Cassidy Removed as Head Coach/GM of the Bruins

 

The Estevan Bruins announced today they would be parting ways with Keith Cassidy. I apoligize I won't be able to provide more details as I'm away on vacation until next week.

 

Here's the statement from the team

 

The executive of the Estevan Bruins Hockey Club would like to announce it has decided not to renew the contract of head coach and general manager Keith Cassidy. He will no longer handle head coach and GM duties effective immediately.
"We would like to thank Keith for his contributions to the Bruins organization. Keith played a key role in the team's transition to Spectra Place and has been a strong ambassador in the community," said president Jeff Pierson. "However this is a results based business and there is no getting around the fact the past year was a disappointing one. We feel our fans deserve a winning team and we will take all steps necessary to make that happen."
Pierson added that the search for a new head coach and GM will begin immediately.

Final Postgame Interview from Mar.16

While the Bruins season came to an end last Saturday, it has been much offseason so far for myself with the Big 6 Playoffs and work at the radio station. But he's the audio from the postgame of last Saturday's loss to Yorkton with Head Coach Keith Cassidy. I'll post a few thoughts tomorrow.

Bruins Season Comes to an End with 6-3 loss to Yorkton

The 2012-13 season came to an end for the CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins as they were defeated by the Yorkton Terriers 6-3.

The Bruins fell behind early as Patrick Martens knocked in a loose rebound to get the Terriers on the scoreboard. The Bruins had a great chance to tie the game in the first period as they went on the powerplay for 5 minutes including a 5 on 3 for about a minute. But the Bruins weren't able to capitalize as Jeremy Johnson scored a short handed goal to make it a 2-0.

Estevan would get on the scoreboard shortly afterwards as Tanner Froese knocked in a loose puck in and made it 2-1 after the first. The Bruins dominated the shot clock as they outshot the Terriers 21-6 in the period but the Terriers Dawson MacAuley was outstanding in net.

In the second period Kailum Gervais scored on a wraparound the gave Yorkton a 4-2 win. The Bruins answered back shortly afterwards as Hudson Morrison scored on the powerplay to make it 4-3. But late in the period Martens scored on the powerplay to make it 5-3 after the second period.

In the third period the Bruins were unable to close the gap as they remained down by a pair of goals. Yorkton extended their lead as Martens scored his third goal of the evening as he crashed in the net and was able to get the puck past the goal line according to the refs eyes before the net came off its moorings. The Bruins answered back shortly as Calder Neufeld scored to make it 5-3. But the Bruins couldn't close the gap as Tyler Giebel finished off the game with an empty net to make the final 6-3.

The Terriers will move on to the Sherwood Conference while the Bruins are now looking ahead to next year.

The Bruins will lose 7 20 year olds to graduation in Curtis Martinu, Alex Cote, Tyler Paslawski, Connor Milligan, Calder Neufeld, Dylan Smith and Cole Olson.

Bruins On the Brink of Elimination after 2-1 Loss

It was another close one goal loss for the CanElson Drilling Estevan as the Yorkton Terriers defeated the Bruins 2-1 which leaves the Bruins on the brink of elimination as they trail in the series 3-1.

The Bruins came out firing in the first period as they had several opportunities to get the lead but were unable to beat the Terriers Dawson MaCauley. Instead it was Yorkton would picked up the lead as Brady Norrish took the puck from his blue line and went inside of the Bruins zone and buried a shot past the Bruins Curtis Martinu to make it 1-0.

In the second period, the Bruins once again ran into penalty trouble. While the Bruins were able to kill off the three penalties, the Bruins weren't able to gain the momentum until late in the second period when they received a powerplay opportunity. The Bruins had their chances but once again couldn't solve MaCauley as the Bruins remain down 1-0 after two periods.

In the third period the Bruins were able to get on the scoreboard after a hardworking shift from Taylor Reich, Brett Dumaine and Wyatt Garagan. The shift ended with Garagan burying a shot top shelf to tie the game at 1-1.

The Terriers came back with a flurry of chances after the Garagan and with just over 6 minutes left, Tyler Giebel knocked a shot past Martinu to make it 3-2. The Bruins were unable to register the tying goal and now face elimination tomorrow night in Yorkton.

Game 5 of the series can be heard on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15.

Bruins Head Coach Keith Cassidy comments on the game.

Bruins Lose 2-1 to Yorkton and Now Trail 2-1 in Series

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins pushed the Yorkton Terriers to the limit last night but it was not enough as the Terriers won 2-1 and with the victory, the Terriers lead the series 2-1.

