The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins' playoff push continues, as they picked up their first win of the year over La Ronge.
After a busy trade deadline last week where the Bruins picked up six new players, the new recruits proved themselves yesterday. Estevan dominated the Ice Wolves inside Affinity Place, walking away with a 7-4 decisive victory.
The Bruins came out swinging in the first period, with Beck Boiteau denying all five shots La Ronge sent to the net. Meanwhile, Estevan pelted the opponent's net and scored four times in the opening frame, including two powerplay daggers from Jacob Hufty and Steven Steranka.
It didn't take long for the Ice Wolves to respond. Cole Thomas took advantage of a bench minor penalty on the Bruins and ripped a goal past Boiteau forty seconds into the second period. Connor Frost kept the good luck going for La Ronge, taking advantage of the Bruins trying to kill a hooking penalty and scoring another goal for the visitors. Jacob Cossette would add to the scoresheet to close out the second period.
Ice Wolves' Cole Thomas would find the back of the net again, tying things up at the start of the third period. However, Estevan applied pressure onto the visitors, with Kent Moors and Hayden Pimm scoring back-to-back and beating Graham Brown. Newly acquired Steve Steranka sealed the team's faith and scored the seventh and final goal of the night on a power play. Not long after that, a brawl between Bruins' Jagden Taylor and La Ronge's Vinny Di Iulio ended the game.
It was a big night for Steve Steranka, a former Red Deer Rebels product. In his SJHL debut last night, he impressed with two goals and two assists.
Have yourself a night, Steven Steranka! 🤩🤯
— Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins (@estevanbruins) January 16, 2025
Tonight the 17-year-old made his SJHL debut, scoring a pair of goals in a MONSTER four point (2G, 2A) performance! 👏
Way to go, Steven!! pic.twitter.com/Hzmpo1Tlrw
While it's not a 'do-or-die' situation yet, these games against La Ronge are significant for the Bruins' hope of a playoff berth. With another two points on the line, Estevan will be hosting a rematch tomorrow night inside Affinity Place. Puck drop is at 7:00pm. Then, the black-and-gold will be making their way to Melville on Saturday to face the Millionaires, who defeated Estevan last Friday 4-2.