SJHL Preview 2012-13

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SJHL PREVIEW 2012

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D2 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

Milligan expected to be key puzzle piece The Estevan Bruins are currently without a captain. And whether Connor Milligan is tapped for that role or not (this corner is betting that’s the case), the 20-year-old defenceman will be leaned on heavily this year for his leadership and experience. The Winnipeg-born rearguard is entering his first full season in Estevan, having been acquired from the Camrose Kodiaks early last year. But he has already left his stamp on the club. Milligan performed beyond the team’s expectations after being brought in, and he said that joining a young, enthusiastic squad made it easy to get motivated. “Just comfort and excitement,” he said of the reasons for his early impact. “You come to a place like Estevan that just thrives on hockey, they really support the team ... if you don’t feel excited, you kinda gotta check your pulse.” Milligan is a tough defenceman who takes care of his own end first. He got some power play time last season and managed 10 points in 36 games, but it’s not hard to tell where his priorities are. Milligan’s maturity is quickly apparent, and one of the times that manifested itself was during his rookie season when the Kodiaks hosted the RBC Cup. Milligan missed most of the playoff run with an injury, playing only one game in the national championship. He said it was “an exciting moment” just to be part of the tournament at the age of 18, and that despite the frustration, he found that he still had an off-ice role, something that stuck with him when he joined the Bruins. “You kinda look toward keeping the dressing

Veteran defenceman Connor Milligan will be relied on in all situations this year. room calm, and the guys who were out there, support them and keep them in check. I think it helped me coming into Estevan, which was a younger team,” he recalled. Another tough experience for Milligan came last November, roughly a month after he arrived, when he suffered a concussion that kept him out for five weeks. “That was frustrating. Definitely a pretty big wall. I had caught stride and I was starting to feel comfortable,” he said, adding that the injury affected his play initially when he came back. “I think with any injury, but with concussions

(especially), you do come back a little timid.” On top of his onice contributions, Milligan said he occasionally found himself taking on a mentorship role with the Bruins’ bevy of rookie rearguards. “You never really want to raise yourself above players after you get traded, but if they had any questions, I was ready to help them out, because I did go through that experience in Camrose where I was in and out of the lineup.” One of those 18-yearolds was Tyler Poskus, who was acquired from Nipawin in November along with Tyler Paslawski

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and blossomed into something the Bruins didn’t know they were getting. “Playing with Poskus, it’s a great time playing with him because we’re pretty similar players.

He was able to go up and take some chances with me staying back,” said Milligan. A defensive corps that was the glaring weakness of the team entering last

season is now shaping up into a potential strong point. With rookies Tyler Kauk and Austin Yano establishing that they are well on their way to stardom, as well as the acquisition of Milligan and Poskus and now the recent trade that added 20-year-old Patrick Hurley from the SIJHL, Milligan is optimistic about what the group can do. “It’s a very well-oiled machine back there this year. Hopefully the boys will be ready to go. There’s great chemistry there.” As for the possibility of wearing the ‘C’, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound blueliner said there are several worthy candidates to earn the letter. “I think it’d be a huge honour, of course, but we’ve got a lot of guys who can fit that mould. We’ve got level-headed guys who can control themselves in pressure situations,” Milligan said. Asked what kind of leadership he can bring to the club, he said it’s a mixed bag of approaches. “My biggest thing I’ve been taught growing up, by a lot of coaches, is show it on the ice and hopefully guys will follow. I am a vocal guy in the room, I try to calm guys down and not get too hyped up on things and show them how exciting it is to play here.”

My biggest thing I’ve been taught growing up, by a lot of coaches, is show it on the ice and hopefully guys will follow. I am a vocal guy in the room, I try to calm guys down and not get too hyped up on things and show them how exciting it is to play here” - Connor Milligan

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September 19, 2012 D3

Taylor Reich (10) and Matt Brykaliuk are among the players expected to emerge offensively for the Bruins this year.

Reich part of sophomore group waiting to break out Tyler Kauk, Austin Yano and Steven Glass all burst onto the SJHL scene last year and showed they were capable of playing a leading role on a playoff team at the tender age of 18. The Estevan Bruins’ highly touted group of four rookie forwards didn’t make quite the same impact, but they all brought promise and excitement to Spectra Place in their own way. Hometown left winger Taylor Reich is part of that 1993-born group, which also includes Tanner Froese, Matt Brykaliuk and Ben Johnstone. Of the quartet, Reich especially was expected to pay immediate dividends and he did exactly that. Reich produced 14

goals and 32 points in 49 games, and he was a jackof-all-trades type who could excel in any number of roles. To that effect, Bruins coach Keith Cassidy had this to say about him after a particularly strong showing during the SJHL Showcase last year: “He’s awesome. He’s like our utility infielder. I can put him in any role and he just does it to the best of his ability and usually that’s pretty darn good.� With a physical game that belies his 5-foot-11, 179-pound frame and an ability to play with varying linemates, Reich is entering his second season with his sights aimed upward. “I want to be a guy who they can go to in any situation and do well. It was nice they

gave me the chance they did last year and hopefully I’ll get the same opportunities this year,� said the former Saskatoon Contact. “Having a year under your belt helps a lot. It helps you figure out what you can be and what you have to improve and you have a sense of what you have to do going into (your sophomore year).� The Bruins are losing a large group of veterans, ranging from grads to eligible returnees who left for a variety of reasons. That group includes forwards Dylan Smith and Josh Jelinski, who both logged plenty of ice time last year and are vacating significant slots in the lineup. Reich believes the perhaps soon-to-be fab four

are ready and able to fill that void. “Right from the start, everyone has to show a bit of leadership and accept that those people aren’t coming back. We have to not only replace them, but go above and beyond that. “We’re going to have to step it up again this year. We’ll have a bigger role and bigger shoes to fill this year. We have a year under our belt and we know what it’s about,� he said. Last year, the Bruins thought long and hard about their rookie of the year nominee, considering the likes of Kauk, Yano, Glass and Reich, eventually settling on Kauk. On a team with a more typical cast of rookies, one

assumes that Brykaliuk, Froese and Johnstone would have had a shot at that nomination as well. Reich said each of his fellow sophomore attackers offers something different when they step on the ice. Johnstone, a diminutive Carlyle native who wowed crowds at times with big hits, notched eight goals and 16 points in 49 games, mostly in a fourth-line role. “Ben’s a big energy guy who can put the puck in the net,� Reich said. Brykaliuk has silky smooth hands, speed to burn and probably possesses the most pure skill of the group. The Brandon product recorded 10 goals and 20 points in 44 games last year as a mainstay in the bottom

six unit. “Brykaliuk is calm and slippery and can weasel his way out of any situation,� Reich chuckled. “He’s good with the puck.� Froese is another Estevan native who owns a unique blend of skill and toughness, and he used his shot to contend for the Cy Young last year with 15 goals and four assists. “Tanner’s an all around guy. He has a lot of offence, good skills up front and can make things happen,� said Reich of the former Swift Current Legionnaire. The Bruins’ mediumterm offensive plans are built in a big way around these four players, and as 19-year-olds they will be expected to show they are worthy of that tag.

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D4 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

TEAM PREVIEW Depth key for emerging Bruins club Yes, the Estevan Bruins have lost leading scorer Dylan Smith and captain Josh Jelinski. Thanks largely to the depth the team has built up, they aren’t overly concerned about that affecting their chances this year. Last season, 18-yearolds comprised half of the team’s roster. Most of those players showed an ability to make significant contributions. Some of them, like defencemen Tyler Kauk and Austin Yano and puckstopper Steven Glass, took on leading roles as rookies. Add overage forwards Calder Neufeld and Cole Olson, both of whom finished in the top 15 in SJHL scoring, as well as rock solid veteran defender Connor Milligan, and the Bruins are returning a strong group that should contend for first place in the Sherwood Conference. “I think we’ve got the potential to be one of the upper-echelon teams in the league,” said second-year head coach Keith Cassidy. On the subject of potentially winning a Canalta Cup, Cassidy said “I think we’re capable of doing that this year.” T h e t e a m ’s d e p t h starts up front. “We’ve got Neufeld and Olson back, which are two-thirds of one of the best lines in the league last year, so I’m excited about that. Quite honestly, whoever fits in with them is going to have two pretty good linemates. We’re expecting them to pick up where they left off,” said Cassidy.

the team hopes he will be among the SJHL’s top goalies as a 19-year-old. “He’s capable of carrying the mail for us all year long. He’s gotten tremendous looks from different schools and we’re hoping that when he gets in there this year, he shows what he can do and we can help him move along. Last year he took on a role that he probably shouldn’t have had to ... the original plan was to get him in

Calder Neufeld had 67 points last year and the sniper will likely challenge for the league scoring title in his final season. “We lose a little bit of scoring with Smith not being back, but certainly I think there are guys there that can fill the void.” The third member of that line could be physical forward Tyler Paslawski, who notched 11 goals and 31 points last year. The Bruins gave up former Manitoba midget AAA scoring leader Jesse Bernard in the trade that brought him in, and he’ll be given a chance to make the deal pay off. Complementing those three players will be a quintet of 19-year-olds, including wingers Taylor Reich (32 points last year), Matt Brykaliuk (20), Tanner Froese (19) and centre Ben Johnstone (16). The fifth member of the group is left winger Austin Daae, who spent most of the season with the Prince George

Cougars. He logged six assists in five games in Estevan. “They’re all talented and they all have different characteristics they can bring to the game. I like the way Froese is looking on the ice (in training camp),” Cassidy said. “He did have 15 goals last year and that’s not bad for a first-year player. He does have a nose for the net and if we give him more time (it should translate to more production).” The Bruins are also confident about their defensive corps. At the beginning of last season, that area was a massive concern. Through the play of Yano, Kauk and fellow rookie Tyler Poskus, along with the acquisition of Milligan, that is no longer the case.

