The Estevan Bruins wrapped up their pre-season schedule in thrilling overtime fashion Saturday, topping the rival Weyburn Red Wings 3-2 in sudden death OT, in another classic installment of the Highway 39 rivalry.
It took just 3:17 into the extra frame for defenceman, Kaelen Whittingham to bring the Affinity Place crowd to their feet, scoring the winner on a quick wrister from the top of the right circle. Set up by some quick puck movement, the play developed as Yoan Gagnon won a battle on the boards to knock the puck free to Rorey Elson, who then found Whittingham cross-ice.
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“It was nice to score,” Whittingham said post-game, letting out a smile. “Rorey made a nice pass and I just kind of put it on net and it happened to go in, but it was good to score and end the pre-season on a good note. We worked hard and killed a lot of penalties today.”
The PK effort of the Bruins included successfully killing off two separate 5-on-3s in the third period to get the game to OT, led by a full-team buy-in and excellent goaltending from Ben Polhill, who stopped 34/36 Weyburn shots on the night.
While competitive throughout their first four pre-season games – including a pair of one-goal contests into the third period against a strong Aberdeen team of the North American Hockey League – Saturday’s win served as the Bruins’ all-important first of the year as a group, something Whittingham said is always the goal when you step on the ice as a competitor.
“It was important. Obviously they’re exhibition games, but you want to do your best. They’re still games and you want to win all the time,” he said.
The Bruins will now get a week to practice and prepare for the start of the regular season, before returning to Affinity Place for their home opener next Friday, Sept. 20 against the Melville Millionaires.
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Marty Martinson, Estevan Bruins Play-by-Play & Marketing Director
On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1
