The final roster decisions have yet to be made, but the Estevan Bruins look at the nucleus of their roster and see a team that can contend in the SJHL this year.
The Bruins have several key 20-year-olds to lean on, as well as a strong group of sophomores who impressed last year and will be asked to build on that.
"This team certainly has the talent and potential to do so and it's just going to be a matter of us playing at a consistently high level," said Bruins head coach and general manager Keith Cassidy. "You would expect that talent to peak almost next year, but the makeup of our team says we certainly do have a chance this year."
The Bruins' forward corps has plenty of depth and perhaps the biggest question right now is who will play on the first line with Calder Neufeld and Cole Olson.
Rookie winger Hudson Morrison and 20-year-old trade acquisition Nick Weiss have both been given a shot on the line in training camp and preseason play. Morrison may yet centre a line of his own.
"I think Nick Weiss is going to provide some scoring for us as well. He's a bigger bodied guy with a good shot and a good nose for the net," Cassidy said. "It's all going to come down to the chemistry between them."
The second line, for now, is comprised of 19-year-olds Taylor Reich, Matt Brykaliuk and Tanner Froese.
"They did a heck of a job last year and took a good step in their development," said Cassidy.
Among the Bruins' other forwards are overage right winger Tyler Paslawski and promising rookie Wyatt Garagan.
There are still major decisions to be made on defence, with 12 players in the running heading into Monday's preseason game against Notre Dame.
Rookie sensations Austin Yano and Tyler Kauk return to make up the top pairing. Although both can be better, they exceeded all expectations last season.
Veteran defenceman Connor Milligan will also see his fair share of ice in the top four and will be relied on for some sandpaper and leadership.
Milligan was paired with Patrick Hurley, a 20-year-old trade acquisition from the SIJHL, in Monday's game. It was the first preseason appearance for Hurley, who struggled in training camp and was hurt in warm-up prior to a Sept. 12 exhibition game against Weyburn.
"I think he's typical of a 20-year-old, they tend not to show as well in camp as the younger guys," Cassidy said. "I think for a big guy, he moves very well. He's obviously got the instincts to play the game and do it at a high level."
The picture also includes returnees Tyler Poskus and Denin Boesch, as well as 19-year-old tryout Nick Sova and a handful of potential rookies.
"I think you'll see Brett Dumaine make a pretty big impact on this hockey club. (David) Robertson has exceeded my expectations and as a solid stay-at-home defenceman, I think he's going to fit in real nice."
There is also 17-year-old Zach Douglas, who appears to be a lock to stick around.
The goaltending situation is even more fuzzy at the moment. Returning starter Steven Glass is still struggling with a knee injury stemming from last season. He was evaluated by a doctor on Monday and was not expected to be ready for Thursday's opener in Melville.
"I'm not anticipating him starting the season, no, and we do have some work to do there. I'm not in a tremendous panic to bring someone in. If we're going to bring somebody in, we're going to make sure it's the right person," said Cassidy. "I think (rookie Travis) Pelletier has done what's been expected of him so far."
One option had been to bring back last year's backup, Tyler Ross, as a temporarily fill-in, but Cassidy said "that ship has sailed."
The Bruins' home opener is Friday against the Melville Millionaires. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