It was an even game through the first 40 minutes, while the shot clock read 21-12, the chances were even as the Bruins had several opportunities but weren't able to capitalize. Brett Blatz had a great chance for the opening goal in the second period but rang a shot of the crossbar. Wyatt Garagan also had a great chance but had a shot go wide by a couple of inches.

At the other end of the ice, the Bruins Curtis Martinu was making lives difficult for the Terriers as Yorkton struggled getting a shot past Martinu. The 20 year old goalie flashed the leather on numerous occasions with some big glove saves including a great chance from the Terrier Captain Devon McMullen.

In the final period, Patrick Martens was able to sneak in behind the Bruins defence and unleashed a lazer of a shot past Martinu to give the Terriers the lead early in the period. Martens would add his 4th goal of the series halfway thru the period when he picked up a turnover in the neutral zone and proceeded to move in on a breakaway and beat Martinu to make it 2-0.

The Bruins didn't go down without a fight as Tanner Froese got the Bruins on the scoreboard with 56 seconds remaining after deflecting Connor Milligan's shot to make it 2-1. But the Bruins were unable to get the equalizer as they fell 2-1.

Game 4 of the series is now set for tomorrow night in Estevan and the game can be heard on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15.

Bruins and Terriers 1-1 After Bruins Win 5-2

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins evened up their series with the Yorkton Terriers after a 5-2 victory at Spectra Place.

The Bruins wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Hudson Morrison's shot was knocked in by Calder Neufeld 15 seconds into the game as the Bruins lead 1-0. The Bruins had other opportunities to extend their lead in the period but were unable to capitalize. With 1:01 left in the period, the Terriers tied the game up as Kalium Gervais knocked in a loose rebound to even up the score after 20 minutes.

The second period was all Bruins, it started with Dylan Smith forcing a turnover at the Terrier's blueline, Smith would drop a pass for Alex Cote who scored on the low blocker side to give the Bruins. The Bruins didn't get a powerplay until late in the second period but it quickly turn into a 5 on 3. The Bruins would take full advantage as Neufeld found Smith in front of the net and Smith scored to make 3-1. 13 seconds later, Terriers goalie Dawson Macauley attempted to clear the puck from his zone and the puck right to Tanner Froese who fired it into the Terriers net to make it 4-1 after two periods.

The Terriers made things interesting as Devon McMullen scored in the opening minute of the third period to make it 4-2 but the Bruins would get a 5 minute powerplay as Dylan Baer was called for a 5 minute major for boarding penalty on Hudson Morrison. Estevan would put the game away in the third period as Smith scored on a great feed from Cole Olson to end the scoring at 5-2. The bad blood started to boil in the final minutes between as the series is shaping up to be a very heated one.

Curtis Martinu made 25 saves in the win while the Bruins powerplay went 3 for 5 and Yorkton was 0 for 4.

Game 3 is Tuesday night in Yorkton and you can catch it on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15.

After the game Bruins Head Coach Keith Cassidy comments on the win.

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                                                Smith also comments on  the win.

Bruins Drop Game 1 against Yorkton

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins got off to a rough start in their series with the Yorkton Terriers as the Bruins lost 6-1.

The Terriers scored a pair of quick goals early in the game to gain a 2-0 lead before the Bruins Dylan Smith the lead to 2-1 late in the first. But late in the first period Yorkton scored to make it 3-1 after one period.

In the second period the Bruins had a couple of good chances to score including Dylan Smith hitting the crossbar but it remained 3-1 until late in the second period when Yorkton would score two goals in a 1:04 span to make it 5-1.

The third period was filled with penalties for the Bruins and they almost survived except late in the third the Terriers added one final goal to make it 6-1.

The Bruins Curtis Martinu made 32 saves in the loss for the Bruins.

Game 2 will go tonight in Estevan at Spectra Place, a game you can catch on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15

Bruins Meet Terriers in Game 1 Tonight

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins will open their Sherwood Conference Semi-Finals with the Yorkton Terriers tonight in Yorkton.

The Bruins and Terriers haven't seen a lot of each other in the second half of the season. There only matchup against each other was on February 5 in Estevan. A lot has changed for the Bruins since Christmas with the additions of Dylan Smith, Alex Cote and a healthy Calder Neufeld so the stats during the Bruins and Terriers should be taken for a grain of salt.