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Kauk and Yano were among the top rookies in the league while forming a peanut-butter-andjelly pairing comprised of Kauk’s hard-hitting defensive play and Yano’s offensive ability (nine goals, 27 points). “I think it’s going to be a pretty big strength for the team and it’s going to be a pretty big battle back there (in camp) with the spots we have available. Kauk and Yano, you can’t say enough about what they did as first-year players last year ... they did a wonderful job for us,” said Cassidy. “Where we are this year (on the back end) compared to this time last year is a night and day experience.” Meanwhile, Glass stole the starter ’s job before Christmas and

2011-12

there to get comfortable and get an idea of what junior hockey is about,” said Cassidy. Although he believes the talent is in place for a run toward the top of the standings, Cassidy cautioned that execution and work ethic will have to be on the Bruins’ side for them to actually do it. “I’ll say the same thing I said last year: we’re going to finish where we deserve to finish this year.”

Estevan Bruins

Record: 28-28-0-2 (58 points, 4th in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-0 to Weyburn in Sherwood semis Leading scorer: Dylan Smith (57-37-37-74) Starting goaltender: Steven Glass (13-13-1, .899 SP, 3.49 GAA) Goals for: 208 Goals against: 211

2012-13

Coach: Keith Cassidy (2nd season) Returnees: 1992 LW Calder Neufeld, 1992 C Cole Olson, 1992 RW Tyler Paslawski, 1992 D Connor Milligan, 1993 LW Taylor Reich, 1993 RW Tanner Froese, 1993 C Ben Johnstone, 1993 LW Matt Brykaliuk, 1993 D Tyler Kauk, 1993 D Austin Yano, 1993 D Tyler Poskus, 1993 D Denin Boesch, 1993 G Steven Glass. Losses: 1991 LW Matthew Dochylo, 1991 C Derek Whitehill, 1991 D Dominic Perrault, 1992 RW Dylan Smith, 1992 C Josh Jelinski, 1992 W Michael Hengen, 1992 D Zach MacLellan, 1992 D/W Eric Baldwin, 1993 G Tyler Ross. Incoming: 1992 D Patrick Hurley, 1992 F Nick Weiss, 1993 LW Austin Daae, 1994 G Travis Pelletier, 1994 F Wyatt Garagan, 1994 F Hudson Morrison, 1994 F Brandon Halbgewachs, 1994 C Dayton Picard, 1994 D Brett Dumaine, 1994 D David Robertson, 1995 D Zach Douglas.

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September 19, 2012 D5

TEAM PREVIEW Mils return plenty of firepower up front When teams pinpoint a certain season to “go for it�, they usually don’t have a lot of talent coming back the next year. Not so for the Melville Millionaires. The Mils will likely outscore most SJHL teams this year with the crop of forwards returning to the team. Opponents’ game plans will revolve around shutting down the high-octane duo of Ian McNulty and Russell Trudeau, both of whom have shown the ability to do a lot of damage. McNulty exploded for 39 goals and 86 points as a 19-year-old, good for second in league scoring. Trudeau was acquired from Steinbach early in the season and put up 29 goals and 54 points in 42 games. The truly impressive part was that Trudeau did it as an 18-year-old. Those two should be among the main challengers for the SJHL scoring title. But Melville’s offensive prowess extends far beyond them. “We’ve got basically 10 forwards coming back. We’re excited about that group. We’ve got some guys coming in pretty good shape,� said Millionaires head coach and general manager Jamie Fiesel. SeanAschim spent most of last year in the WHL, playing only eight games in

The Millionaires are keying on a bounce-back season from overage winger Lucas Froese. Melville, and he was hurt at that point. But he’s a proven SJHL star, having scored at a point-per-game clip in Melfort when he was 18. Fiesel is looking forward to having him for a full season. “We’re excited that he’s back. We’ve got three veteran lines, basically. My veteran guys seem really excited,� Fiesel said. There are several younger forwards who will get more ice time this year, including ex-Regina Pat Michael Sagen (34 points last year) and 18-year-olds Allen Kilback (20) and T.J. Reeve (13 in 32 games) Overager Lucas Froese had an injury-riddled season after flirting with the pointper-game mark two years ago, and he will be expected to return to that form. Fiesel acknowledged

that Melville’s defensive corps is “our biggest question mark, everyone says, coming in� but he is optimistic about the back end. There are three returnees — Tyler Bird, Adam DiBella and Landon Hall — as well as 19-year-old Rylan Badduke, who spent part of last season with the club. Bird and DiBella, 20 and 19 respectively, will log plenty of minutes in a shutdown role. Hall, 20, was acquired from Dauphin last year but missed virtually the entire season with injuries. It will be crucial for him to stay healthy, as Fiesel believes he will be a strong offensive rearguard for the club. “I’m OK with the four guys coming back. They look really good. Now I just gotta find guys to complement

them,� Fiesel said, adding that the team had injuries to a litany of defencemen last year and managed to stay competitive. “It’s not only our D, it’s our veteran group. We need them to lead right off the bat. We need everyone to take a step up and take our game to the next level,� he said. Between the pipes, 1993-bornAlex Wakaluk was impressive in 26 appearances last year, with a .910 save percentage, and now inherits the crease from Blake Voth. “He could’ve started all year last year, but we just figured we were a good playoff team that had a chance (and traded for Voth),� said Fiesel. “To be honest, I would’ve been comfortable with him in net all year. What I did like is the way he reacted to it ... he knew his time would come, and guess what, this year is his time.� It’s not clear yet who will back up Wakaluk. Fiesel believes his team can make another deep run this season, as they did in reaching the Sherwood final in 2011-12. But the Mils will have to get off to a better start than last year, when they were projected as a favourite and began the season very slowly. “I don’t want to dig ourselves in the hole that we did last year. We had some bad breaks and our injury situa-

tion was ridiculous last year ... (but) we just got behind and it took us all year to recover. I just don’t want to dig that hole this year. I think we’re a good enough veteran team that we can play around with

the top teams. “There are no guarantees. I’m not going to sit here and say to you that we’re going to be first place and win the league, but we’ll be there fighting for it.�

Melville Millionaires

2011-12

Record: 29-21-4-4 (66 points, 3rd in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-3 to Weyburn in Sherwood final Leading scorer: Ian McNulty (58-39-47-86) Starting goaltender: Blake Voth (16-11-1, .915 SP, 3.05 GAA) Goals for: 213 Goals against: 196

2012-13

Coach: Jamie Fiesel (9th season) Returnees: 1992 LW Ian McNulty, 1992 RW Connor Lowe-Wylde, 1992 C Sean Aschim, 1992 LW Lucas Froese, 1992 C Dustin Eberle, 1992 D Landon Hall, 1992 D Tyler Bird, 1993 RW Russell Trudeau, 1993 RW Colin Mospanchuk, 1993 LW Michael Sagen, 1993 LW Alex Elliott, 1993 D Adam DiBella, 1993 G Alex Wakaluk, 1994 RW T.J. Reeve, 1994 C Allen Kilback. Losses: 1991 C Jesse Mireau, 1991 C Michael Desjarlais, 1991 LW Connor Bradshaw, 1991 LW Taylor Wasden, 1991 D Bob Pond, 1991 D Lee Christensen, 1991 D Brett Kipling, 1991 D Tyson Newell, 1991 G Blake Voth, 1993 D John Stechyshyn. Incoming: 1993 D Rylan Badduke, 1993 C Travis Lemaire, 1993 G Josh Switzer, 1994 F Adam Koopman, 1994 D Kirk Lissel, 1994 G Troy Trembley, 1995 D Colby Williams.

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D6 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

TEAM PREVIEW Wings look to depth to stay competitive Losing all three players on the best line in the league, along with a stud goaltender, can be hard on a team. The Weyburn Red Wings are hoping some of their returning players will keep them afloat. Gone are Keegan Bruce, Coltyn Sanderson and Jesse Ross, who all finished in the top six in SJHL scoring last year. Ross led the league with 46 goals and 91 points. Also gone is star goaltender Mitch Kilgore, who was at times the biggest reason for the Wings’ success over the last two years. Taking Kilgore’s place in the crease this year is 19-year-old Brett Teskey, who has some WHL experience and appeared in 15 games with Weyburn last season, posting an .876 save percentage and 3.14 goals-against average. The Red Wings’ defence corps may well be their greatest strength.

Thomas Carleton first made his mark as a handful to play against during a post-season call-up at 16, and now the Wings hope the 18-year-old can add some offence to his physical game. The back end will be led in part by 19-yearold twin towers Carter Struthers and Tyler Borstmayer, who both stand 6-foot-4. Struthers was one of the most impressive rookies in the SJHL last year, posting 24 points in 41 games

while using his big frame to take care of his own end. Struthers has already committed to Bemidji State for next year. Borstmayer, meanwhile, had his rights acquired from the Melfort Mustangs last year after spending parts of two sea-

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sons with the Regina Pats. The St. Brieux native had 13 points in 46 games with Weyburn. Jens Johnson, 20, will also play a leading role after asserting himself as an offensive defenceman last year with 27 points. A January birthday, Johnson will be one of the oldest players in the SJHL and his experience should prove valuable. Up fro n t, Mi g u e l Pereira and Jack Kennelly will be asked to build on successful 19-year-old campaigns. Pereira, a native of St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., was brought in before Christmas and dominated, producing 23 goals and 43 points in 39 games as a first-year SJHLer. Kennelly came to Weyburn after playing Junior B in B.C. He was an important source of secondary scoring, putting up 16 goals and 42 points. There is also the case of Ryan Whitell, a natural defenceman who has mostly played at forward the last two years with the Wings. Whitell totalled 11 goals and 32 points last year and will make an impact wherever he slots in. Sam Williams managed 18 points in 38 games as a rookie and will log more ice time as a 19-yearold. Robert Wilkinson (14 points in 38 games) and

18-year-olds Thomas Carleton (12 points) and Lane Harbor (nine in 40 games) will also need to step up their output. Carleton is an effective pest, and if he can add some offence to his game, he would provide a strong package for the Wings. Another difference-

maker up front could be 19-year-old Kyle Oleniuk, who was once listed by the Bruins, but opted to go to Salmon Arm (BCHL) and wound up in Weyburn. Oleniuk, who put up big numbers in his last year of midget, had 14 points in 46 games combined between the two leagues.

