The biggest name on the Estevan Bruins' list of recruiting targets for this year has signed a contract with the team.
Southwest Cougars forward Jesse Bernard agreed on Monday night to join the Bruins.
Bernard, 18, led the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League in scoring last season with 39 goals and 72 points.
His Manitoba rights were held by the Winkler Flyers, and it had been uncertain whether the Bruins would be able to get him.
Bruins head coach Keith Cassidy said the organization has made a big push to ink the Killarney, Man., native.
"It's exciting and I know it's something (scout) Chad (Leslie) and (director of player personnel) Rick (Oakes) put a lot of time and effort into prior to my getting here. For him to feel comfortable enough and trust he'll get the best opportunity possible to come here, that says a lot," Cassidy said of Bernard.
He said it will take some time for the top prospect to get acclimatized to the SJHL, but he expects Bernard to make an impact as a rookie.
"I think he's a player of some pretty exceptional talent. We'll be looking forward to him playing a pretty good role this year. He's a good piece of the puzzle," Cassidy said.
"He's got good vision and some tremendous finish to him, which is exciting. You don't lead any league in scoring without having the ability to find guys on the ice and finish off plays as well."
The Bruins have now locked up all their recruiting targets but two. The players who got away are Moose Jaw Generals forward Kyle Oleniuk, who opted to join the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, and Cougars defenceman Tanner Butler, who went to the Dauphin Kings.
"I can't say enough about the recruiting class we have this year. Every one of those kids is a good character kid and they're coming here for the right reasons," Cassidy said.
He said the focus now turns to adding some veterans to augment the young talent, through trade or by signing unlisted players.