The Terriers have only lost once at home in regulation this season, but that one loss came at the hands of the Estevan Bruins back on October 30. Even though that win came back at the beginning of the season, the Bruins have a lot of confidence that can win inside of Yorkton.

The last two years the Bruins have experienced heartbreak in Game 1 of the Conference Semi-Finals. Two years ago, the Bruins lost in Yorkton after giving up a lead in third period to the Terriers. While last season the Bruins had a one goal against Weyburn, before the Red Wings scored with 27 seconds left to tie the game to send it to overtime before the Bruins lost the game on a bad bounce.

You can catch tonight's game on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15.

Survivor Series Recap

It was a tough to the postseason for the Estevan Bruins as they needed four games to eliminate the Kindersley Klippers from the Survivor Series.

Before we look ahead to the next round against Yorkton, here's one final look at the series with Kindersley. Set to the tune of "The Kids Aren't Alright" here's a recap of the Bruins goals from the series.
 

Bruins Eliminate Klippers with 4-1 Win

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins eliminated the Kindersley Klippers and advanced to the Sherwood Conference Semi-finals after a 4-1 victory last night at Spectra Place. The Bruins will now face the Yorkton Terriers.

The Bruins wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Alex Cote scored on the first shot of the game 15 seconds into the opening frame to make it 1-0. The Bruins had several chances to extend their lead in the first but the Klippers Warren Shymko kept the score close. The Bruins outshot the Klippers 13-2 in the opening period but the Klippers took advantage of one of their shots as a turnover in behind the Bruins yet allowed the Klippers Giovanni Bombini found Ryan Doner in front of the net and Doner buried a shot past the Bruins Curtis Martinu on the low blocker side to tie the game at 1-1.

In the second period it appeared the Klippers were about to take the lead as Bombini had an open net but rang a shot off the crossbar. Moments later the Bruins Tyler Paslawski found Darcy DeRoose in front of the Klippers net and DeRoose's rebound would go past Shymko to take it 2-1 after two periods.

In the final period, the Bruins got an early powerplay and the Bruins Hudson Morrison took a loose puck from the side of the net and banked a shot past Shymko to give the Bruins a much needed insurance goal as the Bruins lead 3-1. The Bruins continue with their strong defensive efforts as the Bruins only allowed 18 shots from the Klippers. After a couple of close calls, with 7 seconds left Cole Olson scored on an open net to give the Bruins the win.

Curtis Martinu made 17 saves for the victory and the Bruins powerplay went 1 for 3 on the night.

It will be a quick turnaround for the Bruins as they will open up their series with Yorkton on Friday night and then Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday night here in Estevan.

Bruins Head Coach Keith Cassidy comments on the win

The Bruins Cole Olson and Dylan Smith comment on the win and look ahead to their matchup with Yorkton

Bruins Unble to Finish off Klippers

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins were unable to complete the sweep in their Survivor Series with the Kindersley Klippers after the Klippers beat the Bruins 3-1.

The Klippers got on the scoreboard 56 seconds into the game as the Bruins got a on a Klippers 3 on 2 rush. The Klippers Ryan Doner was the trailer and snuck a shot past the glove side of the Bruins Curtis Martinu.

The Bruins responded shortly afterwards on their first powerplay opportunity as Martinu found Tanner Froese in the neutral zone, Froese found Morrison inside the blue line and Morrison let go a lazer of a shot on the high blocker side as the Bruins tied the game 1-1.

The Bruins had several opportunities to grab the lead in the first period but were unable to get a shot in the back of the net and had to settle for the tie after 20 minutes.\

The 2nd period has caused problems for the Bruins in the Survivor Series and that was the case once again as the Bruins fell into penalty trouble as they took three straight penalties in the period. The first penalty saw Froese sit for 12 minutes with a hit to the head penalty. While the Klippers didn't score on the powerplay, shortly afterwards Stefan Seel deflected a shot from the point that got past Martinu to give Kindersley the lead. The score remained 2-1.

The Bruins couldn't get the equalizer with ta late powerplay instead Martinu's pass was knocked down in the neutral zone which allowed Brandon Lauder to seal the win for Kindersley.

Game 4 will go tonight in Estevan and you can catch it on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15.

Bruins Looking For Sweep Tonight

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins will look to complete the sweep in the Survivor Series against the Kinderlsey Klippers.

