With Hockey Canada playing cards being issued to teams on Sunday, the Estevan Bruins have gotten to work on inking their 2014 recruiting class.
The Bruins signed top defence prospect Josh Rieger on Sunday, followed by local forward prospect Chase McKersie and Manitoba defenceman Cody Durdle on Monday.
Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood said more signings should be expected this week.
Rieger, a 1996-born defender, played in three games with the Bruins last year as an affiliated player and has been considered their top defensive prospect.
The 5-foot-10, 161-pound defenceman had a strong year in the midget AAA ranks, posting two goals and 30 points in 44 games with the Regina Pat Canadians, where he also served as captain.
Durdle is less familiar to local fans, as his first experience with the Bruins was at their spring camp in April.
Durdle, who has a late 1996 birthday, played with the Central Plains Capitals in Manitoba midget AAA last year, where he recorded six goals and 20 points, along with 110 penalty minutes, in 36 games.
Lewgood said Rieger and Durdle are very similar players, yet they share a unique skill set.
"I think both Rieger and Durdle are capable of being high-impact, 200-foot players for us. Both guys have a tremendous ability to defend, they both play with an edge that you can't teach and both show a tremendous amount of upside offensively. That's a pretty unique mix of abilities and to have two in the same (recruiting) class, we're quite pleased with that."
On Monday morning, Lewgood signed McKersie to a player card.
The 1996-born winger got an extended look with the Bruins last year, playing seven regular season games and six more in the playoffs after his season with the Yorkton Harvest ended.
McKersie had a strong season in Yorkton, scoring 19 goals and 45 points in 44 games to lead the team in scoring.
"Chase is a great kid, great skater, shoots the puck really well and works tremendously hard. We find that a mix of skill set that could develop into a pretty high end hockey player," said Lewgood.
He added that McKersie got more comfortable during his stint in Estevan last year and his work ethic will lead to offensive production.
"I am really excited to see how Chase develops over the course of his junior career. I believe by the time it is all said and done, he will be one of the elite right wingers in the SJHL. We are very proud to give him the opportunity to play at home in front of his family and friends."
