The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins return to action Friday, with their first of what will be two games this weekend against the Battlefords North Stars at Affinity Place.
A Look at the Numbers
The Bruins enter play fourth in the Viterra Division and 11th overall in the SJHL standings with a 5-9-3 record through 17 games. The team will be eager to snap a four-game skid (0-3-1) that featured back-to-back losses in La Ronge over the weekend.
The North Stars enter play in top spot of the Nutrien Division and third overall in the league standings with an 11-5-3 record through 19 games. Coming off back-to-back wins over Weyburn on the weekend, the Stars have picked up at least a single point in eight of their last 10.
Players to watch
Bruins’ defenceman, Kieran Ronan scored the team’s lone goal Saturday in La Ronge, and enters play with 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 15 games this year – good for fourth on the team. Ronan’s smooth skating and quick puck-moving ability will be key against a fast-paced Battlefords’ forecheck.
The North Stars are led offensively by rookie phenom, Nikita Ivashchenko, who paces all first-year players and sits tied for fifth overall in league scoring with 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 19 games. As dynamic as they come with the puck on his stick in flight, the Bruins will have to limit the time and space of #26 throughout the weekend.
Special teams
Paying a hard but disciplined game will be imperative for the Bruins Friday, as the North Stars possess one of the league’s top power play units clicking at 22.8 percent (fourth overall), to the Bruins’ 18.4 percent (ninth).
However, it’s Estevan who hold the edge on the penalty kill at 76.5 percent (10th overall) to the Stars’ 71.8 percent (12th).
Goaltending
Between the pipes, the expected goaltending matchup will see Ben Polhill make his fourth straight start for the Bruins, while Justin Maric makes his fourth in his last five for the North Stars.
Through nine games Polhill has posted a 3.96 goals against average and .887 save percentage this season. Maric is 6-2-1 with a 3.32 goals against average and .901 save percentage.
Where to Listen/Watch
Fans can catch all the action Friday night on FloHockey and for free on the Bruins’ Official YouTube Livestream. The Room By Room Furniture Pregame Show will begin on both at 6:45 p.m. with puck drop to follow at 7 p.m.
Tickets for this weekend’s games are available here.
—
Marty Martinson/Estevan Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
