Mere hours after announcing the additions of Matthew Ronn and Lochlan Tetarenko, the Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins have made another move to solidify the backend, adding 19-year-old, Jaren Ashbee from the Grande Prairie Storm in exchange for a PDF.
Ashbee, who hails from Surrey, BC., is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound defender who posted 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) over the last two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), split between the Storm and Devon Xtreme.
Bruins’ Head coach and G.M., Drew Kocur said Ashbee fits the mold for what they were looking for, in another veteran defender who can play both ways.
“For us, obviously we were looking to add to our backend, and Jaren brings a bit more experience,” Kocur said. “He’s a big, left-shot guy who can move up and down the ice, he can provide offense and he’s good in his own end, so we’re really excited to have him as part of our group now.”
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Prior to the additions of the 19-year-old Ashbee and 20-year-old Ronn – who was announced earlier in the day – the Bruins had one of the youngest blue lines in the SJHL, with five of their seven regulars currently in their 18-year-old season.
Kocur said the new acquisitions give the team a strong balance of veterans and youth the coaching staff hope can get the most out of everyone.
“We’re excited, with Ronn and now Ashbee; we have Andrews doing what he’s doing every night and then we have our good young guys too,” Kocur said. “Now everyone just kind of falls into place and it’s a chance for the young guys to have a bit more confidence playing with some older guys and guys who have been around the [Junior] leagues. We’re looking forward to seeing our group on the backend just be a lot more veteran and more experienced.”
Fans will get a chance to see the Bruins’ new-look blue line in action this weekend, as the Bruins host Weyburn Saturday night to kick-off a home-and-home between the two sides, wrapping Sunday afternoon in Weyburn.
Both games will be available on FloHockey and for free on the Bruins’ YouTube Livestream. Pregame will begin 15 minutes prior to puck drop both games.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Saturday’s game will be the first of two Teddy Bear Toss nights coming up at the Bruins’ games this month!!
Sponsored by The Brick, Saturday’s game (Nov. 1) will have teddy bears for sale at in the lobby for $20 at the Brick table. All proceeds raised – and all teddys thrown on the ice following the first goal – will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Fans are also welcome to bring their own teddy bears purchased elsewhere.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO SATURDAY’S GAME
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Marty Martinson/Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
