Top prospects for the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins showcased their skills for the team’s coaches, scouts and other staff members during their annual spring camp on the weekend at Affinity Place.
Nearly 60 players, including a few players from the 2018-19 team, were divided into three teams, and participated in scrimmages on Friday and Saturday. The top players were brought back for an all-star game Sunday.
Chris Lewgood, the club’s head coach and general manager, said he was a little concerned at the start of camp due to the variance in age and experience levels.
“As things unfolded, we found that it went very well, and we got all we needed out of camp, and we thought the players did, too,” said Lewgood.
Lewgood noted there was a higher percentage of younger players at this year’s camp, so they weren’t able to separate the older players and the younger players into different teams.
“We like to have younger games and older games, but we didn’t have enough,” said Lewgood.
Several players stood out at camp, including a trio of local defencemen: Kersey Reich, a 2001-born blueliner who played for the Swift Current Legionnaires the past three season; Alex Von Sprecken, a 2002-born defender who played midget AAA with the Prince Albert Mintos; and Max Wanner, a 2003-born palyer who spent the past two seasons playing for the Prairie Hockey Academy in Caronport.
Among the forwards, Alameda’s Cody Davis, a 2002-born winger who spent the past season with the Moose Jaw midget AAA Generals, had a strong camp. Davis scored twice in his Bruin debut in January, and is the younger brother of current Bruin Jayden Davis.
Matt Millette, a 2002-born forward from Regina who skated with the Regina Pat Canadians last season, received praise for his performance.
Lewgood said there were some other players at camp who stood out, and others that Lewgood hasn’t seen before who surprised him, but they aren’t on the team’s list right now, so he couldn’t single them out.
There were also a few players who couldn’t skate due to commitments with the Sask. First midget showcase on the weekend.
Lewgood expects about half of the players who were at the camp on the weekend will be back for fall camp in September. The Bruins lose seven players to graduation, including four forwards and three defencemen, so there won’t be a lot of openings. It should create a competitive fall camp.
“Our veteran players are going to have to show well in fall camp. There are some good young guys that are going to be fighting to take some of those jobs. We will upgrade our team if all the elements are in place as far as character and abilities, and willingness to play a role.
“On top of that, we do have some key spots available for these new players to come in and grab as well.”
