With two straight wins over the Prairie Storm in their two-game total-goal series, the Estevan Apex midget AA Bruins have advanced to the second round of the Saskatchewan Hockey Association provincial playdowns.
The first of the two contests was played last Wednesday in Pilot Butte and saw the Bruins double-up the Prairie Storm 6-3. The two clubs traded goals in the first and third periods, however the Bruins outscored their opponents 4-1 in the second frame.
Dylan Johner (2), Mark Moriarty (2), Brody Connelly, and Rhett Handley all found the back of the net for Estevan in the win, while Nate Ferris got the win in goal.
The second matchup between the two teams was at the Civic Auditorium on Friday night, with Bruins coming out on top yet again, this time by a score of 5-1. Johner continued his fine play for Estevan, recording a hat trick, while Garett Earl and Dylan Lamontagne had the other Bruin goals. Tyler Myers was in net for the win.
Bruins head coach Tom Copeland was happy with his team's play against the Prairie Storm, but knows the opposition will only get stronger from here on out.
"When you win hockey games and you do what it takes to win, you've got to be patient sometimes, and we've stressed that with our guys, especially as the other teams get better." said Copeland.
While top players like Johner and Moriarty were at their best, Copeland said the wins came via a total team effort.
Estevan also played a regular league game on Sunday in Whitewood against the Pipestone Valley Jets. The Bruins opened up a 3-0 lead in the first period and went on to win 5-1. Handley had a pair of goals in the victory, while other Bruin markers came from the sticks of Johner, Klae Bayda, and Brody Connelly.
Next up for Estevan is a pair of league games this weekend, starting with a home date against Lumsden on Saturday night at 8. They will then travel to Regina on Sunday to face the Capitals at 6:45 p.m.
Estevan's next opponent in the provincials will the Notre Dame Hounds, however no dates had been set as of press time.
