The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins are looking at a pair of weekend games that could get them back on track to a playoff berth this weekend.
The first of those will be in Carlyle, with the team facing off against the Notre Dame Hounds on Friday. Then they're home to take on the Weyburn Red Wings on Saturday.
Marty Martinson, the play-by-play commentator and marketing director for the Bruins, says the neutral game on Friday will be a fun one.
"That Carlyle barn is going to be packed there, from what I understand in the last couple of years they've been having the games there and it's always sold out or at least close to, I think it has been to sell out these last couple of years. So expecting more of the same here this year."
The Bruins will see some tough competition according to Martinson as the Hounds are ready to give a fierce fight.
"Facing the Notre Dame team, they're gonna be hungry as well. They're also like Estevan, trying to get themselves back into that playoff picture there and show that, hey, you know what? We can really compete in this league as well. So they're going to be a hungry team and a great challenge there in Carlyle."
"Then to come back home and have Weyburn again a shot at some retribution from about a week and a half ago there in Weyburn, when the teams first met? Anytime it's a Highway 39 rivalry game, you know that the fans are gonna be coming out in droves. I understand Weyburn is sending a fan bus as well. So it's gonna be a great atmosphere there."
With Weyburn currently burning through the league in a great position, Martinson says it'll be a tough match for the Bruins.
"Anytime you're playing one of the best teams in the league, it's a reflection on how you do as a team And so if you come out and play a hard game there, play them hard and come away with a big win that just goes to further boost that morale, that momentum for the team there."
"You look at part of the reason those two wins over the weekend over in Battlefords meant so much and were so impactful is because they're a premier team in the league. You know, they were a top-three team heading into the weekend there. So a showing like that, I think went a long way for the Estevan group."