After wrapping up a three-year midget AAA career recently, Lampman defenceman Edwin Hookenson is expected to be one of several local players with the Estevan Bruins this fall.
Hookenson, 17, captained the Swift Current Legionnaires in his final midget season, and while the team (9-25-7-2) missed the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League playoffs, it was a strong year individually for him.
Hookenson posted seven goals and 30 points in 44 games, along with 46 penalty minutes.
That was a slight improvement on his 27 points in 2011-12.
The local product is considered the Bruins' top defence prospect.
Here's a look at other local players who suited up in the SMAAAHL this year:
Lynnden Pastachak, Yorkton Harvest
Big things were expected from the 16-year-old Bienfait native this year, and he didn't disappoint, finishing fifth in league scoring with 29 goals and 58 points in 42 games.
That was also enough to lead the fifth-place Harvest (22-14-5-3) in scoring.
Eight of those goals came on the power play, with two others coming shorthanded. Pastachak also recorded 67 penalty minutes.
The Harvest faced the Regina Pat Canadians in the first round of the playoffs, losing in five games. Pastachak notched two assists in four games in the series.
The right winger has likely played his final midget hockey despite having one year of eligibility left. He is expected to play junior next year.
Whether that is with the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels, who own his list rights, or the Bruins, will be decided in the fall.
Chase McKersie, Yorkton Harvest
After playing his first year of midget at home with the Apex Bruins, McKersie made the jump to the AAA level with the Harvest and put up respectable numbers.
McKersie played in all 44 games and compiled 13 goals and 29 points, putting him seventh on the team in scoring.
The 17-year-old centre added two goals in the playoff series against the Pat Canadians.
Daniel Wanner, Notre Dame Hounds
In his final year of midget hockey, Wanner improved slightly on his numbers from his sophomore season, with 11 goals and 28 points in 40 games.
The 18-year-old Estevan forward will be junior-bound next season.
However, it was a trying year for the Hounds, as they missed the playoffs with a record of 14-26-4.
Jamie Yanko, Notre Dame Hounds
After getting a cup of coffee in the midget AAA ranks in 2011-12, Yanko became a regular with the Hounds this season.
The 17-year-old defenceman appeared in 34 games, posting one goal and seven points. He also piled up 63 penalty minutes.
Yanko has one season of midget eligibility remaining.
Ryan Frehlick, Battlefords Stars
Frehlick climbed the ladder each year of his midget career. As a 15-year-old, he played with the midget A Bruins. In 2011-12, he starred with the AA Bruins. This year he made the jump to the AAA level with the Stars.
Frehlick was a key contributor for the Stars, finishing fifth in team scoring with 13 goals and 25 points while playing all 44 games.
He added six special teams goals - four power play, two shorthanded - along with 75 penalty minutes.