Weyburn Red Wings

2011-12

Record: 37-19-1-1 (76 points, 1st in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Humboldt in league final Leading scorer: Jesse Ross (56-46-45-91) Starting goaltender: Mitch Kilgore (26-14-1, .906 SP, 2.90 GAA) Goals for: 222 Goals against: 180

2012-13

Coach: Dwight McMillan (37th season) Returnees: 1992 LW Jackson Schneider, 1992 LW Jack Kennelly, 1992 RW Miguel Pereira, 1992 LW Ryan Whitell, 1992 D Jens Johnson, 1993 C Kyle Oleniuk, 1993 LW Sam Williams, 1993 RW Cory Kosloski, 1993 RW Robert Wilkinson, 1993 D Eric Macoretta, 1993 D Carter Struthers, 1993 D Tyler Borstmayer, 1993 G Brett Teskey, 1994 RW Lane Harbor, 1994 C Thomas Carleton. Losses: 1991 C Coltyn Sanderson, 1991 RW Jesse Ross, 1991 LW Keegan Bruce, 1991 C Jordon Hoffman, 1991 D Dylan Coupal, 1991 D Kevin Morrison, 1991 D Braden Kmita, 1991 G Mitch Kilgore, 1992 RW Kevin Mann. Incoming: 1994 G Andrew Matheson, 1994 D Drake Brown, 1994 D Brandon Ganz, 1994 D Cody Fiala, 1994 C Jayden Roosen, 1994 RW Josh Lees.

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September 19, 2012 D7

TEAM PREVIEW Terriers looking to stay in upper echelon After appearing in two consecutive SJHL finals in 2010 and 2011, the Yorkton Terriers have reloaded and continued to contend without missing a beat. Last year the Terriers finished second in the Sherwood Conference despite being somewhat young and having a number of 18-year-olds play prominent roles. This year, many of those 1993-born players will be expected to help lead the club while being complemented by a group of four 20-year-olds, all of them forwards. Tyler Giebel scored at a point-per-game rate in 40 games after coming down from the WHL, and fellow ‘93s Tayler Thompson, Curtis Oliver and Jamie Vlanich also had very encouraging offensive numbers. “A lot of those guys last

year were first-year guys for us that played a lot of minutes that usually older guys would play,� said Terriers head coach Trent Cassan. The Terriers also brought in 1993-born Derek Falloon from Swan Valley in a trade for veteran goalie Warren Shymko. Falloon had 35 points in the MJHL last year. Throw in overagers Zak Majkowski (55 points last year) and Jeremy Johnson (45), and Yorkton has a deep offensive cast, something that has become a trademark for the T-Dogs in recent years. “That’s usually been our identity here,� said Cassan, who is entering his third full season after taking over the reins late in the 2009-10 season and leading the underDogs to the league final. “We’ve always had good balance and that’s something as a

Yorkton Terriers 2011-12

Record: 33-20-2-3 (71 points, 2nd in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 4-1 to Melville in Sherwood semis Leading scorer: Zak Majkowski (56-19-36-55) Starting goaltender: Warren Shymko (18-112, .912 SP, 2.46 GAA) Goals for: 198 Goals against: 162

2012-13

Coach: Trent Cassan (3rd season) Returnees: 1992 C Brenden Poncelet, 1992 RW Jeremy Johnson, 1992 LW Nathan Murray, 1992 RW Zak Majkowski, 1993 RW Tayler Thompson, 1993 RW Tyler Giebel, 1993 C Curtis Oliver, 1993 RW Ryley Stefanyshyn, 1993 RW Jamie Vlanich, 1993 D Devon McMullen, 1993 D Brady Norrish, 1993 Chase Norrish, 1993 G Kale Thomson, 1994 D Dylan Baer. Losses: 1991 LW Brent Struble, 1991 C Riley Paterson, 1991 C Ryon Sookro, 1991 D Kelly Leismeister, 1991 D Sam Rockwell, 1991 D Keven Cann, 1992 LW Kyle McLeod, 1994 G Dawson MacAuley, 1995 LW Kailum Gervais. Incoming: 1993 C Derek Falloon, 1994 W Daylan Gatzke, 1994 D Caley Bjork.

team that we rely on, having balance and depth in different positions. “I think we have a good mix of returning guys. We have some good offensive guys and some guys who can play the penalty kill and that physical play and those kinds of roles.� Meanwhile, 19-yearolds Devon McMullen, Chase Norrish and Brady Norrish were key cogs on the back end last year and will be expected to lead the way with no overagers in the group. Cassan said there were three 20-year-olds and three 18-year-olds on the blue line last year and that the youngsters were very impressive. “Our 20-year-olds were certainly great leaders and good character players for us, but those three young guys logged a lot of minutes in all situations,� Cassan said. “Come playoff time, those three were our top defencemen and showed a lot of maturity and poise. What they don’t have in size, they make up for in mobility and character.� Dylan Baer made the team as a 17-year-old last year and Cassan is hoping he’ll be a good source of sandpaper in his second year in the circuit. “There are a couple of older guys we’re possibly looking at, but I think overall as a group, our defence should

be solid again,� he added. In the wake of the Shymko trade, 19-year-old Kale Thomson will take over the crease as Yorkton’s starter. Thomson was part of a three-goalie system last year and only got to appear in 14 games, but he recorded a solid .911 save percentage. “Last year, the opportunities he was given, he stepped in every time and played great. He’d play two or three games and then not see action for two or three weeks,� said Cassan. “He was a good teammate about it and he was very mature about the three goalies situation. “He’s pretty calm. Off the ice, you talk with him and he doesn’t really seem to let anything get to him or bother him. A lot of goalies can show a lot of emotion, but Kale is pretty composed.� Cassan added that Thomson tends to rely on his positioning and angles to stop the puck, rather than being a “reactionary� or “flashy� goalie. The third goalie on the roster last year was 1994-born Dawson MacAuley. He is in camp with the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Terriers don’t expect to see him back. They’re also not counting on getting 1995-born forward Kailum Gervais back from the Brandon Wheat Kings. Gervais was the only

16-year-old regular in the SJHL last year and recorded 10 points in 34 games. Yorkton is aiming to improve on last year’s finish, and Cassan said it’s not necessarily wise to look to 2013-14 as “the year� because of the 1993 crop.

“I know you want to have balance in your age groups ... but it’s a year-to-year thing, you gotta try to ice the best team you can in that coming year. You can predict that you’ve got 10-12 guys eligible to come back, but that’s not always the case.�

Jamie Vlanich is one of several 1993-born forwards that should get top-six ice time for the Terriers this year.

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D8 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

TEAM PREVIEW Kindersley Klippers 2011-12

Record: 11-41-3-3 (28 points, 6th in Sherwood) Playoffs: Did not qualify Leading scorer: D. Jay McGrath (55-10-21-31) Starting goaltender: Justin McDonald (4-231, .886 SP, 4.16 GAA) Goals for: 148 Goals against: 248

2012-13

Coach: Rockie Zinger (2nd season) Returnees: 1992 C D. Jay McGrath, 1992 LW Bradley Buckingham, 1992 D Zane Morin, 1992 D David Haaf, 1993 C Alex Laird, 1993 C Brennan Bosovich, 1993 LW Kyle Davies, 1993 LW Trent Hermary, 1993 LW Beau Stewart, 1993 C Travis Geislinger, 1993 D Troy Gedny, 1993 D Brett Blatz, 1993 D Christopher Manhas, 1994 LW Colby Daniels, 1994 RW Justin Lund. Losses: 1992 G Justin McDonald, 1993 RW Tanner Kissick, 1993 RW Austin McDonald, 1993 D Steven Normand, 1993 G Brandon Stone. Incoming: 1992 G Warren Shymko, 1993 F Brandon Lauder, 1993 LW Giovanni Bombini, 1993 D Jared Pilet, 1994 RW Colton Schick, 1994 D Shaun MacPherson.

