The Estevan Bruins got to see a little bit of their future as Ryder Pierson has able to get into the lineup last Wednesday against Kindersley.
Pierson is an Estevan Minor Hockey Association product but has played the last two seasons with the Yorkton Maulers of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League.
“I didn’t play very much but when I got out there it was fast and it was good to be around the guys for a little bit here,” said Pierson, who has nine goals and nine assists in 31 games for the Maulers this year and was sent back to Yorkton.
It’s been a long time coming for Pierson, whose family needs no introduction to the Bruins’ organization.
“I grew up watching the Bruins my whole life,” he said. “My parents billeted for a few years and it was nice to know the guys. My grandparents billeted and so I would interact with the guys when I would go over for supper.”
Pierson was excited and nervous to play in his first game in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“Especially to play it at home, too in front of family,” he said.
Pierson has been on the Bruins’ radar for sometime.
“Physically, he’s got to grow a lot,” said Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood. “You saw (Wednesday) he skates really well, has good hands and he’s a good kid. That’s a really good starting point. Even though he’s 17 years old, he’s got a lot of physically maturity to go before he can be a key player at this level. But he’s a good kid and he can do the work and we’re excited about potentially seeing him as an Estevan Bruin next year.”
Pierson wants to come back to play next year for the Bruins.
“I have to work hard and try to finish strong in Yorkton and see what happens,” he said.
