I have covered six SJHL training camps, and none of them had as much talent on display as the one just held by the Estevan Bruins.
I have never seen so many players with a legitimate shot to make a team, especially with as many returnees as the Bruins have.
There is a real logjam with the forwards, as the team could form six or seven forward lines at this point, and none of the cuts will be easy.
The Bruins have a strong group of recruits this year. Add to that a group of 1995-born players who impressed in camp, and what you have is a dogfight.
Most of the returning regulars looked good in camp, but there are a couple in danger of not making the team due to all the newcomers.
The non-returning forwards who impressed me in camp included 1995-borns Keegan Hull -a real surprise for everyone - Richard Yusa and Adam Canepa, as well as 1996-borns Mahlon Head, Brad Arabia, Chase McKersie, Braydon Delorme and Ryan Duret.
Younger forwards who looked good included Kaelan Holt, Chaseton Sare, Isaac Sandomirsky and Tristyn DeRoose.
Head, Arabia and Holt were probably the three best youngsters in camp. Head made his mark in every game, Arabia did nothing but score all weekend and Holt showed he is definitely a future SJHLer.
Returnees Wyatt Garagan, Keaton Longpre and Keegan Allison all looked like they have added a gear to their game.
Chris Lewgood was on the money when he said there will be Junior A calibre players who do not make this team.
On the blue line, rookie Josh Rieger affirmed the prevailing thought that he can be an impact player right away, and fellow 18-year-old Cody Durdle also looked good. Local product Mason Benning impressed as well.
Perhaps the biggest standout among the group of '99s was defenceman Tylor Ludwar, who is 14 and can't even be listed yet due to his age. He looked excellent, almost like a veteran, and showed off his offensive instincts.
In goal, Brett Lewchuk looked virtually unflappable. Summer recruit Tyler Gutenberg did a strong job for the most part. 1995-born goalie Bobby Palzer, a friend of late Bruins defenceman Nick Egan, came up from the U.S. to take a shot at a spot. He struggled in his first scrimmage on Friday, but rebounded nicely in the final one on Saturday.
Although there isn't a ton of experience at the SJHL level, there is a lot of talent, and several potential impact rookies. Bringing in some '95s adds some hockey experience, if not in the SJHL.
Contact Josh Lewis at 306-634-2654 or sports@estevanmercury.ca, or tweet him at @joshlewis306. Is anyone else wondering why the Argos didn't try a punt single on the final play of Monday's loss to Hamilton?
