Well, on the bright side, they didn't lose 10-2 like two years ago.
That's a joke. Although they need to do some things better, there is no reason for anyone to start sounding alarm bells over the Estevan Bruins' first two games.
The Melville Millionaires should be one of the SJHL's top teams this year, and they showed it in the annual home-and-home series opener.
More than anything, their blue line was mean and physical on Friday at Affinity Place. The Bruins struggled to set up in the offensive zone, especially in the early going, and that was largely due to the Mils' back end winning battles to loose pucks and playing a punishing physical game.
They were clinical in that aspect and reminded me of a poor man's version of last year's Battlefords North Stars back end.
One thing is for sure, the Bruins were plain bad in the first period. The only time they spent in the Melville zone was on the power play, and I'd guess they only had a shot or two at even strength.
Maybe it had to do with the pre-game fireworks ceremony. The Bruins had to stand around during that, while the Mils got to sit in the dressing room. It's not much of an excuse, though.
Anyway, the team picked it up in the second period, getting some more pressure, along with two goals from the fourth line.
The Bruins dressed quite a few rookies and they all contributed in some way. Mason Benning was solid on the back end. Chase McKersie did well in the second half of the game. Kurt Sonne looked dangerous not he second line. Ryan Duret got his stick on a Josh Rieger shot and tipped it into the net. Levi Barnstable is drawing some comparisons to former Bruin Derek Whitehill for his responsible play. Brad Arabia showed off his nose for the net.
Speaking of Arabia, I really believe he can score 15 goals this year. I think he will establish himself as a top six winger over the next few months.
It wasn't the best of nights for Brett Lewchuk, but it wasn't necessarily a bad one, either. He made some good stops. There was one goal he'd probably like to have back and another where he couldn't find the rebound in time.
Some people have expressed concerns to me about goaltending, but I don't think that will be a worry. Lewchuk couldn't have been much better in his rookie year and has the makeup to excel in a starting role.
Remember, as always, that it's a long season and regardless of what happens, this isn't the same roster we'll see on Jan. 10.
Contact Josh Lewis at 306-634-2654 or [email protected], or tweet him at @joshlewis306. So, will electronic tabulators ever be used again after Monday's disastrous New Brunswick election?
