expectations are always to be competitive.

We’ll see where things shake out over the first 10 or so games, then we’ll have a better idea. There’s some depth on the team.

We have bodies, but will the bodies translate into scoring and what we need?

We’ll find out pretty quick at training camp. Like any team, we’re always looking for depth on defence and maybe one or two guys up front to control the puck and add some offence,” said Mylymok, who has been an assistant coach to Kevin White the last two years.

The Hounds have a full complement of forwards back, led by star sniper Sam Aulie, who is entering his final year.

“Sam scored 26 goals, and surprisingly 17 assists.

I think most people would think he’d have the opposite numbers, based on his style of play, but that tells you the sky’s the limit for him,” said Mylymok.

“Everyone knows who he is. At my first league meeting, there were a lot of questions about his availability. He’s got lots of abilities. It’s kind of up to him, to be honest. He’s going to get the ice time he needs to produce.”

Ian Williams is entering his third season and had

Ryan Donovan is part of a strong group of returning forwards for the Hounds.

35 points in just 42 games last year, with Mylymok pointing out he needs to stay healthy. The likes of Ryan Donovan (30 points), Dion Antisin and Jared Martin will also be expected to lead offensively.

“Those are guys that compete. They know how to work. Once again, it’s who’s going to score? We’d like to have a little more scoring, so someone’s going to have to come out of that group and prove they can be a second line or first line guy and put the puck in the net,” said Mylymok. “If not, we’ll go to our plan B, which is the young guys.”

On the back end, 20-year-olds Austin Lightfoot and Yanni Mamais will be relied upon, along with second-years Spencer Trapp and Nathan Walsh.

“Those are guys that played a lot of minutes last year. Lightfoot and Yanni are in their last year, so for leadership and for

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toughness, they stand out right away,” Mylymok said. “Trapp, everyone is well aware of his talent.

We’ll see what they’re like at camp, how serious they are about wanting to be a better hockey player and what kind of shape they’re in. Those are the guys we expect to lead the way.”

In goal, 19-year-olds Alexi Thibaudeau and Brett Soles return, but Mylymok said it might not be easy to keep them both happy. Thibaudeau was the starter last year.

“Having two 1995s, in year one it’s easy, they’re both excited and young and happy to play. This year?

It’s hard to carry two guys in the same birth year, unless you’re in the NHL. I don’t anticipate it being a perfect situation if they’re both here, but if they are, you make the best of it and go with the hot hand.”

Mylymok believes team attention to defence

will be a strength, but he isn’t sold on the team’s ability to score.

“You look at it and you would think they know how

2013-14

Record: 22-27-2-5 (51 points, fourth in Kramer) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Yorkton in quarterfinals Leading scorer: Sam Aulie (55-26-17-43) Starting goaltender: Alexi Thibaudeau (15-20-4, .910 SP, 2.69 GAA) Goals for: 136 Goals against: 175

2014-15

Coach: Clint Mylymok (first season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Sam Aulie, 1994 F Dylan McIntosh, 1994 F Ryan Donovan, 1994 F Dion Antisin, 1994 F Jared Martin, 1994 F Cory Anderson, 1994 D Yanni Mamais, 1994 D Austin Lightfoot, 1995 F Andrew Cummings, 1995 F Ian Williams, 1995 F Ram Brar, 1995 F Jon Paris, 1995 D Spencer Trapp, 1995 D Will Lightfoot, 1995 D Nathan Walsh, 1995 G Alexi Thibaudeau, 1995 G Brett Soles.

Losses: 1993 F Dillon Schwartzenberger, 1993 F Logan Saworski, 1993 D Brandon Kuse, 1993 D Kale Derkson, 1995 F Kevin Madden.

Incoming: 1996 F Alex Laflamme, 1997 F Jack Flaman, 1997 F Angus Scott.

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to play defence. It’s a team that you look at the guys coming back, they’re very responsible two-way players. I think that’s a strength.

I don’t look at it and go, ‘Jeez, I don’t know if they can play defence or not.’

That should be something that, yes, we’ll be working on, but if I have to spend more time on that than teaching them how to score goals, we’re in trouble.

“Who’s going to score this year? You have your core guys and then you’re looking at your second and third liners and who’s going to score.”

The Kramer Division was tight last year, and with the Hounds likely to ice an improved squad, it should be a dogfight.