The Bruins took a 2-0 series lead in the postseason with the Bruins beating the Klippers twice in their own rink.  The Bruins took game 1 on Saturday with a 2-1 victory and then defeated the Klippers 5-4 on Sunday night in Kindersley.

Calder Neufeld has been on a tear for the Bruins in the postseason already registering 7 points (2 goals and 5 assists) in the two playoff games. Neufeld's linemate Tanner Froese had a huge game in Game 2 with a pair of goals including the game winner and an assist.

The Bruins powerplay has been effective as well going 3 for 6 in the first two games of the series. Dylan Smith scored both Bruin powerplay goals on Sunday in Game 2.

You can catch tonight's Game 3 on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15. If the Bruins would lose tonight, then Game 4 would go tomorrow night in Estevan at 7:30

Bruins Take Command of Survivor Series with 5-4 Win Over Kindersley

The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins continue to prove that regular season stats mean nothing in the postseason as the Bruins defeated the Klippers 5-4. With the win the Bruins now lead the best of five series 2-0.

It was a big night for Tanner Froese as he scored a pair of goals (including the game winning goal) and an assist. The game winner started with Hudson Morrison delivering a big hit deep in the Klippers zone knocking the Klippers Justin Schoffer off the puck which allowed Calder Neufeld to pick up the puck and he gave Froese a perfect pass and Froese finished off the play with his second goal of the game.

It was a rollercoaster of a game with the Bruins jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period as Froese drove to the net after making a nice move past the Klippers Jonathan Coachman, Froese's initial shot was stopped by King, and then King stopped Alex Cote's attempt but Neufeld finished off the play burying his second of the postseason to make it 2-0.

The Bruins extended their lead when Neufeld made a perfect to Froese and he buried a shot past King's blocker to make it 2-0. The Bruins were successful on their first attempt on the powerplay as Cole Olson found Dylan Smith on the doorstep of the net and Smith deflected the puck with a backhand to make it 3-0. After the third goal King was pulled in favour of Warren Shymko.

The Klippers got back into the game early in the 2nd when DJ McGrath wrapped around the puck from behind the net and snuck it past Curtis Martinu to make it 3-1.

The Bruins regained their three goal as Smith scored his second powerplay goal of the night as he batted a puck out of midair and past Shymko to make it 4-1.

Like in Game 1, the Bruins fell into penalty trouble as the Klippers were able to capitalize as Kolby Daniels, Kyle Davies and Bradley Buckingham each scored to tie the game at 4-4 heading into the final frame.

Once Froese scored the go ahead goal the Bruins once again placed the defensive clamps on the Klippers but with 10 seconds remaining Giovanni Bombini appeared to have an open net to tie the game but Martinu stretched out the pad and made what Bruins Head Coach Keith Cassidy called a game winning save for the Bruins.

With the victory the Bruins will have two opportunities to win the series on home ice starting on Tuesday at Spectra Place. You can catch the game on CJ1280 and discoverestevan.com beginning at 7:15.\

After the game Froese comments on the win for the Bruins.

Bruins Open Playoffs With 2-1 Win over Kindersley.

The CanElson Drilling played a solid road game and it earned them a 1-0 lead in the Survivor Series.

Calder Neufeld has experienced a frustrating 20 year old season but the frustration was quickly erased when is wrist shot went off the Klippers Tyrell King's glove and in the net. Neufeld said at that stage of the game he was trying to just get a puck on the net and felt fortunate that one went in.

The first period had a slow choppy start and the flow didn't really pick up until the Bruins went on the powerplay. Cole Olson scored the first goal of the game on the Bruins first powerplay as he followed up his own rebound to give the Bruins the first lead. Olson almost made it 2-0 as he split the Klippers defence as put the puck through his legs but as he went for the deke on King, he managed to get the stick on Olson's backhand attempt.

With a minute remaining in the period it appeared that the Bruins were going on to the powerplay after the Klippers Beau Stewart slashed the Bruins Curtis Martinu, but instead the refs called David Robertson with the slashing penalty giving the Klippers the powerplay. With 50 seconds left in the first the Klippers Giovanni Bombini got his backhand past Curtis Martinu to tie the game at 1-1.

There was no scoring in the second period but the story was the Bruins powerplay. The Bruins had to kill off four penalties and including essentially a six minute powerplay with Hudson Morrison taking a four minute penalty right after a Robertson penalty. The Bruins were able to limit the Klippers chances and Martinu came up with a big save when called upon.