Klippers look for youngsters to take strides Entering the second year of a rebuild, the Kindersley Klippers are looking to take a step forward after missing the playoffs last season for the first time in five years. The team hopes that will be achieved through the combination of adding 20-yearold goalie Warren Shymko and significant improvement from a number of 1993- and 1994-born players. Shymko was acquired from the MJHL’s Swan Valley Stampeders for skilled 19-year-old forward Austin McDonald, not long after the Klippers traded his brother Justin, an overage goalie, to the OCN Blizzard for futures. Klippers head coach Rockie Zinger said that bringing in Shymko, who was among the upper echelon of SJHL netminders last year, should be beneficial for other players. “Players play with more

confidence with a goalie that can play,” he said. Shymko was 18-11-2 with the Yorkton Terriers last year, posting a .912 save percentage and 2.46 goalsagainst average. His backup could be former Bruins goalie Brandon Stone, but it was unclear whether he would report to Kindersley. Up front, 20-year-old D. Jay McGrath will be expected to lead the attack. The former Everett Silvertip had 31 points last year, after scoring 30 in 38 games the previous season. Alex Laird, 19, had 20 points in 44 games last year split between Nipawin and Kindersley. He was the key piece acquired for Wheaton King and will likely find a spot on the first line. Brandon Lauder, 19, is the return the Klippers got from dealing Taylor Duzan last season. They got 19-year-

old forward Matt Glowa from Humboldt, then flipped him to Portage (MJHL) for Lauder after he didn’t report. Lauder had 29 points split between Portage and Okotoks (AJHL) as a rookie. Overager Bradley Buckingham, trade acquisition Giovanni Bombini, Kyle Davies, Trent Hermary, Colby Daniels and Justin Lund are among the others who will be expected to chip in. Zinger sees rookie Colton Schick, a former Bruins prospect, making an impact in the physical department as well. “I think we’re going to be a team with four lines, all with the ability to wear teams down and chip in offensively,” Zinger said. “I don’t think we’re going to have potent lines like Sanderson, Ross and Bruce (in Weyburn last year), but I’m hoping we have four lines we can roll with some balance.”

As for defencemen, 19-year-old Troy Gedny has a lot of potential and the Klippers hope he realizes it this year after recording 17 points as a rookie. “It’s all on him. If Troy can come in and play sound defensive hockey, he’s got the offensive ability. But he’s got to figure the defence part out. But he’s doing it and he’s willing,” Zinger said. “If he figures it out, he’s got a scary amount of potential. He can shoot, skate ... he’s got an unbelievable shot.” Other key rearguards are 20-year-olds David Haaf and Zane Morin, as well as sophomore Brett Blatz. “Our blue line is probably our most improved aspect of our team this year, just from guys maturing and from new recruits that have come in. The most promising thing is it’s got the potential to be together for two years,” said Zinger.

Good Luck Bruins On Your New Season!

We Are Behind You All The Way!

Colby Daniels, 18, is one of many players the Klippers are hoping to see improvement from.

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www.estevanmercury.ca

September 19, 2012 D9

TEAM PREVIEW Hounds’ blueline key to improvement Some hockey players are so valuable that their team’s success is reliant on them to a massive degree. Notre Dame Hounds defenceman Carson Grolla is one of those players. Grolla emerged from the shadow of departed rearguard James Howden last year and was named the SJHL’s defenceman of the year as a 19-year-old. Howden received a Division 1 scholarship and didn’t play his last year of junior. Hounds head coach and general manager Kevin White believes the same would have happened to Grolla if not for the impending NHL lockout, which leads a lot of players who might have left school for the big league to stay in the NCAA. “I know it’s hard to say that he’s going to be a whole lot better (than last year), but he’s older, it’s his fourth year in the league, and to be quite honest, he shouldn’t be here,� said White. “Last year where we lost Howden, we were fully expecting to lose Grolla and it’s fortunate for us that we didn’t.� The Trail, B.C. native showed promise in his first two seasons, and he broke out last year with 16 goals and 41 points while providing a strong, physical game in his

Kale Derkson is one of several forwards who will have to do more to provide secondary scoring for the Hounds. own end despite his 5-foot-10 stature. “The first thing is he’s big and strong, he uses his strength effectively, creates room out there and he’s progressively gotten better offensively. He’s played a lot every year, he’s gotten good minutes in key situations, and he thrives on that,� said White. While the Hounds are excited about a number of other returnees and rookies this season, it’s probably safe to say that as Grolla goes, so goes the Wilcox entry in the SJHL. With four 20-year-olds on the back end, there are other rearguards the team will key on, like Mitch Boucher (32 points last year), Troy Murray and sophomore Brandon

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Kuse. “I expect us to have one of the best bluelines in the league,� White said, adding that rookies like Austin Lightfoot (Notre DameArgos midget AAA), Colton Laroque (Beardy’s) and Yanni Mamais (Yorkton) will contribute as well. Scoring has not been a strong point for the Hounds since Jaden and Rylan Schwartz left in 2009. But White is expecting a balanced offensive group led by sophomores Brandon Millin (43 points, co-rookie of the year) and Dillon Schwartzenberger (25 points in 43 games). “We want (those two) to make strides, right. We want Mills to go from almost 50 points to hopefully 70.

Schwartzenberger, when healthy, can be a 50-point guy,� said White. “We’ve got some very good offensive rookies coming in. We feel we’re going to be good up front. We’re going to be deep, but we’re going to have to score by committee,� he said, adding that last year’s balanced offensive cast in Nipawin is the type of result he’s aiming for. The team hopes that 20-year-olds Catlin Foley and Paul Brisebois can step up their production, and rookies Ian Williams (Hounds AAA) and Sam Aulie (Regina) will be given a chance to contribute. Williams is a 17-yearold who was called up for 11 games last year and impressed with four goals and seven points. He surpassed the point-per-game mark last year with the midget AAA Hounds. “We’ll put him in an offensive role. We’ll give him an opportunity to be in our top six and I think he’ll take full advantage,� said White. The goaltending duties will be handled by sophomore Ty Reichenbach — who got off to a hot start, but faded — and newly acquired 20-yearold Michael Salmon. “We weren’t very happy with our goaltending last year. We felt that it cost us games,�

White said. “We have lots of confidence in Ty returning. Last year he shouldn’t have played as much as he did and he got worn out and wasn’t used to it. We brought

Michael in to push him. It’s open season for those two to compete for the No. 1 job.� White said the team’s aiming for a top-three spot in the Sherwood Conference.

Notre Dame Hounds

2011-12

Record: 22-33-0-3 (47 points, 5th in Sherwood) Playoffs: Lost 3-0 to Estevan in Sherwood survivor series. Leading scorer: Todd Christian (57-25-32-57) Starting goaltender: Ty Reichenbach (13-193, .880 SP, 3.77 GAA) Goals for: 172 Goals against: 233

2012-13

Coach: Kevin White (3rd season) Returnees: 1992 LW Brandon Millin, 1992 RW Catlin Foley, 1992 LW Josh Bruha, 1992 F Paul Brisebois, 1992 D Carson Grolla, 1992 D Mitch Boucher, 1992 D Troy Murray, 1993 C Dillon Schwartzenberger, 1993 C Kale Derkson, 1993 LW Logan Saworski, 1993 RW Ryan Fitzgerald, 1993 D Blaine Thomson, 1993 D Brandon Kuse, 1993 G Ty Reichenbach. Losses: 1991 LW Greg Ferguson, 1991 C Ben Morgan, 1991 LW Todd Christian, 1991 C Dayton Shaw, 1991 D Dylan Babe, 1991 G Matthew Smidt, 1993 LW James Dombowsky. Incoming: 1992 G Michael Salmon, 1994 C Sam Aulie, 1994 LW Jared Martin, 1994 F Cory Anderson, 1994 D Austin Lightfoot, 1994 D Colton Laroque, 1994 D Ryan Donovan, 1994 D Yanni Mamais, 1994 D Dylan MacIntosh, 1995 C Ian Williams.

Good luck this season Bruins!

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D10 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

www.estevanmercury.ca

September 19, 2012 D11

Meet your 2012-2013 Estevan Bruins Roster current as of Friday, September 14.

Denin Boesch Hometown: White City Birth Year: 1993 Position: Defence Height: 5’11” Weight: 188 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 46-0-6-6

Dylan Johner

Matt Brykaliuk

Austin Daae

Hometown: Brandon, Man. Birth Year: 1993 Position: C/LW Height: 6’1” Weight: 180 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 44-10-10-20

Hometown: Estevan Birth Year: 1993 Position: Left Wing Height: 6’0” Weight: 180 Last Year’s Team: Prince George Cougars (WHL) Last Year’s Stats: 52-2-4-6

Ben Johnstone

Hometown: Estevan Birth Year: 1994 Position: Left Wing Height: 6’0” Weight: 172 Last Year’s Team: Moose Jaw Generals Last Year’s Stats: 44-10-14-24

Hometown: Carlyle Birth Year: 1993 Position: Centre Height: 5’7” Weight: 160 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 49-8-8-16

Dayton Picard

Tyler Poskus

Hometown: Stoughton Birth Year: 1994 Position: Centre Height: 5’10” Weight: 146 Last Year’s Team: Moose Jaw Generals (SMHL) Last Year’s Stats: 43-20-18-38

Hometown: Red Deer, Alta. Birth Year: 1993 Position: Defence Height: 6’1” Weight: 180 Last Year’s Team: Nipawin Hawks/ Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 36-2-8-10

Zach Douglas

Brett Dumaine

Tanner Froese

Wyatt Garagan

Hometown: McTaggart Birth Year: 1994 Position: Defence Height: 5’11” Weight: 170 Last Year’s Team: Moose Jaw Generals (SMHL) Last Year’s Stats: 44-5-15-20

Hometown: Calgary Birth Year: 1994 Position: Defence/Forward Height: 6’4” Weight: 205 Last Year’s Team: Calgary Midget AA Blue Last Year’s Stats: 25-7-23-30

Hometown: Estevan Birth Year: 1993 Position: Right Wing Height: 6’0” Weight: 175 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 54-15-4-19

Tyler Kauk

Connor Milligan

Hudson Morrison

Calder Neufeld

Hometown: Winnipeg Birth Year: 1993 Position: Defence Height: 6’0” Weight: 210 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 58-4-19-23

Hometown: Winnipeg Birth Year: 1992 Position: Defence Height: 6’1” Weight: 200 Last Year’s Team: Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)/Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats (SJHL): 36-1-9-10

Hometown: Souris, Man. Birth Year: 1994 Position: Right Wing Height: 5’11” Weight: 170 Last Year’s Team: Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL) Last Year’s Stats: 36-2-2-4

