Ceci to continue career close to home

From today's Mercury:

Faced with the decision of playing Division 3 hockey in the United States or at a Canadian college near his hometown, Jonathan Ceci took the no-brainer.

The former Estevan Bruin has earned a scholarship from Simon Fraser University, located in Burnaby, B.C.

The 21-year-old North Vancouver native will study business at SFU and said the school’s academic reputation factored into his choice.

“It took a while there to figure out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. I had a couple of options and this was the best fit for me,” said Ceci.

The Clan is coming off a British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League championship and looking south.

“They’re trying to get their hockey program up and going into the NCAA and it’s close to home for me, so it’s exciting,” Ceci said.


Read the rest of the story here

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Also, here's the release from the SJHL on Joel Danyluk earning the Roger Neilson/Hockey Ministries International award earlier this week. Congrats to Joel. I've never met him, but have heard great things about him as a person.

ROGER NEILSON AWARD (FAIR PLAY AND DEDICATION TO THE GAME)

                Joel Danyluk of the Estevan Bruins is the winner of the Roger Neilson award.  This 20 year old goalie from Yorkton  has a full understanding of what a community means to a hockey club. He works very hard to ensure that children who attended  Bruin games received autograph's, souvenirs and the attention that they need to keep them coming back to the games. Joel was constantly involved in the community through school visits, helping out with minor hockey, volunteering at community events and making sure that this community knows that the Estevan Bruins Hockey Club as a whole depends on the community for support.

This award is voted on by the twelve coaches and team chaplains of SJHL teams, and it goes to the player who best displays fair play and dedication to the game of hockey.  These attributes are both on and off the ice.  The winner also has to show a commitment to the team chaplain program.  This award is also known as the Hockey Ministries International Award

Bruins ink three more

Matt Brykaliuk

The Estevan Bruins have locked up three more list players for next season.

They include Brandon AAA Wheat Kings forward Matt Brykaliuk, who finished eighth in scoring in the Manitoba midget league last year; Beardy's Blackhawks goalie Steven Glass, considered the team's top goaltender prospect; and Saskatoon Contacts winger Taylor Reich, who had already committed to the Bruins but wasn't able to meet with Keith Cassidy face-to-face until now.

All three guys are '93s.

Brykaliuk is one of the most promising prospects in the Bruins' stable, having racked up 53 points last year for the Wheat Kings.

Keith said he wants kids who are excited to play in Estevan and these three kids seem to fit the bill.

One target the Bruins have yet to sign is Manitoba leading scorer Jesse Bernard. Keith said he plans to speak to him again today.

There will be more signings in future weeks, but they'll likely be more sporadic from now on.

Ceci commits to Simon Fraser

Jonathan Ceci is the latest Bruin to commit to a university or college for the next phase of his career.

The high-flying centre, acquired from Nipawin at last year's trade deadline, will play for Simon Fraser University next season.

From SJHL.ca:

The Simon Fraser University Men’s Ice Hockey program is pleased to announce a commitment from forward Jonathan Ceci (North Vancouver, B.C.) to attend SFU and join the team as its looks for a championship three-peat in the 2011/12 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Ceci recently completed his junior hockey career with the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, where he was a prolific scorer over two seasons split between Estevan and the Nipawin Hawks. He finished the 2010/11 season ranked 11th in league scoring with 26 goals and 69 points in 54 games played and was named the SJHL’s Player of the Month in December after picking up 22 points in nine games. His SJHL totals include 47 goals, 119 points and 87 penalty minutes accumulated over 111 career games.

“Jonathan was identified as one of our top offensive targets during the recruiting process and we’re thrilled that he’s chosen to commit to SFU,” says general manager Jeff Dubois. “Jono really broke out offensively over the second half of last season and put up 50 points in his last 30 games. We expect that his creativity and playmaking ability should allow him step in and make an immediate impact in the BCIHL.”

“I chose Simon Fraser University because it has a great hockey program and very high-end academic options, plus it gave me the chance to stay close to home,” says Ceci. “I’m excited to show that I can excel and be successful at the university level. I don’t expect it to be handed to me, but I am looking forward to proving myself and helping to bring more championships to SFU.”

The addition of Ceci brings SFU’s commitment total from the SJHL to five. He joins Tyler Mah (Flin Flon), Tony Oak (Battlefords), Taylor Piller (La Ronge) and Trevor Milner (Notre Dame)

More signings expected Wednesday

I spoke with Keith Cassidy on Monday. He said no new signings were done, but at least a couple should be official by Wednesday, after he gets settled in Estevan.

Not sure if one of them is Taylor Reich, who had already committed aside from signing on the dotted line.

Two of the guys the Bruins are trying to get signed are Manitoba top scorers Jesse Bernard (MBAAA scoring leader) and Matt Brykaliuk (eighth), who sounds like more or less a sure thing.