In the third period, the Bruins dominated the Klippers with the majority of the play in the period inside of Kindersley's zone. The Bruins only allowed Kindersley two shots in the third period and did a great job of controlling the puck after Neufeld's goal.

With the win, the Bruins now have home ice advantage and a win tonight means the Bruins will have two chances to finish off the series at home ice.

You can catch tonight's game on CJ1280 beginning at 5:45.

After the game Neufeld comments on the win.

SJHL Hall of Fame Dinner/Bruins Awards Banquet

The SJHL welcomed six new members to the SJHL Hall of Fame last night. Ron Dunville, Bruce Firth, Ray Frehlick, Alan May, Terry Simpson and Bill Shinske were all welcomed to the Hall of Fame last night.
    
After the ceremony May answered questions from the media and below is the speeches from Firth, Simpson and Dunville.

                                                                              Alan May

 

 Terry Simpson

 

Bruce Firth

Ron Dunville

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The Bruins also handed out their awards last night and here are the winners.

Bruins Awards Winners


Rookie of the Year Zach Douglas and Darcy DeRoose

Defenceman of the Year- Tyler Kauk

Most Popular Player- Connor Milligan

Hustle- Cole Olson

Most Sportsmanlike- Connor Milligan

Scholastic Award- Zach Douglas

Most Improved- Zach Douglas

Rocky Award- Hudson Morrison

Community Involvement- Taylor Reich

Bill Shinske Ethics Award- Cole Olson and Connor Milligan

MVP- Cole Olson

Training Staff Heart Award- Curtis Martinu

Volunteer Award Gail Chilman

Underrated- Brett Dumaine

Ironman Award- Tanner Froese, Tyler Paslawski, Cole Olson, Connor Milligan

Scholarship Award- Cole Olson

Looking Ahead to Survivor Series With Cole Olson

For the third straight year the Estevan Bruins will be in the Survivor Series as they meet the Kindersley Klippers. This will also mark the third straight time that Dylan Smith, Calder Neufeld and Cole Olson.will be involved in the series.

I had the chance to talk with Olson about being in the Survivor Series for the third straight year.

Look Ahead to Tonight's SJHL Induction Ceremony

The Estevan Bruins will hold their annual Awards Banquet tonight along with the SJHL Hall of Fame Dinner ceremony. Here's the list of people who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame tonight.


Ron Dunville: Ron was one of the most dynamic players in Bruins history. He is the all-time Bruins leading scorer and is 12th in SJHL history and third in SJHL for goals scored.



Bruce Firth: Bruce is 18th all-time in SJHL scoring history and is regarded as one of the SJHL Bruins top players of all-time. Bruce was also a longstanding member of the executive and as the team’s accountant played a crucial role in helping to guide the team to financial stability.



Ray Frehlick:   Ray was part of the group that kept the franchise alive when the WHL Bruins moved to New Westminster. Ray was a huge part of the first management team of the SJHL Bruins and has long been an incredible financial supporter.



Alan May:  Alan spent four years with Bruins. In ‘85 Alan had 51 goals and over 400 PIM’s on the team that won the SJHL championship. Alan then went on to an 8 year NHL career. With respect to the SJHL Bruins, Al has had one of the best post-Bruin careers. Alan remains involved in hockey as announcer for the Washington Capitals.



Bill Shinske: Bill had a huge influence on the SJHL and the Estevan Bruins. This long time general manager’s name was synonymous with the Bruins franchise for years. The league’s builder of the year award was named in his honour.



Terry Simpson: Terry played with the Bruins prior to their move to the WHL. He then went on to coach Prince Albert to a number of dominant seasons before the team moved to WHL and is regarded as one of the best coaches in SJHL history. Terry also had a successful coaching career in the NHL with a number of teams. 

Here's the interview that aired during last Friday's broadcast with Frehlick.


                                                                                      Part 1

                                                                      Part 2

Q and A with Hard Knocks Felix Jimenez

Hard Knocks Fighting returns to Estevan tomorrow night with Hard Knocks 31.

There's 17 fights scheduled on the card and 10 of them will feature local fighters. The main event will be a light heavyweight (205 lb) bout between Devon Smith and Kevin LeGasse. The co-main event will feature a lightweight (155) bout between Chris Chapman and David Swanson.


One of the local fighters on the card is Felix Jimenez who's won his last two fights in Estevan and will be competing in a heavyweight bout against Leeroy Johnson from Toronto.

I had the chance to talk Jimenez earlier this week about the fight.