Hometown: Carrot River Birth Year: 1992 Position: Left Wing Height: 5’11” Weight: 195 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 54-34-33-67

Taylor Reich

David Robertson

Nick Sova

Wyatt Trumbley

Tyson Valette

Hometown: Estevan Birth Year: 1993 Position: Left Wing Height: 5’11” Weight: 180 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 49-14-18-32

Hometown: Boissevain, Man. Birth Year: 1994 Position: Defence Height: 6’0” Weight: 190 Last Year’s Team: Southwest Cougars (MMHL) Last Year’s Stats: 44-9-14-23

Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minn. Birth Year: 1993 Position: Defence Height: 6’3” Weight: 209 Last Year’s Team: Minot Minotauros (NAHL)/ Bozeman Ice Dogs (AWHL) Last Year’s Stats (NAHL): 16-0-0-0

Hometown: Campbell River, B.C. Birth Year: 1994 Position: Defence Height: 6’2” Weight: 172 Last Year’s Team: Campbell River Storm (VIJHL) Last Year’s Stats: 40-2-17-19

Hometown: High River, Alta. Birth Year: 1993 Position: Centre Height: 6’0” Weight: 165 Last Year’s Team: La Ronge Ice Wolves Last Year’s Stats: 26-1-4-5

Hometown: Estevan Birth Year: 1994 Position: Left Wing Height: 6’1” Weight: 174 Last Year’s Team: Tisdale Trojans Last Year’s Stats: 40-19-17-36

Justin Nychuk Hometown: Zehner Birth Year: 1993 Position: Centre Height: 5’11” Weight: 185 Last Year’s Team: Assiniboia Southern Rebels (PJHL) Last Year’s Stats: 8-2-1-3

Steven Glass

Brandon Halbgewachs

Patrick Hurley

Hometown: Saskatoon Birth Year: 1993 Position: Goalie Height: 6’0” Weight: 165 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 13-13-1, 3.49 GAA, .899%

Hometown: White City Birth Year: 1994 Position: Left Wing/Centre Height: 5’10” Weight: 181 Last Year’s Team: Regina Pat Canadians (SMHL) Last Year’s Stats: 44-6-21-27

Hometown: Duluth, Minn. Birth Year: 1992 Position: Defence Height: 6’3” Weight: 216 Last Year’s Team: Gustavus Adolphus (NCAA)/ Wisconsin Wilderness (SIJHL) Last Year’s Stats (SIJHL): 17-2-6-8

Cole Olson

Tyler Paslawski

Travis Pelletier

Hometown: Choiceland Birth Year: 1992 Position: Right Wing Height: 6’2” Weight: 190 Last Year’s Team: Nipawin Hawks/ Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 53-11-20-31

Hometown: Balgonie Birth Year: 1994 Position: Goalie Height: 6’2” Weight: 161 Last Year’s Team: Regina Pat Canadians (SMHL) Last Year’s Stats: 10-10-3, 2.83 GAA, .903%

Nick Weiss

Ben Williams

Austin Yano

Hometown: Port Hope, Ont. Birth Year: 1992 Position: Right Wing Height: 6’0” Weight: 179 Last Year’s Team: Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) Last Year’s Stats: 51-11-14-25

Hometown: Souris, Man. Birth Year: 1994 Position: Forward Height: 5’10” Weight: 170 Last Year’s Team: Southwest Cougars (MMHL) Last Year’s Stats: 44-11-21-32

Hometown: Deloraine, Man. Birth Year: 1992 Position: Centre Height: 5’11” Weight: 160 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 58-17-39-56

Hometown: White City Birth Year: 1993 Position: Defence Height: 5’9” Weight: 165 Last Year’s Team: Estevan Bruins Last Year’s Stats: 50-9-18-27

D12 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

Ten players poised to break out Here are 10 SJHL players who were rookies last season and could make a lot of noise this year: Matt Brykaliuk, C — Estevan Bruins 2011-12: 44-10-10-20 The slippery forward is moving back to centre on the second line. He is one of the most purely skilled players on the team and should break 40 points. Mitch Doell, C — Nipawin Hawks 2011-12: 56-15-18-33 Doell was one of the SJHL’s most impressive 18-year-olds last year and the Hawks expect him to score at a point-per-game pace. Troy Gedny, D — Kindersley Klippers 2011-12: 55-5-11-16 A coveted player with puckmoving potential, Gedny had to take on a lot of responsibility in 201112 with a weak supporting cast. Landon Hiebert, RW — Flin Flon Bombers 2011-12: 46-8-7-15 Hiebert will have to earn his ice time on a very deep Bomber club, but he’ll take on more responsibility after a decent rookie showing.

Sublimely skilled Matt Brykaliuk is expected to earn a spot in the Bruins’ top six and put up some numbers. Allen Kilback, C — Melville Millionaires 2011-12: 56-6-14-20 The diminutive forward found a niche for himself as a 17-year-old on a deep Mils squad, and big things are expected in his encore effort. Curtis Oliver, C — Yorkton Terriers 2011-12: 47-15-12-27 The Manitoba product

was one of several 18-yearolds to step up for Yorkton last year and should find a top six role in 2012-13. Cody Pettapiece, D — Humboldt Broncos 2011-12: 30-1-6-7 Pettapiece already owns a Division 1 scholarship and, as a 17-year-old, managed to stick on a team hosting the RBC Cup.

Dillon Schwartzenberger, C — Notre Dame Hounds 2011-12: 43-11-14-25 It’s a hassle to get his name on a jersey, but he was in the midst of an impressive rookie campaign prior to a late-season injury. Carter Struthers, D — Weyburn Red Wings 2011-12: 41-5-19-24 Struthers could have

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Honourable Mention: Jesse Bernard, C — Nipawin Hawks Tanner Froese, RW — Estevan Bruins Ta d K o z u n , LW — Nipawin Hawks Alex Laird, C — Kindersley Klippers Matt Saunderson, D — Melfort Mustangs Austin Yano, D — Estevan Bruins

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September 19, 2012 D13

TEAM PREVIEW Hawks seek to soar to new heights The Nipawin Hawks have a chance this season to completely wipe out the memories of several years spent in the wilderness. After two years out of the playoffs, followed by a statement season in 201112 in which they finished third in the Bauer Conference and fourth overall, the Hawks are on the brink of something special. One of the biggest strengths in Nipawin last season was depth at all positions, and that figures to be the case again this year as a club that once

2011-12

was weak suddenly seems to have talent coming out of the woodwork. “I think it’s huge. You look at the injuries that most teams sustain and if we didn’t have that depth, we would’ve been hardpressed to even make the playoffs,� said head coach and general manager Doug Johnson. “We have three incredibly offensive lines and one good grinding, ‘wear out defencemen’ line. Our back end should be outstanding.� On top of that, the Hawks have the reigning

Nipawin Hawks

Record: 34-20-4-0 (72 points, 3rd in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-3 to Battlefords in Bauer semis Leading scorer: Justin Waskewitch (47-16-3551) Starting goaltender: Davis Jones (26-12-0, .920 SP, 2.42 GAA) Goals for: 204 Goals against: 167

2012-13

Coach: Doug Johnson (3rd season) Returnees: 1992 LW Wheaton King, 1992 RW Ryan Ostertag, 1992 C Stuart Holland, 1992 LW Brady Zerr, 1992 D Jeff Datoff, 1992 D Grant Jensen, 1992 D Jesse Williamson, 1992 G Davis Jones, 1993 C Mitch Doell, 1993 C Jesse Bernard, 1993 LW Dustin Skilliter, 1993 LW Tad Kozun, 1993 RW Michael Lambert, 1993 D Keenan Martens, 1993 D Eric Bollefer, 1993 D Ben Petros 1992 RW Justin Waskewitch. Losses: 1991 RW Darius Cole, 1991 RW Dan Szerlip, 1991 LW Eric Peterson, 1991 C Adam Reichert, 1991 D Scott Bollefer, 1994 G Taran Kozun. Incoming: 1993 D Ian Humphreys, 1994 LW Garret Lockeridge, 1994 F Brendan Hopkins, 1994 LW Carter Coben, 1994 F Brett Rossi, 1994 D David Heath, 1994 D Ian Bablitz, 1994 D Jesse Roden, 1995 LW Dexter Bricker.

SJHL goalie of the year in Davis Jones, who was 2612 last season with a .920 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average. Johnson described the netminder as “a great citizen� on and off the ice. “I don’t think we can say enough about him. You can put all the praise on him you can heap, and I still don’t think it will do him justice,� he said. “You have him in net and you know he’s going to steal you games. He’s not going to let in that weak goal that’s a backbreaker for your team.� Five grads are gone: forwards Adam Reichert, Darius Cole, Eric Peterson and Dan Szerlip, and defenceman Scott Bollefer. Backup Taran Kozun, 18, will likely stick with the Kamloops Blazers, but other than that, every eligible returnee is back. But the team has a litany of offensive contributors who are a year older and, they hope, stronger. Three of them are former Bruins: leading scorer Justin Waskewitch (51 points last year), Ryan Ostertag (36) and Jesse Bernard (27). They also retain lateseason acquisition Wheaton King (47 points) as well as sophomores Mitch Doell (33) and Tad Kozun, who had 27 points in 37 games before going down with a broken leg. Johnson is expecting Doell to score at a point-per-game pace and Bernard, who was a top Bruins prospect before getting dealt in the trade that brought Tyler Paslawski and Tyler Poskus to town, also will be keyed on

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The Hawks have lost key defenceman Scott Bollefer (pictured) to graduation, but they have high hopes for his younger brother Eric. heavily. Bernard led the Manitoba midget AAA league in scoring two years ago. He was held pointless in 20 games in Estevan, then scored 27 points in 32 games in Nipawin. “We gave Jesse a lot of opportunities and it seemed like he got his confidence back and he was outstanding for us,� said Johnson. “When he came to Nipawin, he was a point-per-game player basically as a rookie, which is pretty uncommon. I see him as a guy who should be top 20 in the league in scoring this year, and as a 20-year-old he could lead the league.� Among the team’s rookie recruits are four forwards and three defencemen. That group includes two prospects obtained from the Bruins in the Bernard trade, those being 18-year-olds Garret Lockeridge and Brendan Hopkins. On the back end, the underrated Jeff Datoff will run the show.

