The Estevan Bruins have been busy with player signings and transactions. Check back here for the full list which will be updated throughout the offseason.
September 8th, 2020 – The Bruins have added Kurt Hoogendoorn (D – ’02) from the North Van Wolf Pack (PIJHL) to the roster for Extended Training Camp.
Hoogendoorn (6’1, 190lbs) joins the Bruins after playing as a 17-year-old defenceman in the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PIJHL) for the North Van Wolf Pack, where he tallied 20 points (5G, 15A) in 39 games and added 10 PIM from the blueline.
Hoogendoorn will join his new teammates in Estevan for the Bruins Extended Training Camp (E.T.C.) which begins September 8th at Affinity Place.
September 4th, 2020 – The Bruins sign Owen Simmons (D – ’04) from the Westlake Bourget College Volts, both of the CSSHLE and the ECEL 18U leagues in 2019/20.
Simmons (5’10, 175lbs) joins the Bruins after playing his 15-year-old season for Westlake against elite U18 competition. Despite his young age and as a defenceman, Simmons finished 4th in team scoring with 15 points (5G, 10A) in 20GP in the CSSHLE league. Westlake also plays in the ECEL league, where Simmons added 6 points (1G, 5A) in 15GP. Simmons has also been drafted by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the 2020 QMJHL Draft in the 8th round, 140th overall.
Owen and his family, parents Clayton and Jennifer along with brother Parker and sister Kinsley, are relocating to Estevan from Kelowna, B.C. to make the signing possible. Simmons is looking to become the first 16-year-old to play on a full-time basis with the Bruins since 1999-2000, when Reagan Leslie (Lampman, SK) played 48 games (8G, 14A, 106PIM) in Estevan before spending the next four seasons with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings.
“I’m excited and honoured to find a community and team with the same love for the game as I do. It’s truly a privilege to play hockey for the Estevan Bruins!” – Owen Simmons
“We are very happy to have Owen join the Bruins this season. Owen is an exciting young prospect that was drafted in the QMJHL and has created some college interest. He’s a player I am very familiar with and as a 16-year-old, Owen definitely fits into our plans as the host team for the Centennial Cup in 2022. Owen has skill and isn’t afraid to be physical, I am looking forward to working with him and continuing his development. I would like to welcome Owen and his family to the community of Estevan.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM
September 2nd, 2020 – The Bruins sign Tanner Mortenson (F – ’00) from the Valley Wildcats (MJAHL).
Mortenson (6’0, 175lbs) joins the Bruins after spending the majority of the 2019/20 season with the Valley Wildcats of the Maritime Junior Hockey League. In 25 games, Mortenson tallied 3 points (2G, 1A) and added 81 penalty minutes providing the Wildcats with a strong, physical presence as a 19-year-old forward.
July 28th, 2020 – The Bruins acquire the list rights to Mason Smith (F- ’02) from the Melville Millionaires (SJHL) in exchange for Estevan’s 2nd round selection in the 2021 SJHL Bantam Draft and Future Considerations.
Smith (6’1, 180lbs) joins the Bruins entering his 18-year-old season, however he already has two seasons of experience playing junior hockey with the Abbotsford Pilots of the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PIJHL). In 2019/20, Smith averaged more than a point-per-game tallying 42 points (18G, 24A) in 40 games.
“It’s an unreal feeling knowing I’ll be going to such a great organization. From what I’ve heard, Estevan has the most passionate fans in the league and I can’t wait to get started!” – Mason Smith
“We are very happy with acquiring the list rights of Mason Smith as he has a ton of potential, size, and a good skill set. Having already played Junior B for two seasons, we feel Mason will make a smooth transition to the SJHL. We are looking forward to having Mason for the upcoming season and as we build for the Centennial Cup.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM
July 9th, 2020 – The Bruins sign Antoine Saint-Onge (F – ’02) from the Edson Aeros (WSHL).
Antoine (6’1, 165lbs) joins the club after playing junior hockey in the Western States Hockey League in Edson, AB. In 41 games, Saint-Onge tallied 27 points (15G, 12A) along with 14 penalty minutes.
“I am very excited to get the opportunity to play for the Bruins and be a part of the Estevan community. Can’t wait to start working on the ice with my new teammates!” – Antoine Saint-Onge
“”Antoine is from Quebec and he’s got a year of junior experience under his belt. He’s a big kid, he’s got size and he’s got a good skill set. I’m really looking forward to seeing his progression here and seeing how he develops. He’s going to join a cast of a pretty good group of forwards so it’s nice to add to the depth.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM
June 11th, 2020 – The Bruins sign Tanner Humber-Dredge (F – ’02) from the Pinnacle Growlers (NLMMHL).
Tanner (5’9, 155lbs) joins the club after leading the NLMMHL with 48 points (19G, 29A) in 30 games, leading the Pinnacle Growlers and winning the league MVP award.
“I’m so honoured and excited to join the Estevan Bruins organization. The impressive staff, facility, and fan support made for an easy decision. I am excited to put on the Estevan jersey and help contribute to the team’s success next season!” – Tanner Humber-Dredge
“Tanner is a skilled player that competes very hard. He’s developed nicely throughout his midget career and put up some great numbers last season. He has leadership qualities as he served as the team’s assistant captain last year. Tanner has garnished some interest and was expected to be an early pick in the maritime draft this upcoming weekend. We are excited Tanner has decided to come to Estevan.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM
June 10th, 2020 – The Bruins acquire Emerik Demers (G – ’01) from the Valleyfield Braves (QJAAAHL) in exchange for a PDF and Future Considerations.
