The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins return to action Friday night in Kindersley, looking to stay hot as the team opens their back-to-back with the Klippers at the newly-rebranded, Inter Pipeline Arena.
The Bruins (2-3-1) enter play third in the Viterra Division and ninth overall in the SJHL standings, coming off back-to-back wins over Flin Flon (4-2) and Humboldt (5-3), in search of a third straight.
The Klippers (5-2-0) occupy top spot in the Nutrien Division and fourth overall, coming off a 2-1 win over Notre Dame Wednesday, as they enter their third game in a stretch of eight-in-10 at home for the green and white.
Estevan are led into play Friday by forward, Kent Moors, who is fresh off a three-point night (two goals, one assist) in Humboldt, having scored at least a single goal in three straight. On the season, the 19-year-old’s four goals and six points lead the team through six games.
Kindersley’s Jaxon Herchak highlights the players to watch on the other end, as the 17-year-old defenceman from Waldheim, SK., leads the Klippers in scoring with a team-high nine points (nine assists), to lead all SJHL rookies in scoring while playing big minutes in all situations for his team.
Special teams
Headlining the special teams matchup will be a red-hot Estevan power play that went three-for-seven in Humboldt, against a stifling Kindersley penalty kill that ranks third in the league, clicking at 87.5 percent for the season.
Making the Bruins’ power play especially dangerous of late has been the depth with which they’ve received contributions. Hayden Pimm, Luke Hogan and Carter Onrait each scored on the man advantage in the team’s last game, marking three separate goal scorers across two different PP units.
Goaltending
Estevan will likely give the nod to Kyle Kelsey to make his second straight start, following a tremendous 47-save debut performance with the team in Humboldt. Kelsey enters play with a 3.00 goals against average and sparkling .940 save percentage this season.
Kindersley are likely to start first-year standout, Brett O’Halloran. The not-yet 18-year old has won five of his first six starts, while posting a 2.33 goals against average and .920 save percentage.
Friday’s game will be available on FloHockey and on the NEW Bruins’ YouTube Livestream. The Room By Room Furniture Pregame Show will begin on the stream at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY’S TALE OF THE TAPE:
Record:
EST: 2-3-1 | KIN: 5-2-0
Goals For/Against:
EST: 18/23| KIN: 20/19
Power Play:
EST: 13.9% (9th)| KIN: 9.4% (11th)
Penalty Kill:
EST: 71% (12th)| KIN: 85.7% (3rd)
Leading Scorers:
EST: Goals: Kent Moors (four goals) | Points: Kent Moors (six points)
KIN: Goals: Will Christian (four goals) | Jaxon Herchak (nine points)
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Marty Martinson/Estevan Bruins’ PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