Datoff scored 12 goals and 35 points last year and the Hawks are expecting more out of him as a 20-year-old. “I don’t know if there’s a better offensive defenceman in the league than Datoff,� said Johnson. “He’s just gotten more confident as he’s been here. His poise with the puck is outstanding. For a smaller guy, he plays physical too — by no means is he a liability. He’s a special player and probably doesn’t get the

recognition he deserves.� Jesse Williamson, Grant Jensen, Eric Bollefer and Keenan Martens will also be asked to step up. “We have the makings of a pretty dynamic back end,� Johnson said. Although Nipawin is among the favourites to take home the Canalta Cup this season, Johnson said the organization is not going for broke. “After (my) first year, I told everybody in town, ‘From now on, we’ll never be rebuilding, we’ll be reloading.’ Obviously we’re going to do whatever we can to win this year, but we’ll try to win next year too, and what we have two years down the road is pretty special too. “Are we going to sell the whole farm this year? No, and I don’t think we have to. “We’re pretty excited about what the next five years holds for the Nipawin Hawks and even beyond that.� Many years of patience are starting to pay off in Nipawin. The good times are coming.

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D14 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

TEAM PREVIEW Bombers aiming for SJHL championship Flin Flon Bombers 2011-12

Record: 28-21-3-6 (65 points, 5th in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 3-0 to La Ronge in Bauer survivor series Leading scorer: Riley Storzuk (46-22-36-58) Starting goaltender: Devin Buffalo (18-14-5, .909 SP, 3.37 GAA) Goals for: 205 Goals against: 214

2012-13

Coach: Mike Reagan (6th season) Returnees: 1992 LW Riley Storzuk, 1992 C Dylan Balaski, 1992 RW Dylan Macnab, 1992 LW Konrad Litke, 1992 D Brandt Weldon, 1993 C Cam Blair, 1993 LW Greg Wiwcharuk, 1993 C Cole McCaig, 1993 RW Landon Hiebert, 1993 D Justin Schoffer, 1993 D Tanner Clark, 1993 D Dallen Hall, 1993 D Brock Hounsell, 1993 G Devin Buffalo, 1994 C Dillan McCombie, 1994 G Andy Desautels. Losses: 1991 RW Jesse Mysiorek, 1991 RW Jay Young, 1991 D David Roper, 1991 D James McNulty, 1992 C Brett Penner, 1992 D Stefan Virtanen. Incoming: 1992 D Josh Roach, 1992 C Logan Sceviour, 1993 F Brody Robinson, 1994 RW Brett Boehm, 1994 RW Hayden Dawes, 1994 D Danys Chartrand, 1994 D Garrett Zelinski, 1994 G Austin Rediron.

It’s hard to find a weakness anywhere in the Flin Flon Bombers’ armour. From a disgustingly talented offensive group, to a very strong back end led by Josh Roach, to reigning rookie of the year Devin Buffalo in net, this edition of the Bombers is built to take home a banner. Bombers head coach and GM Mike Reagan is practically giddy about the group he has, and it’s hard to blame him. The best part might be that many of the leaders of this core are eligible to come back next year for another run. Forwards Dillan McCombie, Cam Blair, Landon Hiebert, and highly touted rookie Brett Boehm can all return in 2013-14, as can Buffalo and defencemen Tanner Clark and Dallen Hall. Although it would be a surprise if McCombie hasn’t landed a spot at a Division 1 school by then. “We’re not looking at this as ‘this is a make or break year where we gotta do it this year,’� said Reagan. But they certainly have an excellent chance to “do it� this year, that being win the

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Canalta Cup. McCombie, for starters, is going into his third SJHL season at just 18, having scored 57 points last year. He is one of the brightest lights in the league. McCombie will start on the Bombers’second line with Blair and Boehm. “I think he’s capable of big things. I expect him to be near the top of the league in scoring,� Reagan said of McCombie. “He’s going to reap the benefits of playing with a guy like Cam Blair, who had 50 points as an 18-year-old. Sometimes that’s overshadowed by McCombie. The sky’s the limit for all three of them, I think.� Boehm, 18, led the Saskatchewan midget AAA ranks in scoring last year with a stunning 40 goals and 86 points in 44 games. Reagan gave the rookie exceedingly high praise. “He’s probably one of the most skilled guys I’ve ever seen, with us, anyway. If I had to compare him to Andrew Johnston when he came in, I think he might even be higherend than Johnston was. His vision of the ice is incredible. He’s a special hockey player,� Reagan said, referring to the former Bomber star who had 81 points in Humboldt last year and has since signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. The fact that McCombie, Blair and Boehm form the so-called second line is an indicator of just how terrifying the Bomber attack could be. The top unit is made up of 20-year-olds Dylan Balaski (42 points in 41 games), Riley Storzuk (58 points in 46 games) and Logan Sceviour (24 points), who was acquired from Drumheller in a trade for defenceman Stefan Virtanen. The third line features

the likes of Hiebert (15 points), who is poised for a breakout year, Konrad Litke (27 points) and highly touted rookie Hayden Dawes. “I think we’ve got a lot of options right now, which is exciting. I haven’t seen depth like this in the six years that I’ve been here,� said Reagan. And that’s with 20-yearold Brett Penner (51 points) leaving to play with the Arizona State Sun Devils. Reagan is also excited about the team’s back end, led by Roach, who was acquired from Humboldt over the summer as futures in the Johnston trade. Roach, 20, is an impact player at both ends of the ice, having produced 49 points two years ago and 31 last year. “I just see the impact that he’s had on our defensive core through the first two weeks of exhibition and it’s incredible,� said Reagan. “He’s just rounded out our D core real nice and our power play’s going to be a lot better with him ... he’s given us that confidence on the back

end and everybody’s feeding off that.� Roach will be paired with Tanner Clark, a former teammate in Humboldt who produced 32 points last season. The Bombers have a third top-pairing defenceman in Brandt Weldon (31 points), as well as sophomores Dallen Hall (22) and Brock Hounsell (9), who will fill a physical role. “I’ve never been so happy with a D core in my life,� said Reagan. “The skill and the poise is incredible.� Backstopping them is Buffalo, who should be among the top end in the league in his second year. Reagan said his team can’t get distracted by the fact that many people see them as the favourite to take home the SJHL title. “We know that it’s a long season. It’s a marathon, not a sprint,� he said. “I know there’s some pressure here with some big expectations, but we’ve gotta stay levelheaded.�

Bombers forward Cam Blair very quietly put together a 49-point season at the age of 18 and more will be expected this year.

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September 19, 2012 D15

TEAM PREVIEW Weakened Broncos still have some game The Humboldt Broncos have lost a staggering amount of talent from last year’s club that hosted the RBC Cup. Andrew Johnston. Robbie Ciolfi. Ryan Marshall. Josh Roach. Mat Backhouse. The list goes on and on. Aside from the 10 players that have graduated, the Broncos also lost premier defenceman Josh Roach and scoring winger Matt Glowa as futures in trades made last season. Roach went to Flin Flon to complete the Johnston trade and Glowa was sent to Kindersley for Taylor Duzan (and then shipped to the Portage Terriers). Yet Humboldt somehow has a decent core returning. The Broncos likely won’t contend for first place, but it would be foolish to believe that they’ll crash and burn. Goaltender Matt Hrynkiw is back, and he’ll likely be one of the league’s best goalies in his final year. Although his dazzling stats (22-3 record, .921 save percentage, 2.28 goals-against average) certainly had something to do with the team in front of him, Hrynkiw did a stellar

job last year when lots of people were saying the Broncos needed a goalie. And he should have some help from his defence again, as the back end appears to be Humboldt’s strongest area heading into

meron Ballas turned a lot of heads around the league last season, putting up 26 points in the process, and he is certainly capable of logging some minutes on the first pairing. Logan Sproule is en-

The Broncos were hoping to have 20-year-old Deven Dubyk (pictured) for the full season last year, but Matt Hrynkiw did the job just fine for the RBC hosts. the season. The Broncos have brought in 20-year-old Braeden Laroque, who spent the last three years in the WHL with Edmonton and Seattle. Fellow overager Ka-

tering his third SJHL season at 19 and had 21 points in 43 games last year. And 18-year-old defender Cody Pettapiece is expected to take a big step forward in his second season. The Saskatoon na-

Go Bruins Go! Here’s to a great season!

634-3616

tive has already committed to Alaska-Fairbanks for the 2014-15 season. The forward group has taken the biggest hit from last year’s run, with nine forwards gone. One of those, 19-yearold Riley Kieser, is expected to start the year with the Vancouver Giants. A quartet of 20-yearolds will have to carry the load up front. The most tantalizing of the four is towering winger Adam Antkowiak, who managed to pot 10 goals and 31 points last year while terrorizing opponents with his 6-foot-7, 232-pound frame. He added 131 penalty minutes. John Lawrence was acquired mid-season from the Neepawa Natives and registered 25 points in 37 games. He also scored at a point-per-game clip in the playoffs. Saskatoon native Neil Landry had 30 points last year, and Adam Zbitniff managed 19 points in just 26 games. The Broncos added a pair of sophomore Junior A forwards via trade: Cody Pongracz, who had 15 points in 38 games with the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks; and Brandon Tidy, who scored 13 points in 46 games with the BCHL’s

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will be asked to take on more responsibility. The Broncos reportedly had 200 players at their training camp.