I'm off work tomorrow, but I'll try to get a post up here if there's news.

***

I'm heading to Minnesota next weekend for the NHL draft and I decided to throw together a top 40 mock for fun.

I've only seen a handful of these kids play, so take it with a grain of salt. It's more based on what I've heard from contacts in the NHL and looking at team needs.

1. Edmonton - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C

-Personally, I think Larsson is the best player in the draft and the Oilers could use him, but it seems they've more or less decided on RNH.

2. Colorado - Gabriel Landeskog, LW

-A tough choice between Landeskog and Larsson, but dealing away Chris Stewart left a huge hole on the wings and Landeskog has an enticing mix of skill and grit.

3. Florida - Jonathan Huberdeau, C

-Finally a clear-cut #1 centre for the Panthers, who desperately need one. Huberdeau's stock has risen more in the last couple of months than almost anyone.

4. New Jersey - Adam Larsson, D

-This is a slam dunk for a team depleted in depth on the blueline. If Larsson is gone, they take Hamilton.

5. NYI - Dougie Hamilton, D

-Hard to predict what the Isles will do here, but Hamilton would be an excellent addition to a young D group including Hamonic, de Haan, Katic and Wishart.

6. Ottawa - Sean Couturier, C

-The Sens could take Strome here, but there's no doubt they go with a centre. A few years ago they were loaded with skilled forwards; now it's their biggest need.

7. Winnipeg - Ryan Strome, C

-Strome is one of the biggest risers in the draft. Might not be a first-line centre, but he and Burmistrov could make for an awesome 1-2 punch down the road.

8. Columbus - Mika Zibanejad, C

-Zibanejad is another riser and the Jackets like the jam he brings to a very skilled two-way game. Can also play the wing.

9. Boston - Nathan Beaulieu, D

-The choice is between Beaulieu and Murphy, but the Memorial Cup champ is a safer bet in his own end and can still put up the points, something the Bruins lack in their prospect pool.

10. Minnesota - Sven Bartschi,  LW

-A bit of a reach, but the Wild need wingers to play with Mikko Koivu and you can't argue with the points Bartschi put up in his first season in North America.

11. Colorado - Ryan Murphy, D

12. Carolina - Joel Armia, RW

13. Calgary - Mark McNeill, C

14. Dallas - Zack Phillips, C

15. NY Rangers - Duncan Siemens, D

16. Buffalo - Oscar Klefbom, D

17. Montreal - Mark Scheifele, C

18. Chicago - Scott Mayfield, D

19. Edmonton - Jamie Oleksiak, D

20. Phoenix - Boone Jenner, C

21. Ottawa - Brandon Saad, LW

22. Anaheim - Tyler Biggs, RW

23. Pittsburgh - Nicklas Jensen, RW

24. Detroit - Jonas Brodin, D

25. Toronto - Matt Puempel, LW

26. Washington - Victor Rask, C

27. Tampa Bay - John Gibson, G

28. San Jose - David Musil, D

29. Toronto - J.T. Miller, LW

30. Vancouver - Phillip Danault, LW

31. Edmonton - Joe Morrow, D

32. St. Louis - Ty Rattie, LW

33. Florida - Tomas Jurco, RW

34. NY Islanders - Daniel Catenacci, C

35. Ottawa - Rickard Rakell, RW

36. Chicago - Vladislav Namestnikov, C

37, Columbus - Christopher Gibson, G

38. Nashville - Dmitri Jaskin, RW

39. Toronto - Stuart Percy, D

40. Boston - Matthew Nieto, LW

Spectra Place gets massive housewarming party

My column from today's Mercury:

Other than winning the Credit Union Cup, the annual Showcase is about as good as it gets in the SJHL. 

If you have never been to one, you are in for a treat. If you have, you know what I’m talking about.

I had the pleasure of going to the 2009 Showcase in North Battleford and it was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in hockey.

For an SJHL fan, it’s tough to get a good read on other teams and their players, especially when they don’t play in your division.

So getting to sit in one arena and watch all 12 teams play over three days is something to behold.

This year’s Showcase in Estevan will be in mid-October, less than a month after the season starts, so you’ll get to watch all the rookies and get a first-hand look at the changes each team has made.

Read the rest of the story here

Arena helps Bruins land Showcase

From today's Mercury:

Spectra Place is already paying dividends for the Estevan Bruins.

It was announced Sunday that the annual SJHL Showcase has been awarded to Estevan for this season.

The decision was made during the league’s annual meetings held on the weekend in Nipawin.

The event will run Oct. 14-16 at Spectra Place, the first major hockey event to be held in the new facility.

The Showcase brings all 12 SJHL teams together in one venue for three days. Each club plays two games over that span.