Demers earned the Quebec Junior league’s ‘Defensive Rookie of the Year’ award in 2019/20, finishing with a 3.00 G.A.A. and .908 SV% in 32 games played.
“I am proud and honored to be part of a professional organization like the Estevan Bruins! I can’t wait to start this new part of my life in such a great environment that can help me become a better player, but also a better person.” – Emerik Demers
“Emerik had an impressive season in 2019/20 and was named Rookie of the Year. He won his share of games and recorded a very good save percentage and goals against average in a very offensive-minded league. With the departure of Keenan Rancier to Minot, we were in the market for a goaltender and we added a good one that fits into our build for the Centennial Cup.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM.
In related news, Keenan Rancier has decided to join the Minot Minotauros after being selected by Minot in the NAHL Supplemental Draft on May 13th. A transaction will be made between Estevan and Minot at a later date.
June 6th, 2020 – The Bruins trade Randy Cooke (G – ’01) to the Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL) in exchange for Future Considerations.
June 5th, 2020 – SJHL Bantam Draft (CLICK TO READ MORE)
June 4th, 2020 – The Bruins acquire the list rights to Keagon Little (F – ’03) from the Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) in exchange for Estevan’s 3rd round pick in the 2021 SJHL Bantam Draft.
Little (5’11, 175lbs) played last season with the Tisdale Trojans (SMHL), putting up 20 points (7G, 13A) in 33 games.
“Our staff has had numerous talks on Little and felt he would be a solid addition to our list. We feel Keagon is an exceptional two-way player that reads the ice really well and supports the puck. He has high-end vision and playmaking ability, allowing him to make skilled passes with ease. Right now, we are really happy with our building process for this season and next year.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM of the Estevan Bruins.
June 4th, 2020 – The Bruins sign Brandon Ambrozik (F – ’02) from the Winnipeg Thrashers (MMHL).
Brandon (6’1, 160lbs) joins the club after finishing tied for 5th in MMHL scoring with 65 points in 48 games, leading the Winnipeg Thrashers.
“I’m very excited and honoured to have signed with the Estevan Bruins organization! My family and I have heard nothing but great things about Estevan as a town and a hockey club. I can’t wait to meet the guys and the staff, and to put on an Estevan jersey!” – Brandon Ambrozik
“Brandon was identified by our scouts and is a player we have been actively pursuing. Brandon had some good options in front of him and we are really excited he chose Estevan. He’s another young player that has some offensive abilities and his numbers can back that up. We like his offensive output, but also know he has leadership qualities as he served as the team captain last year. Brandon’s an important piece for us this year and for the Centennial Cup. We want to welcome Brandon to Estevan!” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM of the Estevan Bruins.
June 3rd, 2020 – The Bruins acquire the list rights to Caelan Fitzpatrick (F – ’03) from the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) in exchange for Estevan’s 4th round pick in the 2020 SJHL Bantam Draft.
“Caelan (5’10, 175lbs) is a solid 200 foot player that plays in all situations that put up really good numbers as a 16-year-old in midget AAA. He is definitely a player we have in our plans for the Centennial Cup year,” expressed Head Coach/GM Jason Tatarnic on the addition of Fitzpatrick. “Our scouting staff was very high on him and that made it an easy decision to make the trade. We are very excited to obtain Caelan’s list rights and we hope to see him in a Bruins uniform in the near future.”
CLICK HERE for more on Fitzpatrick
June 2nd, 2020 – The Bruins sign Samuel Gallant (F – ’02) from the Dartmouth Major Midgets (NSMMHL).
Samuel (6’1, 175lbs) joins the club after finishing tied for 3rd in NSMMHL scoring with 49 points in 32 games, leading the Dartmouth Major Midgets.
“I’m so excited to join the Bruins! They impressed me from the first point of contact I had with them. I understand that Estevan is a great and passionate hockey town, and I’m looking forward to getting started!” – Samuel Gallant
“Sam was one of the top point producers in the Nova Scotia Major Midget league. He has been improving each year and we feel he’s a valuable piece as we build for this season and next. He comes from a great program and has played for a coach who has developed a number of prospects that have become impact players. We are looking forward to have Sam part of the Estevan Bruins organization!” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM of the Estevan Bruins.
May 25th, 2020 – The Bruins sign Mason Beck (F – ’02) from the South Shore Mustangs (NSMMHL) to a letter of commitment.
Mason (5’8, 150lbs) joins the club after leading the NSMMHL in scoring with 69 points in 34 games.
““The Bruins are such a high-end organization, everything the team did during the recruitment process made it a very easy decision for me. I can’t wait to put on the Bruins jersey for the first time!” – Mason Beck
““We are really excited to have Mason joined our organization. Our scouting staff identified Mason last season as a player we wanted in Estevan. It worked out well with my connections in the Maritimes and that Mason’s coach (Brogan Bailey) was one of my captains during my time in Woodstock. I know he will be prepared to play at the junior level and will be a player that can contribute right away. Mason is a skilled player that put up some impressive numbers last year. We are looking forward to seeing Mason on the ice this fall.” – Jason Tatarnic, Head Coach/GM of the Estevan Bruins
April 26th, 2020 – The Bruins sign Eric Clark (G – ’02) from the North Van Wolfpack (PIJHL) to a letter of commitment.
April 21st, 2020 – The Bruins sign Matt Millette (D – ’02) from the Regina Pat Canadians (SMHL) to a letter of commitment.
April 21st, 2020 – The Bruins sign Lucius Schmidt (F – ’02) from the Moose Jaw Warriors (SMHL) to a letter of commitment.
