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Whittingham named SJHL Defenceman of the Week

by Marketing
Kaelen Whittingham has been a pillar of strength on the Bruins' backend this season, and a key piece of the team's current four-game winning streak. (Photo credit: Marty Martinson)
Kaelen Whittingham has been a pillar of strength on the Bruins' backend this season, and a key piece of the team's current four-game winning streak. (Photo credit: Marty Martinson)

Bruins’ blue liner, Kaelen Whittingham has been recognized for his standout play of late, recently named the SJHL’s Defenceman of the Week.

Opening the weekend with an assist on the Bruins’ first goal in their win over Notre Dame Friday, the veteran rearguard then added another three points (one goal, two assists) Saturday in a monster two-way performance to help lead the team to a 4-3 victory over the Red Wings at Affinity Place.

In addition to the offense, Whittingham also remained his usual rock-steady self in the defensive zone, blocking shots and forcing the turnover that led directly to the OT winner over Weyburn. (Read more about the play here).

Bruins’ assistant coach, Drew Kocur said postgame Saturday, it’s the subtle plays like his one-on-one defense in overtime which make #5 such a valuable player night-in and night-out for the team.

“Whitty’s so versatile and so steady, he plays a lot of minutes for us and keeps the game simple,” Kocur said. “At that point in overtime, just to stand his ground, be big and knock the puck off [Wings’ forward Ethan DeKay’s stick] and turn the puck back 200 feet for us to win the game, that’s just Whitty. He works so hard on and off the ice and was rewarded for that tonight.”

Kaelen Whittingham celebrates with teammates following his second period goal Saturday night against the Red Wings. (Photo credit: Marty Martinson)
Kaelen Whittingham celebrates with teammates following his second period goal Saturday night against the Red Wings. (Photo credit: Marty Martinson)

On the season, Whittingham now sits just outside the top-10 in defenceman scoring, and fourth amongst Bruins’ players, with 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 19 games.

Whittingham and his Bruins’ teammates will return to action Wednesday night in Melfort, as the team look to extend their winning streak to five straight against the defending champion, Mustangs.

Wednesday’s game will be available on FloHockey and the Bruins’ Official YouTube Livestream. The Room By Room Pregame Show will begin at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

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Marty Martinson/Estevan Bruins PxP & Marketing Director

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1