It’s an event designed to give scouts from the college and professional ranks a chance to view all of the SJHL’s top talent in one location.

“It’s huge for our hockey club. I think it’ll be very beneficial to the city,” said Bruins president Jeff Pierson. “It’s ironic that it’s called a showcase because it’ll allow us to showcase our rink to a whole new group of people. It’s a win-win on all fronts.”


Read the rest of the story here

Bruins start locking up bumper recruiting crop

From today's Mercury:

With SJHL cards being issued last Tuesday, the Estevan Bruins have been getting down to business.

Head coach Keith Cassidy, director of player personnel Rick Oakes and the team's scouting staff have been pounding the pavement, signing players in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Seven prospective Bruins have been signed in the past week, with more expected to be on the way.

"I’m just thrilled with the number and the quality of the signings we’ve made this year. In my time with the club, I’ve never seen a year like this," said Bruins president Jeff Pierson.

Cassidy got two players locked up last Thursday — Winnipeg Thrashers defenceman Tyler Kauk and Yorkton Harvest right winger Ben Johnstone.

Kauk, a 1993-born defenceman who won the Telus Cup with the Thrashers last month, may well be the biggest catch of the group.

Read the rest of the story here

Bruins sign seven players

The Bruins have been busy over the past week locking up '93 and '94 prospects. Keith Cassidy got two players signed last Thursday and has inked four more since then, with another one coming in the next few days.

Here's a brief look at each player, along with what director of player personnel Rick Oakes had to say when I spoke with him on Monday (name, position, year, hometown, team, 2010-11 stats):

Tyler Kauk, D, 1993, Winnipeg, Winnipeg Thrashers, 44-7-17-17

"Tyler’s a big, strong, physical defenceman. He’s going to be able to step in and play right away, and play a lot. He’s got a big shot from the point that will be very beneficial to our power play and more importantly than anything he’s a character kid, a great leader and a winner."

Ben Johnstone, RW, 1993, Carlyle, Yorkton Harvest, 40-22-22-44

"Benny Johnstone is a Carlyle kid who has worked hard the last few years to get to where he’s at. He’s coming in to make the club and play out a lifelong dream to put on the Bruins jersey. To say he’s excited would be an understatement. But he doesn’t expect anything to be handed to him."

Tanner Froese, RW, 1993, Estevan, Swift Current Legionnaires, 44-23-24-47

"He’s another young man that’s worked hard. He’s spent his last two years in AAA in Swift Current. He was a captain for them last year. He’s a great character kid and he’s going to bring a lot of leadership. Being a local kid is an added bonus. He’s a big, strong winger who drives the net hard and he’s going to put up points in this league."

Taylor Reich, LW, 1993, Estevan, Saskatoon Contacts, 43-22-24-46
*Reich has not signed a contract but will next week when Cassidy is in Estevan
 
"Taylor Reich had a great season with the Saskatoon Contacts, in a first-class program with a winning tradition. We expect him to bring that winning tradition with him. He was also a captain there. Team-wise, he had a lot of success this year and he’s very passionate about wearing the jersey. He’s going to fulfill a very big role for us."

Austin Yano, D, 1993, White City, Moose Jaw Generals, 39-15-20-35 (as a LW)

"He played a couple of years in Moose Jaw, predominantly as a forward, but we’re looking at him as a defenceman for the upcoming season. He sees the ice very well, he moves the puck well, he’s got a big shot, and he’ll be good on the power play."

Denin Boesch, D, 1993, White City, Yorkton Harvest, 40-6-11-17

"Another good character guy. He went through some hard times last year, being released from his AAA team that he had been with for two years. He persevered, went to Yorkton and took on a prominent role as a top two defenceman and by all accounts was a first class citizen and a great leader. He’s got some local ties."

Tyler Bell, D, 1994, Regina, Regina Pat Canadians, 44-5-17-22

"Tyler’s an underage guy who still has some aspirations of looking at the Western League too. Our commitment to him is if he doesn’t make the WHL, we have a spot for him. He’s improved his foot speed and skill level the last two years with the Regina Pat Canadians. He’s a very good player to watch."

More signings should trickle in soon.

Welcome to Bruins Banter

People have been asking me when I was going to start blogging about the Bruins, so this is it.

I cover the Bruins for the Estevan Mercury. I moved to Estevan from Kindersley about two months ago to take on the job. Some of you will remember my old blog, the Klipper Report. For others, this will be your first exposure to my blogging... God rest your soul.

I'm still getting to know the team, so this might be a little sporadic in the early going (not to mention it's the off-season) but I look forward to giving you everything you need to know about your Bruins. It's going to be an exciting season with a new arena, a new coach and the SJHL Showcase coming in October.

The blog is a work in progress, but if you have any suggestions please feel free to leave a comment.

Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter or you can read my tweets to the left of this post.