He may have donned the Bruins’ crest for just a short time, but forward Turner Ripplinger made every second count during his season in the Energy City.
Suiting up for Estevan during the 2018-19 SJHL campaign, Ripplinger finished the year second in team scoring in both goals (26) and points (59) in 57 games, on his way to being selected as the Viterra Division’s nominee for both SJHL MVP and Player of the Year.
“It was a great year for myself personally, and [while] as a team I know we fell short, I think that was probably one of the more fun years of hockey I’ve had,” the now-26-year-old recalled fondly during his visit to the community this week.
“I had a great billet with Tater (Bruins’ board member, Andrew Tate) and we had a good run in the playoffs. I had a great time here.”
Following his graduation from the junior hockey ranks, Ripplinger returned to his hometown to attend the University of Regina, where he played two seasons from 2020-22 with the U of R Cougars, finishing his final season with a team-high 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) in 20 games.
Following the playoffs that same year, Ripplinger set out overseas to cut his teeth in the pro-ranks with the Guildford Flames of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in England, where he immediately hit the ground running with nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 12 games to finish off the regular season schedule, followed by another four goals in four playoff games.
“I had two great years at the U of R, and then was fortunate enough to sign a pro contract over in the UK in England,” Ripplinger recalled of his post-junior experience. “I played three years over there, had three great years, and made memories that will last my lifetime.”
This fall, Ripplinger will embark on another new chapter, having recently signed with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL, where he’ll get his first taste of American pro hockey, something the tenacious forward said he’s already preparing for.
“I’m going to Maine here in a couple of weeks, so that’s why I’ve got Tarts (Bruins’ head coach, Jason Tatarnic) running me through the motions here, just trying to get ready for camp,” Ripplinger said, letting out a smile. “This is my first year down in the States, so I don’t know really what I’m getting myself into, but just trying to prepare myself as best as I can right now.”
Asked if he has a closing message for Bruins’ fans, Ripplinger said simply to keep up the strong support for the team.
“I had great support here, and I’ve got nothing but great things to say about this town and the fanbase we have,” he said. “Tarts is doing a great job here and I think they’ve got a great group of kids so I’m excited to see what they have [in store] this year.”
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Marty Martinson, Estevan Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1
