The SJHL Playoffs are just about to begin, however the SMAAAHL Playoffs are already well underway as the first round has been completed.
The Estevan Bruins have several prospects getting playoff experience in the Saskatchewan AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL), we’ll highlight the players here and update this article after each round.
Each of these players are included on the Estevan Bruins’ list of prospects, meaning the Bruins hold their rights to play in the SJHL. We will mention the players’ name, position, height/weight/, and birth year. 2005 are the oldest and will graduate to the junior level next season. 2006 have one more season of AAA eligibility, and 2007 have two more seasons of AAA eligibility.
(1) SASKATOON BLAZERS (advance to semi-final after sweeping Notre Dame 3-0, advance to final after sweeping Warman 3-0)
G – Alex Garrett (2005) – 6’0, 180lbs
Regular Season Stats: 20GP (16-2-0-1) – 1SO – 2.90 GAA, .899 SV%
In Round 1, Alex Garrett was exceptional as he allowed only 3 goals in 3 games including a 33-save shutout in the deciding Game 3. In the series, Garrett had a 1.00 GAA and a .962 SV%. Garrett and the Blazers will now face the Warman Wildcats in the semi-final.
In the semi-final, Garrett and the Blazers continued to roll with a 3-game sweep over Warman. Garrett continued to shine, allowing only 5 goals in the 3 games. The highlight came at the end of Game 2, when Garrett stopped a penalty shot with 0.3 seconds left to preserve a 3-2 win. In the series, Garrett posted a 1.67 GAA and a .933 SV%.
(2) REGINA PAT CANADIANS (advance to Semi-Final after sweeping PA Mintos 3-0, advance to final after defeating Saskatoon Contacts 3-1)
D – Matthew Ronn (2005) – 6’0, 175lbs
Regular Season Stats: 24GP – 4G, 9A, 13PTS – 12 PIM
Estevan Bruins Regular Season Stats: 22GP – 3G, 5A, 8PTS – 38PIM
D – Jagden Taylor (2006) – 6’1, 170lbs
Regular Season Stats: 38GP – 1G, 4A, 5PTS – 44PIM
F – Steven Steranka (2007) – 5’7, 140lbs
Regular Season Stats: 43GP – 17G, 12A, 29PTS – 22PIM
Matthew Ronn led the way for Regina in the opening round, as the defenceman registered 4 points (1G,3A) in three games. Steranka chipped in 2 points (1G,1A) while Taylor, who has committed to play for Estevan next season, continued playing shutdown defence in the sweep over Prince Albert. The Pat C’s will have home ice advantage in the semi-final as they take on the Saskatoon Contacts.
In the semi-final, Regina rebounded after losing Game 1 in overtime by rattling off 3 straight wins over the Contacts to advance to the final.
Ronn was a key contributor from the blueline in the series again with 1 goal and 1 assist. Both Steranka and Taylor were held without a point in the series.
(4) SWIFT CURRENT LEGIONNAIRES (eliminated 3-2 by Warman)
F – Kade Stringer (2006) – 6’0, 155lbs
Regular Season Stats: 44GP – 6G, 18A, 24PTS – 16PIM
Kade Stringer registered 2 assists in 4 games played in the series, as Swift Current was eliminated on home ice in Game 5 by Warman.
(5) WARMAN WILDCATS (advance to semi-final after defeating Swift Current 3-2, eliminated in semi-final 3-0 by the Saskatoon Blazers)
F – Carsyn Dyck (2006) – 5’10, 155lbs
Regular Season Stats: 42GP – 12G, 23A, 35PTS – 73PIM
Carsyn Dyck registered 4 points (2G,2A) in the 5-game series, and was the hero in Game 5 after scoring the game-winning goal with only 40 seconds remaining to give Warman a 2-1 victory and send the Wildcats to the semi-final where they will face the top-ranked Saskatoon Blazers.
In Round 2, Warman was swept by the high-powered Saskatoon Blazers. Carsyn Dyck was named the Wildcats’ Game Star in Game 2, a 3-2 loss on home ice. However, Dyck was held without a point in the series.
(6) MOOSE JAW WARRIORS (eliminated 3-2 by Saskatoon Contacts)
D – Caleb Potter (2007) – 5’10, 155lbs
Regular Season Stats: 22GP – 4G, 13A, 17PTS – 16PIM
Caleb Potter registered one assist and 8 PIM in the 5-game series, as Saskatoon came from behind to win Games 4 & 5 to eliminate Moose Jaw.