“You look at the teams and the year they had last year, and I anticipate it’ll be another tight division, with a lot of tough points to earn. The whole SJ, on any given night, as soon as your players take someone for granted, you lose.”

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SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Page 15

Depth keeps Mils in upper echelon

Good Luck This Year, Bruins!

The Melville Millionaires have more bodies than they know what to do with, at all positions.

Look no further than the number of goaltenders competing for two spots in training camp.

“The wide open thing is goaltending right now.

We have 11 coming to camp and all of them could be the starter this year. They’re not here for the experience. We brought all of them in to compete,” said Millionaires head coach Jamie Fiesel.

With more than half the team returning and plenty of players from all over coming in to compete for spots — Fiesel has brought in 14 Americans alone — it’s anyone’s guess who will fill out the depth positions.

“There are no real headliners (coming in), but when you return as many as we do, you gotta expect that,” said Fiesel.

Last year’s team surprised everyone, and most of

that core is back, so the Mils are excited about this season.

“We have high expectations every year. We even had them last year when we only had four returning guys.

I think we were the only ones that did. I don’t think it’ll be as much of a surprise this year that we expect to be in contention.”

Fiesel said the team’s biggest strength isn’t necessarily on the ice.

“I think it’s our overall leadership, because we had a culture change last year in how we did things, the guys bought in and it definitely helped with the success we had. Those kids are back, and they have the work ethic we expect and things to make ourselves better. We don’t have the superstars on paper that scare people, but we’ve got a very solid group and good leadership and that’ll be the key.”

Landon Farrell (37 points) and Allen Kilback (33 in 28 games) are the

team’s top remaining forwards, while Tyson Predinchuk (32 in 31 games) was in camp with the Portland Winterhawks and his fate was unclear.

Fiesel noted the likes of Reed Murray and Lane Harbor will be part of the supporting cast.

“Our forward group is real deep. We’re not even sure if we’re playing Jeff Hubic and Ben Mack at forward or defence. We definitely have numbers at forward, especially with the recruits we brought in. There’s going to be some tough decisions up front, that’s for sure.”

On the blue line, Hubic will be a key player, should he play there, while Cole Berreth and Joseph Sutherland will also be relied on.

As with the forwards, a lot will depend on who comes back from WHL camps.

“If you get a Devan Fafard back, our D looks different again. We’re real deep and there are lots of options,” Fiesel said.

While there are a lot of variables in determining exactly how the roster will look, the Millionaires’ goals are the same regardless.

After being swept by the Highway 10 rival Yorkton Terriers in last year’s league final, only one result is acceptable.

“We gotta win the

Cole Berreth was one of many impressive newcomers last season and will be expected to lead on defence. league,” Fiesel said.

“You have to have things fall in place. Last year, by the end of the season, we had lost Predinchuk, (T.J.) Reeve and Hubic. To have the success we want to have, you have to have breaks and have things go well, and you gotta make your own breaks.

The things you can control, like work ethic, working to make yourself better, team bonding, you’ve gotta do a real good job of.”

Last year, it was a big surprise when the Mils contended for first place in the Viterra Division. It certainly won’t be this year.

Good Luck this season Bruins!

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2013-14

Record: 34-16-2-4 (74 points, second in Viterra) Playoffs: Lost 4-0 to Yorkton in league final Leading scorer: Colin Mospanchuk (53-20-28-48) Starting goaltender: Isaiah Plett (28-13-4, .924 SP, 2.37 GAA) Goals for: 181 Goals against: 158

2014-15

Coach: Jamie Fiesel (11th season) Potential Returnees: 1994 F Brady Constant, 1994 F Allen Kilback, 1994 F Landon Farrell, 1994 F Lane Harbor, 1994 F Reed Murray, 1994 D Jeff Hubic, 1994 D Adam Koopman, 1994 D Matthew Carr, 1994 D Cole Berreth, 1995 F Tyson Predinchuk, 1995 F Eric Meyer, 1995 F Dylan Ostertag, 1995 D Joseph Sutherland, 1995 D Ben Mack.

Losses: 1993 F Kelvin Walz, 1993 F Colin Mospanchuk, 1993 F Sam Williams, 1993 F T.J. Constant, 1993 D Alec Brandrup, 1993 D Simon Genereux, 1993 D Adam DiBella, 1993 G Isaiah Plett, 1995 D Zach Fowles, 1995 F Conner Tudor, 1995 G Richard Palmer, 1996 F Ashton Clark.

