Four more points are on the line for the Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins before they go on a holiday break. This weekend, the black and gold will be welcoming the Humboldt Broncos for a double-header inside Affinity Place.
'Empty the tank'
With just two more games in 2024, the Bruins want to make a statement. Battered with a rocky hockey season so far, these next four points will be important to the team. To be successful in that pursuit, marketing director and play-by-play host Marty Martinson says all they need to do is empty the tank.
"I think the big key here, maybe more than anything, is just empty the tank. These are the last two games here before a hard-earned, well-deserved week or so off there for the group. I think it's just about really leaving it all out there. You got a chance here heading into the final weekend ahead of the Christmas break, and you're playing a Humboldt team that's just one spot up on you in the league standing."
Their opponent ahead
Martinson described the Broncos as an aggressive team. "When it comes to facing that Humboldt team, they've got a lot of game-breakers over there. They're a real quick team, so it's going to make for a great night of hockey, you know, especially looking at the way this Bruins team has played over the last couple of games here. They've had some real positives to build on. I think it's just a really exciting prospect when you're looking at a game here that could have some real playoff standing implications," he said.
The playoffs conversation is still on the table. If the black and gold picked up these four points before the break, they're one step closer to being one of the eight teams that'll be vying for the SJHL championship title. Estevan did have a chance to snag another four points last week, but the Melville Millionaires blanked the squad in their rematch Saturday night. This left them to only snag two points.
Rebounding quickly
The Bruins have a lot to feel good about heading into the holiday break. After a goalie shuffle earlier this season, the team has found themselves an anchor in Ben Polhill. The 6'3", 180lbs goalie from Calgary has an impressive .899 SV% in the season so far, and he has room to grow. He is just one part of this team that's keeping playoff hopes alive for the crew.
"This has been a group that shows the ability to really build on and bounce back from performances. If they have a good game, they can come back even stronger. At the same time, even if maybe they don't have their best game, they can really rebound quickly -- and that's the mark of a good team there. It's all about how you respond coming off a given situation, whether they're good or bad," Martinson added.
Estevan will have a tough match-up against the Humboldt Broncos this weekend inside Affinity Place. The first game is tonight with the rematch slated for tomorrow. Puck drop for both games is at 7:00pm.