It was another year in Estevan as the Energy City went through a number of challenges and changes in 2013. In looking back at 2013, the staff of the Mercury selected the top 10 stories of the year. This week we take a look at stories 10 through 6. The remainder of the list including our top story will appear next week.
The Estevan Bruins had a disappointing year in 2012-13, and less than two weeks after the season ended, the club's executive decided a change behind the bench was in order.
Keith Cassidy, the team's head coach and general manager for two seasons, did not have the option year on his contract exercised.
The Bruins posted a 21-29-4 record and were eliminated in five games by the Yorkton Terriers in the Sherwood Conference semifinals.
In giving Cassidy the hook, team president Jeff Pierson said the executive owed the community a winning team and wasn't willing to give him another shot with the option year.
"I think it comes down to (the fact that) we want a winning hockey club and, I can only speak personally, wasn't willing to take a chance. We've gotta be very mindful of the community that supports this hockey club and we need to deliver a winner to the city of Estevan."
Cassidy said he understood the dismissal and that the team's performance wasn't up to par in his second year at the helm.
"We could list a whole host of things, but the fact of the matter is the expectations were there and we didn't meet them," said Cassidy.
"I couldn't pinpoint any one thing. I'm not going to make excuses for it, it just didn't happen. It was not the season we wanted it to be."
The Bruins received over 40 applications for the vacant position and in late May settled on Chris Lewgood, the long-time head coach and general manager of the PJHL's Pilot Butte Storm.
Although the selection of a coach from Junior B may have raised some eyebrows, Pierson said Lewgood was impressive in every aspect.
"He's a guy that demands a high standard, but is also going to be fair and give each guy a chance to prove himself."
Lewgood, who guided the Storm to three PJHL titles as head coach, described himself as an open-minded and analytical bench boss.
"I'm a coach that believes in discipline, hard work and accountability."
