Future members of the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins showcased their abilities for the team’s coaches, scouts and other members during the annual spring camp this past weekend at Affinity Place.
More than 50 players were divided into four teams for the camp. They became acquainted through practices on Friday evening, and then competed in scrimmages on Saturday and Sunday.
“I thought it was a good camp,” said Chris Lewgood, the team’s head coach and general manager. “It was enjoyable. There was a good group of young guys, and despite being a younger camp than what we usually have in the spring, I thought the level of play was pretty good.”
The young players at camp were eager to make an impression, and it showed in the level of play, he said.
Some of the club’s list players had strong showing. Twins Tanner and Tyson Manz, who spent the last three seasons with the Moose Jaw midget AAA Generals, played really well, Lewgood said. Defenceman Kyler Douglas, who played with the Manz twins in Moose Jaw had a good showing, as did fellow blue-liner Kade Eger of the Notre Dame Argos midget AAA squad.
“Some of these guys are players that we’ve been watching for years, and again stood out and looked really good,” said Lewgood.
A few local players also had strong showings. Lewgood praised forward Ryder Pierson, who spent last year with the Yorkton Harvest midget AAA program, and defenceman Kade McMillen, who skated with the Prince Albert Mintos midget AAA program. Forward Jake Palmer, who spent last year with the Estevan Apex midget AA Bruins, also had a good camp.
Some of the players who attended spring camp will be signed to join the Bruins for the upcoming season. But signing a card is just one step in becoming a Bruin, Lewgood said.
“Their job coming into fall camp is to use that foot in the door and maintain their place on the team,” said Lewgood. “Just like any of the other returning players, they realistically have to play and compete for those jobs every day.”
However, Lewgood expects some of the standouts to be skating with the club this fall.
“I can think of four or five guys off the top of my head who we expect to be in the lineup in the fall,” said Lewgood. “It’s going to be a competitive fall camp, and some of these guys are going to come and have to compete with current Bruins players and other recruits to solidify their spots.”
A few rookies from the 2016-17 Bruin roster skated at camp to fill out the forward positions. Lewgood said it helped elevate the level of play at camp, while it showed the incoming players what they need to do to play at this level.
“I thought our rookie group this year was very good, and for these recruits to see that, gives them an indication of where their play needs to be,” said Lewgood.
A few of the Bruins top prospects were unable to attend camp because of other commitments. Four Bruin list players are part of the Regina Pat Canadians team that is in Prince George, B.C., for the Telus Cup midget AAA nationals, and several North Dakota-born prospects were at a tournament in that state.
Also, a couple of prospects were unable to play due to injury.
