The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins recently held their annual year-end Awards Banquet at the Beefeater Plaza, giving the players, their families, billets, and sponsors a chance to celebrate the best of the 2024-25 season.
Award winners:
M.V.P. – Ewan Rennie
Rennie led the Bruins in each major offensive stat this season, finishing the year with a team-high 18 goals, 36 assists and 54 points. In addition to his offensive production, Rennie’s buy-in to playing a responsible two-way game also saw him establish himself as a trusted penalty killer and all-situations force for the Bruins over the course of the year.
Defenceman of the Year – Kaelen Whittingham
Whittingham proved himself amongst the premier two-way defenders in the SJHL this season, finishing tied for third in defenceman scoring league-wide, with 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 54 games, while also serving as key matchup defenceman and penalty killer for the B’s.
Rookie of the Year – Luke Hogan
Hogan paced all Bruins rookies in scoring this year, finishing the campaign top-five league-wide in points amongst first-year players with 34 (17 goals, 17 assists) despite missing significant time due to injury. Beyond the offense, Hogan’s physical play also provided a nightly jolt to his team.
Rocky Award – Chase Holt
Holt took home the Bruins’ Rocky Award this season, given annually to a player who exemplifies a standout competitive spirit. Whether dropping the gloves, or battling down low for pucks, Holt’s fire to compete resulted in a tremendous finish to the year, with nine points (two goals, seven assists) in his final 13 games down the stretch.
Mr. Hustle – Rorey Elson
As the award suggests, Elson’s ever-running motor, hustle and heart set the tone for the Bruins each night. Always moving his feet, Elson used his speed to create havoc on the forecheck and pressure on the backcheck, providing a spark for the team.
Training Staff Heart Award – Rorey Elson
Elson’s heart for the game also extended beyond his on-ice play, to helping out wherever he could off-the-ice as well to earn the Training Staff Heart Award. This award is given annually to a player who routinely goes the extra mile off the ice, whether helping unload the bus, clean-up after road-trips or assist however else is needed.
Most Underrated Player – Ethan Andrews
Andrews quickly established himself as a trusted all-situations defenceman for the Bruins, following his acquisition from the Notre Dame Hounds at the Trade Deadline. An excellent skater with a crisp first-pass, Andrews’ impact reached far beyond the traditional stat sheet as a tremendous asset to the team.
Most Improved Player – Carter Onrait
The Estevan local caught fire down the stretch, building on some nice flashes of his power and scoring ability earlier in the year, to finish the season on an absolute tear. Onrait tallied 13 of his 18 points in his final 17 games, including pitching in four goals in his last eight.
Most Sportsmanlike Player – Kade Stringer
Stringer showcased his sportsmanship with an incredible zero penalty minutes in 26 games with the Bruins this season. Far from an aberration, it continued an example Stringer showed in U18 AAA, where he posted just 14 minutes in penalties his final year as captain of the Swift Current Legionnaires in 2023-24.
Most Popular Player – Brady Wilson
The Bruins’ captain and heartbeat of this year’s team, Wilson took home the Most Popular Player Award for his mix of heart-and-soul play on the ice, and joyful demeanor off of it. Wilson always had a smile around the rink and when volunteering out and about around the community.
Abe Berday Memorial Scholarship – Kaelen Whittingham
The lone academics-centered award, Whittingham took home the Bruins’ Abe Berday Memorial Scholarship Award for his dedication to academics while performing at a high level on the ice.
Community Involvement – Hayden Pimm
In his lone year as a Bruin, Pimm left an indelible mark on the community, as a constant at school visits, charity events and outreach efforts. For his dedication, Pimm was also named the Bruins’ RBC Community Ambassador (Read more here).
Top Scorer – Ewan Rennie
In his first season with the black-and-gold, Rennie’s 54 points were good for 11th overall in the league scoring race. While serving as the team’s most consistent offensive catalyst throughout the year, the swift playmaker also ramped his game up to a new level down the stretch, with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in his final 10 games.
Iron Man Award – Ewan Rennie
Despite not being the biggest guy on the roster (5-foot-10, 165 lbs), and regularly facing top competition on a nightly basis, Rennie was the lone Bruin who managed to play all 56 games with the team this season. His consistent high level of play earned him the team’s Iron Man Award.
Mark Cross Ethics Award: Rorey Elson and Hayden Pimm
Bruins’ forwards Hayden Pimm and Rorey Elson were awarded the team’s Mark Cross Ethics Award, recognizing a Bruins’ player that embodies a high moral character, integrity, hard work, and respect both on and off the ice.”
The Bruins would like to say a special thank-you to Jeff Pierson and the Days Inn staff for hosting our Awards Banquet again this year and providing the delicious meal; Wanda Harron Photography for taking these great pictures from the night; all the players for their hard work and dedication to the club this season, and all the parents, billets and sponsors for the continued support!
Find a video recap of the Awards Banquet below:
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Marty Martinson, Bruins PxP/Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