Incoming: 1995 G Sean Keuhn, 1996 G Jonathon Loeffler, 1996 F Jaden Kreklewich,1997 F Drew Litwin, 1997 D Chance Patterson.

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Page 16

SJHL PREVIEW September 17, 2014

Bleak outlook for Ice Wolves Despite missing the SJHL playoffs the last two years, the La Ronge Ice Wolves are only returning seven players from last year’s roster.

The Wolves lost six players to graduation and 20-year-olds Dasan Sydora, Joren Johnson and Cole Golka are also not back.

Other players were moved out in trades, with the Wolves and Kindersley Klippers swinging a blockbuster that sent star forward Colby Daniels and Dylan Tuskey to La Ronge for star Owen Laclare and Rhett Kehoe.

“At that point, we wanted to change the dynamic in our dressing room. Owen wanted to go somewhere else, and we immediately identified Colby as the guy we wanted, and we went out and got him,” said Ice Wolves head coach Shawn Martin.

Tuskey is going to university, as is 20-year-old goaltender Tanner Kovacs, who was acquired earlier this summer.

With last year’s starter Tyler Fuhr being at Regina Pats camp and his status up in the air, the Wolves brought in several goalies to compete for the two spots.

The most notable are Kris Joyce, the MVP of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League last year, and former Swift Current Legionnaires starter Luke Grassl. Both are 19.

“We’ll let (Fuhr’s situation) play out, but we had to

recruit like he wouldn’t be here. He’s an option if things don’t work out for him,” said Martin.

Up front, Daniels will be the go-to guy after putting up 87 points the last two years in Kindersley. He will be joined by Jared Iron, who had 35 points last year and is entering his fourth season.

“Iron had a pretty good year for us last year. He’s had a long relationship with Colby Daniels. They’ve played a lot of hockey together in the past, so obviously those two will be front and centre,” said Martin.

Off-season pickups Cole Porter, Matt Painchaud and Toby Shattler will join returnees Kyle Campbell and Connor Kortko in forming the supporting cast.

Several defencemen are back from last year, including Caley Bjork and Brandon Hodge.

“We’re confident in those guys to lead the way,” said Martin.

Kyler Wilkinson, 20, and Kyle Lamont, 19, were also added over the summer to help out on the back end.

“It’ll be a little bit of a work in progress till everyone gets used to playing with each other, but the final product should be good on the ice,” Martin commented.

After missing the playoffs the last two years, including Martin’s first season behind the bench, he acknowledged it will be another building year, with

the focus on the future.

“We don’t really have any (expectations) at this point. We’re in a situation, almost a transition, where we want to go with a young lineup and change the dynamic of our hockey team. We want to try to build a team where we can put a pretty good run in together for the next two or three years.”

Joren Johnson is one of several players eligible to return who are not coming back to La Ronge.

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2013-14

Record: 20-33-3-0 (43 points, fourth in Sherwood) Playoffs: Did not qualify Leading scorer: Sebastien Beauregard (56-32-25-57) Starting goaltender: Tyler Fuhr (13-21, .903 SP, 3.68 GAA) Goals for: 175 Goals against: 232

2014-15

Coach: Shawn Martin (Second season) Potential returnees: 1994 F Kyle Campbell, 1994 F Jared Iron, 1994 D Caley Bjork, 1995 F Connor Kortko, 1995 D Zach Harms, 1995 D Jorden Rooke, 1995 D Brandon Hodge, 1995 G Tyler Fuhr.

Losses: 1993 F Sebastien Beauregard, 1993 F Tyson Valette, 1993 F Dayton Reinboldt, 1993 F Daulton Siwak, 1993 D Brett Blatz, 1993 D Eric Macoretta, 1994 F Rhett Kehoe, 1994 D Owen Solecki, 1994 F Cole Golka, 1994 D Joren Johnson, 1994 G Dasan Sydora, 1995 F Owen LaClare.

Incoming: 1994 F Colby Daniels, 1994 D Kyler Wilkinson, 1995 G Kris Joyce, 1995 G Luke Grassl, 1995 F Cole Porter, 1995 D Kyle Lamont, 1996 F Matt Painchaud, 1996 F Toby Shattler.

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