Humboldt Broncos 2011-12

Record: 42-11-2-3 (89 points, 1st in Bauer) Playoffs: Won Canalta Cup, won Anavet Cup, lost in RBC Cup semis Leading scorer: Andrew Johnston (58-29-5281) Starting goaltender: Matt Hrynkiw (22-3, .921 SP, 2.28 GAA) Goals for: 240 Goals against: 145

2012-13

Coach: Dean Brockman (9th season) Returnees: 1992 C Adam Zbitniff, 1992 RW Neil Landry, 1992 LW Adam Antkowiak, 1992 LW John Lawrence, 1992 D Kameron Ballas, 1992 G Matt Hrynkiw, 1993 LW David Miazga, 1993 RW Rhett Blackmur, 1993 D David Stumborg, 1993 D Logan Sproule, 1994 D Cody Pettapiece. Losses: 1991 C Robbie Ciolfi, 1991 RW Emrik Guillemette, 1991 RW Taylor Johnson, 1991 C Ryan Marshall, 1991 RW Taylor Duzan, 1991 C Andrew Johnston, 1991 RW Andrew Herle, 1991 D Jonathan Parisien, 1991 D Mat Backhouse, 1991 D Chase Wharton, 1992 D Josh Roach, 1992 C Joey Davies, 1992 LW Matt Glowa, 1993 C Riley Kieser. Incoming: 1992 D Braeden Laroque, 1993 C Brandon Tidy, 1993 RW Cody Pongracz, 1994 F Ryan Aubertin.

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D16 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

TEAM PREVIEW Wolves lose big chunk of roster For the second straight year, the La Ronge Ice Wolves are facing a depth crisis after losing a large group of grads and having some eligible returnees decide not to come back. A group of nine grads is gone from last year’s fourth-place club, including the likes of Marc-Andre Carre, Matt Weisensel and Alex Rajotte. The Wolves have also lost last year’s leading scorer, Skyler Hladun, who had 51 points as a 19-year-old, as well as key defenceman Alex Vandenameele. Other than one trade made over the summer, it’s unclear what the Wolves have done to bolster their roster in terms of recruits and transactions. That deal sent 19-yearold winger Wilson Dumais to the MJHL’s OCN Blizzard in exchange for 20-year-old left winger Spencer Brennan. Brennan had 18 points last season. Dumais had

Graham Smerek will be a key player for the Ice Wolves as a 20-year-old and could be named the team’s captain. 13 in 32 games, including 10 goals. Twelve of those points came in 24 games after a trade from Nipawin to La Ronge. It’s not all bleak for the Wolves. Right winger Nathan Boyer had 20 goals and 46 points last year and should build on those numbers in a

leading role up front. All-around centre Graham Smerek scored 31 points in 2011-12 and figures to be a very valuable player in his final season. Jared Iron was expected to return from the Vancouver Giants and could factor into the Wolves’ attack in a huge

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way. As a 17-year-old, Iron managed 20 points in 48 games. Brett McNevin and Pavlo Zerebecky will also be counted on to increase their production. McNevin, acquired from Lloydminster (AJHL) at the start of last season, tallied 24 points in 43 games in a depth role. Zerebecky, a former Junior B star, had 15 points in his Junior A debut as a 19-year-old. On the back end, the loss of Vandenameele hurts, but the Wolves have some talent back. Overager Brennan Ritchie will lead the way. The St. Anne, Man., native was picked up from Steinbach (MJHL) last year and had 12 assists in 27 games with the Ice Wolves. Brett Hope, if he is used on defence — he played a third of the season as a forward — will likely run the power play. Hope showed promise as an 18-year-old, accounting for eight goals and 18 points. (However, Hope’s most memorable moment from last season might be the time he was sent flying down the aisle when the Ice Wolves’ bus hit a moose in October.) Two other 1993-born defencemen will be relied on to log some minutes.

Louis-Joseph Sawyer had 13 points in his rookie season, while Franklin Cook managed nine. In the blue paint, it appears 20-year-old Myles Hovdebo will take over as the Ice Wolves’ starter. Hovdebo has been the team’s backup for the last

La Ronge Ice Wolves

2011-12

Record: 30-20-2-6 (68 points, 4th in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-0 to Humboldt in Bauer semis Leading scorer: Skyler Hladun (57-20-31-51) Starting goaltender: Alex Rajotte (17-15-4, .922 SP, 2.75 GAA) Goals for: 189 Goals against: 178

2012-13

Coach: Bob Beatty (9th season) Returnees: 1992 C Graham Smerek, 1992 RW Nathan Boyer, 1992 LW Brett MacNevin, 1992 LW Pavlo Zerebecky, 1992 C Brodie Eisbrenner, 1992 D Brennan Ritchie, 1993 D Brett Hope, 1993 D Franklin Cook, 1993 D Louis-Joseph Sawyer, 1994 RW Jared Iron. Losses: 1991 C Marc-Andre Carre, 1991 LW Zac Ashdown, 1991 LW Brennan Wright, 1991 RW Aaron Enns, 1991 RW Patrick Tran, 1991 D Ben Bula, 1991 D Matt Weisensel, 1991 D Byron Sorensen, 1991 G Alex Rajotte, 1992 C Skyler Hladun, 1992 D Alex Vandenameele, 1993 LW Wilson Dumais. Incoming: 1992 LW Spencer Brennan, 1993 F Rhyse Dieno.

SCORE

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two seasons, behind Adam Bartko and Alex Rajotte, respectively. That said, the Swift Current native has gotten into a fair number of games, playing 22 as a rookie and 23 last year, when he posted an .897 save percentage and 3.17 goals-against average.

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September 19, 2012 D17

TEAM PREVIEW Stars optimistic despite loss of firepower Included in the list of nine grads the Battlefords North Stars have lost is SJHL MVP Blake Tatchell. Tatchell was arguably the best all-around player in the league, with the ability to will his team to victory, and he will be sorely missed. “When you have a player like Blake in your lineup and he’s teaching the younger players how he plays the game, it obviously impacts them in their development,� said Stars head coach Kevin Hasselberg. “The unique thing about this game is from year to year, your team identity can shift, and that’s what we have to do. We feel we’re going to be a team that scores by committee and not necessarily have firepower on one line.� The North Stars still have some talent up front. Braeden Johnson scored at a point-per-game pace last year and will likely finish top-five in league scoring. “He’s a player that was a top-five scorer in the league before Christmas and there’s no reason he couldn’t return to that form again and be an impactful player,� Hasselberg said of the highly skilled winger. Kyle Hall is another player the Stars will lean on. The former Bruins’ prospect has seasons of 41 and 37 points under his belt and will be expected to take the next step as an overager. “Kyle was up for

The North Stars hope Kyle Hall can excel in a first-line role this season. rookie of the year the year before, and from his perspective we felt he had a very good season last year,� said Hasselberg. “They were both pivotal players within our program last season.� Roger Tagoona will be a key scorer as well. After recording 40 points as a rookie in Melville, the Nunavut product struggled to just 22 last year and needs to bounce back. “Tagoona’s had a heck of a camp, a heck of a summer. He’s got a tremendous attitude right now,� said Hasselberg. “He’s a very determined player that wants to get to the pro level after this season. We expect a lot of real good things from him.� Sophomores Tanner Quinn (16 points), Ryne Keller (14) and Robbie Newton (12) will be leaned on for secondary scoring. The Stars also acquired 1993 forward Brandon Long from Trail of the

BCHL. He had 21 points last year. The back end is led by one of the best offensive defencemen in the SJHL in Brody Luhning. The Lumsden native has produced seasons of 33 and 40 points while also spending some time in the WHL. “I think he established himself amongst the league’s best and certainly when teams are preparing to play us, they’re not going to leave Luhning unmarked,� said Hasselberg “What a lot of people don’t understand is he brings a level of leadership and integrity to the game that’s going to represent us well away from the game, in the community.� Now without his partner in crime, Woody Klassen, Luhning will log a lot of minutes this season. Sophomores Dillon Forbes and Matthew Sheeran will have to shoulder a good deal of the load as well.

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“Forbes and Sheeran both established themselves as rookies last year. They came in as unknown players and they bring size, they’re very mobile players and can be very physical players too,� said Hasselberg. “Both of them put up numbers at pivotal times last season. They’re going to be leaned on to provide more offence.� The Stars picked up 20-year-old rearguard Evan Ripley from the Dawson Creek Rage of the NAHL and Hasselberg said he will slot into the top four. Ripley, who stands 6-foot-4, 209 pounds, had nine points in 50 games with the Rage last year. Connor Creech assumes control between the pipes with the graduation of Graham Hildebrand. Creech, 20, stole some starts from Hildebrand last year after being acquired from Bonnyville (AJHL) and he is expected to be a high-end starter in the league. He posted a 16-7-1 record with a .904 save percentage. “Connor’s going to be leaned on. He put pressure on himself to be a top performer last year, and for most of the season he was a top two goalie in our

goal is “to be the most conditioned team in the SJHL� and play a full 60 minutes each time out. “I think on any given night, we’re going to be a team that any team knows they have to bring their A game against.�

league, top five by the end,� Hasselberg reflected. “He’s a big goalie, extremely mobile, dedicated. He’s a player we feel can play at the NCAA level.� Although the team has lost a fair bit of talent, Hasselberg said the Stars’

Battleford North Stars

2011-12

Record: 41-15-0-2 (84 points, 2nd in Bauer) Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to Humboldt in Bauer final Leading scorer: Blake Tatchell (57-42-44-86) Starting goaltender: Graham Hildebrand (248-1, .913 SP, 2.47 GAA) Goals for: 205 Goals against: 154

2012-13

Coach: Kevin Hasselberg (2nd season) Returnees: 1992 LW Roger Tagoona, 1992 LW Braeden Johnson, 1992 C Kyle Hall, 1992 D Grayden Turner, 1992 D Brody Luhning, 1992 G Connor Creech, 1993 LW Tanner Quinn, 1993 LW Robbie Newton, 1993 D Dillon Forbes, 1993 D Matthew Sheeran, 1994 C Ryne Keller. Losses: 1991 C Blake Tatchell, 1991 RW Brett Miller, 1991 RW Boyd Wakelin, 1991 LW Jordan Ethier, 1991 D Woody Klassen, 1991 D Travis Sparrow, 1991 D Mitch Berg, 1991 D Klay Kachur, 1991 G Graham Hildebrand, 1992 C Tim Rollins, 1992 LW Tanner Schwab, 1993 RW Jared Samborski. Incoming: 1992 D Evan Ripley, 1993 F Brandon Long, 1994 F Josh Betinol, 1994 C Austin Evans, 1994 D Spencer Gosselin.

