ESTEVAN - The Estevan Bruins have announced the commitment of two players for next season.
Forward Eric Houk, who was the team’s captain this season, has committed to attend and play for the University of Regina.
Houk finished with 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) in 55 games. Houk finished fifth in team scoring for the Bruins and was a key player for the penalty kill unit that finished with 90.2 per cent success rate.
“Houk will be a very steady player at the university level. He competes very hard and is a very intelligent player. I believe Eric will be great two-way player for the Cougars as he can contribute offensively and can defend very well,” said head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic. “As our captain Eric did a great job for us on and off the ice. He is very mature person that led our team to a first-place finish in the regular season.”
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward from Regina played for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League before joining the Estevan Bruins this season.
Also, forward Olivier Pouliot has committed to attend and play for Lakehead University.
Pouliot, finished with 65 points (22 goals, 43 assists) in 56 games. Pouliot was second in team scoring for the Bruins and is currently fifth in SJHL goal scoring.
“Olivier will be a very good player at the university level. He is an elite skater who has excellent hands. He can score goals, but he can also create offense as a playmaker. He has been a very exciting player to watch for our fans. Pouliot was important piece for us that helped us finish first overall in the regular season,” said Tatarnic.
Hailing from Rimouski, Que., played for the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before joining the Bruins this season.
The Lakehead Thunderwolves are located in Thunder Bay, Ont.
