Just days after announcing forward Cade Kennedy as team captain, the Estevan Bruins’ solidified their leadership group this week, naming their four assistant captains for the 2024-25 season, ahead of their home opener.
Serving as assistants with the club this year, will be forward Brady Wilson (’04) and defensemen Kaelen Whittingham (’04), Owen Simmons (’04) and Michael Carter (’04).
Whittingham, who is now heading into his third season donning the ‘Spoked-B’, said right from the start of camp he’s just been trying to help pay forward the positive impact he experienced from the veterans a few years ago as he was breaking into the junior ranks with the team.
“Being here my first three years, I’ve seen a bunch of guys I’ve played with wear the letters and it’s an honour to wear it well, so hopefully I can lead like they did when I was younger,” Whittingham said. “I was always very welcomed when I came here, so I’m looking to do the same with the younger guys here and I think we’ve got a good squad going forward, so I’m looking forward to this weekend. We’re ready to get going and hopefully it’s a good year.”
Simmons is also among Estevan’s longest-tenured players, heading into his second full season with the team, where he played his first games back during the 2020-21 season, prior to a three-year stint split between Jamestown and Danburry of the North American Hockey League and Saint-Jerome of the Quebec Junior Hockey League, before returning to Estevan as a 19-year-old last season.
Michael Carter is the lone first-year Bruin to be given a letter, but like his teammates, brings a wealth of experience to the fold. Carter has suited up for 102 games over the last three years, split between the Lindsay Muskies of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and Lloyd Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Bruins’ Head coach and GM, Jason Tatarnic said right from the get-go this fall, all four players making up their leadership group have been integral to setting the tone for the team.
“Over the course of training camp and the exhibition season it was very clear who stood out as leaders,” Tatarnic said. “For us, we want our leadership group to build a solid dressing room. Everyone on our team plays a part and our leadership group’s job is to make sure we’re all doing our part to get better every day and I am confident they will lead well.”
The Bruins will open their season on home ice tonight (Friday) against the division rival, Melville Millionaires. The first 1,000 fans in the door will receive a schedule magnet for on the fridge to ensure they never miss a game this year, courtesy of WINMAR.
The game will be available to watch on FloHockey, and to listen to on the Bruins’ NEW online audio stream which will be accessible through the team website and official Bruins’ App.
—
Marty Martinson, Estevan Bruins’ PxP & Marketing Director
On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1