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D18 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

TEAM PREVIEW As Wilkins goes, so goes young Mustangs club After a season that saw them finish in the basement of the Bauer Conference, the Melfort Mustangs are hoping that a number of sophomores can take a step forward. Still, the biggest contributor to any success the Mustangs have will likely be goaltender Jesse Wilkins. Wilkins, 20, faced more rubber than any other SJHL goalie last season and was a human highlight reel on many nights, keeping his team in a number of games that they had no business being in. The veteran goalie’s .900 save percentage and 4.08

goals-against average don’t tell the tale of those memorable outings, such as the time he held the high-octane North Stars to three goals on 41 shots in a phenomenal performance at the Showcase in Estevan. “He’s a huge piece to our puzzle. We want to build from goaltending to defence and out, and to have him there is big for us,� said Mustangs head coach Gavin Holcomb. “He’s just a very focused and determined kid; he’s very mature for his age. The way he plays, he’s just a real big body in the net who moves really well and gets in good position.

He doesn’t end up scrambling too often because he’s always in pretty good position and he’s a battler.� Wilkins will be backed up by either Patrick Johnson, who was in camp with the Saskatoon Blades, or Prince Albert Mintos grad Tyrell King. Two other key players for Melfort are 19-year-old forwards Brandon Sloan and Jarett Zentner, both acquired during last season. Sloan led the team with 26 points in 34 games, while Zentner put up 10 goals and 21 points in 25 appearances.

Goaltender Jesse Wilkins faced a ton of rubber while turning in a stellar season. The Mustangs hope he won’t have to be as busy this year.

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“Obviously we’re expecting a lot of out those guys. They were point-per-game guys as 18-year-olds,� said Holcomb. Their supporting cast includes overager Godric Tham and sophomores Anthony Pickering, Avery VanBlaricom and Landon Belchamber. None of the trio of 1993-borns exceeded 20 points last year, but they will have to take that next step. “If we want to be better than last year, those guys who were 18 who got a lot of ice time have to have big years for us,� said Holcomb, who is also entering his second year behind the bench. “We expect big things out of those guys. They’re veterans now. They’re great kids and we’re going to need their leadership this year. They played in key situations last year, they were kinda thrown right into the fire.� Carter Berg, 20, is the undisputed leader of the Mustangs’ blue line. The team hopes that the likes of Brandon Parrone (‘92), Zach Walker (‘93) and Matt Saunderson (‘93) will step up to provide a supporting cast. There is also 19-year-old Nathan Zimbaluk, who was still in training camp with the Regina Pats as of the Mustangs’ camp. Berg has played with his brother Mitch for the last three years in Melfort, but the latter has graduated. Carter has spent the last four seasons between the Mustangs and the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen and

Chilliwack Bruins. “He brings a lot of leadership, carries a lot of respect with our guys and he does have a lot of experience. He’s going to play a big role on our team and it just makes everybody more confident when he’s back there,� said Holcomb. Although they are still a work in progress, the Mustangs’ sights are fixed on a

return to the playoffs. “That is a big goal for us. We’re excited with the group that we have. A lot of guys got thrown into the fire a bit last year, but everybody’s excited to be back,� said Holcomb. “We’re probably going to be on the young side again this year, but a year older makes a big difference and we’re going to start where we left off in terms of work ethic.�

Melfort Mustangs 2011-12

Record: 13-39-2-4 (32 points, 6th in Bauer) Playoffs: Did not qualify Leading scorer: Brandon Sloan (34-10-16-26) Starting goaltender: Jesse Wilkins (7-25-3, .900 SP, 4.08 GAA) Goals for: 120 Goals against: 236

2012-13

Coach: Gavin Holcomb (2nd season) Returnees: 1992 LW Cody Wourms, 1992 RW Clinton Pirio, 1992 LW Pearce Gourley, 1992 D Carter Berg, 1992 D Brandon Parrone, 1992 D Cole Horn, 1992 G Jesse Wilkins, 1993 RW Jarett Zentner, 1993 LW Brandon Sloan, 1993 LW Landon Belchamber, 1993 LW Jared Kambeitz, 1993 LW Avery VanBlaricom, 1993 RW Jake Daughtry, 1993 LW Anthony Pickering, 1993 D Cody Brown, 1993 D Zach Walker, 1993 D Matt Saunderson, Losses: 1991 LW Brendan Tash, 1991 RW Steven Jean. Incoming: 1994 LW Gage Rapitta, 1994 F Cole Hrysky, 1994 D Jay Aasen, 1994 LW Regan Wilton, 1994 D Mark Foster, 1994 LW Sheldon Argent, 1994 F Jamie Miller, 1994 G Tyrell King.

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September 19, 2012 D19

Bombers, Hawks transform into contenders The SJHL’s Bauer Conference has mostly been dominated by the Humboldt Broncos and La Ronge Ice Wolves in recent years. That’s about to change. The Flin Flon Bombers and Nipawin Hawks are both loaded with talent and should battle it out for first place in the north this season. The Bombers have a scoring crop to die for, with four players who flirted with or surpassed the point-pergame mark last year, two of them under the age of 20. Dillan McCombie is simply a phenomenal talent who racked up 57 points as a 17-year-old last year. He’s three days away from being a 1995 birthday, and he could lead the league in scoring when most 1995-born players are still in midget. Of course, there’s a very good chance that this could be McCombie’s last year in the SJHL before moving on to the NCAA — all the more reason for him to have a big year. Riley Storzuk led the team in scoring with 58

Josh Lewis Hear Me Out points last year, while Dylan Balaski recovered nicely from a serious injury by recording 42 points in 41 games. And then there’s Cam Blair, who broke out for 20 goals and 49 points at the age of 18. Throw in sophomore pivot Landon Hiebert and top prospects Brett Boehm and Hayden Dawes, and the Bombers should be able to outscore anyone. But it doesn’t end there. Josh Roach ended up being the much-awaited return for Andrew Johnston, and adds an undisputed No. 1 defenceman to one of the best top four groups in the league, if not the best. Considering the Bombers were forced into a corner with Johnston last year,

Roach is a pretty good return. If he can return to his form of two years ago, when he contributed 49 points from the back end, Flin Flon’s attack will be truly scary. But don’t forget about the other players on the blue line. Brandt Weldon and Tanner Clark are both established impact players, and the team was quite happy with rookies Dallen Hall and Brock Hounsell last year. If opponents get through all that, the last line of defence is SJHL rookie of the year Devin Buffalo. Meanwhile, Nipawin has a chance to go from worst to first in two years. While they may not have anyone as good as a McCombie or a Storzuk

Fearless 2012-13 Predictions Sherwood Conference 1. Melville Millionaires 2. Estevan Bruins 3. Yorkton Terriers 4. Weyburn Red Wings 5. Notre Dame Hounds 6. Kindersley Klippers

ceived the honours and is a huge source of confidence for his teammates. The Bombers and Hawks won’t be left alone to fight it out, as Humboldt and Battlefords should be in the mix as well, but this looks like a two-horse race

from here. The reason this is significant enough for an entire column is that one of these two teams will likely be considered the favourite for the Canalta Cup. I’m taking Flin Flon by a skate lace.

Sophomore goaltender Devin Buffalo backstops a club loaded with talent in Flin Flon.

2011 - 2012 STANDINGS Bauer Conference Humboldt Broncos Battlefords North Stars Nipawin Hawks La Ronge Ice Wolves Flin Flon Bombers Melfort Mustangs

Bauer Conference 1. Flin Flon Bombers 2. Nipawin Hawks 3. Humboldt Broncos 4. Battlefords North Stars 5. Melfort Mustangs 6. La Ronge Ice Wolves

(and that remains to be seen), the Hawks have staggering depth up front, including a bunch of players who have flown mostly under the radar. It’s hard to point out one leading man in the attack, but the Hawks have a handful of players who can break the 50-point mark and beyond. They include Wheaton King, Justin Waskewitch, Jesse Bernard, Mitch Doell, Tad Kozun and Ryan Ostertag. On top of that, the likes of Brady Zerr, Stuart Holland, Tayler Balog and Michael Lambert can provide secondary scoring. I’m not kidding when I say Nipawin could roll four lines consistently and win. That’s not including defenceman Jeff Datoff, who very quietly put together 12 goals and 35 points last year. The Hawks have assembled a pretty solid cast to surround him as well. Although the field for the top goalie award last year was wide open, Nipawin’s Davis Jones re-

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D20 September 19, 2012

Estevan Mercury

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