The CanElson Estevan Bruins, a team within the SJHL, were recently in Carlyle spending two days in town, Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. On their trip they visited schools in both Carlyle and Manor. Gaggles of school children enjoyed themselves on these school visits.
Following the school visits the Bruins made their way to the Carlyle Sports Arena for a quick practice before opening the ice to a free public skate. Many youth attended the free skate with the Bruins.
Some youth brought hockey sticks, while others were just there to skate; but, all had fun as the Bruins split into groups with sticks and groups without. Those who played hockey with the young skaters were chased down as they handled the puck as the players simply out skating were cajoled into playing games of tag.
Everyone had wide smiles and were happy to be able to play with a Junior A Team from Estevan.
Dec.18 then saw a game between the Bruins and the Melville Millionaires, a regular season game sponsored by CanElson Drilling.
Many hockey fans were present to cheer on the Bruins. This included Bruino the Bear who was hounded by young hockey lovers all night.
During the first intermission Carlyle Initiation Cougars had a five minute game, while during the second intermission a "Human Slingshot" was set up and two boys were sent down the ice to try and win a $50 gift certificate to King's Department Store by toppling the most bowling pins. Ethan Anderson and Jesse Moffatt were each slingshot down the ice; but, Ken King was in the giving spirit as both boys received a gift certificate for $50 in the end.
Jayme Hall from SUN 102 was also present as a guest game host. He was joined by a number of Stream-Flo Ice Girls who handed out a number of hats, t-shirts, and other prizes from CanElson, Pure Chem, Eagle Transport, and Moose Mountain Mud.
People enjoyed themselves through the intermissions and giveaways, but overall people came for good hockey and that's just what they got.
The fast paced game did not disappoint. In the first period the Bruins fought hard and eventually scored two goals, one by Hudson Morrison and the next by Taylor Reich.
The Bruins confidently went into the second period, but Alex Elliott was able to get one by Estevan's Curtis Martinu. Answering back Alex Cote with the Bruins scored seconds after the Millionaires goal making the score three to one for the Bruins.
Melville never quit and in the third period scored two goals, one by Ian McNulty and the other by Nathan Boyer. The third period also saw the Bruins score their final goal of the night on Alex Wakaluk of the Millionaires by Tyler Kauk.
Total shots on net for the Millionaires was 47, while the Bruins took 31. The final score was four to three for the CanElson Estevan Bruins. With a great many saves made by the Bruins' goaltender, Martinu received the honour of first star of the game. Cote received the second star of the game and Darcy DeRoose (Bruins) was given the third star of the game.
The Bruins are currently sitting in fifth in their division, but have only played 31 games where as other teams have played 33 and 34. They still have a lot of time to move up the ranks. Their win over the Millionaires is significant as Melville's team is currently placed third in the Sherwood Division.
Embraced by those in the area the regular season game was well received and enjoyed by many.
