Eight players from the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins competed in the Showcase event that pitted players from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League on Monday and Tuesday in Regina.
Goaltender Grant Boldt, defenceman Kade McMillen and forward Isaiah Thomas were selected for Team Schwartz, which was for players born in 2000 and 2001. Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood was the head coach for Team Schwartz.
Defencemen Johnny Witzke and Jake Heerspink, and forwards Turner Ripplinger and Michael McChesney skated for Team Kunitz, which was for those born in 1998 and 1999.
Forward Will Koop played for Team Mitchell, which was also for 1998 and 1999-born talent.
The Showcase opened with Team Schwartz dropping a 4-3 shootout decision to Manitoba’s Team Garbutt. Boldt was in goal for Estevan, and stopped 25 shots in the game.
Team Mitchell then defeated Manitoba’s Team Zajac 8-5. Koop picked up two assists in the game.
The opening day wrapped up with Team Kunitz winning 3-1 over Team Belfour.
The second day of the Showcase began with Team Schwartz defeating Team Garbutt 4-2, avenging their loss from the previous day. Thomas recorded an assist on what proved to be the game-winning goal.
Team Belfour then defeated Team Mitchell 4-0.
The tournament wrapped up with Team Kunitz shelling Team Zajac 8-1. The Saskatchewan entry scored six times in the third period to break open a close 2-1 game. Witzke, Ripplinger and McChesney each recorded an assist in the game; Witzke’s assist came on the game-winning tally.
The SJHL posted a 4-2 record over the MJHL in the tournament.
The Bruins resume league play this weekend with a home and home against the Weyburn Red Wings. The teams will meet Friday night in Weyburn, and then Saturday night in Estevan. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.
