The Estevan TS&M Bruins have only three returning second-year players, but they are optimistic about the upcoming season, particularly about their forwards.
The bantam AA squad kicks off in Regina this weekend, Saturday against the Oilers and Sunday against the Senators. Their home opener is Oct. 23.
Included in the group of second-years are forward Tanner Jeannot, who notched 15 points last year, and defenceman Talys Halabuza (17 points) and Tyler Hengen (four points).
There are seven first-year players moving up from the peewee AA team.
Head coach Dan Pratt said the Bruins have also picked up players from around the region, including Carlyle, Oxbow, Carnduff and Lampman, following the creation of the new Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League.
"We have a good group of imports that came in. Most of them are first-years," Pratt said.
He said he's confident about all three areas of the ice but acknowledged the forwards will be counted on to score if the Bruins are to have success.
"I think at times we're going to need our forwards to step up and score goals to win games. They're going to be relied upon quite a bit to try to win games," Pratt said.
He said cuts were difficult.
"There were a lot of good players that didn't make it because you run out of spots. That's a good thing, usually, for fielding a competitive team."
Pratt added that with a coaching staff including assistants Brad Pierson and Nick Sereggela, he's confident that the Bruins will only get better as the season wears on.
"That combination is going to bode well for us later on."
The bantams are in Wilcox tonight for an exhibition game against Notre Dame
