Last year's Estevan Bruins team took their time finding their offensive groove, but once they found it they were nearly unstoppable. It was common in the second half last season to see the Bruins drop six, seven, or even eight goals on a team (and in one case, nine), some of whom were at the higher end of the standings.

Some of the players responsible for that offense have departed via graduation or because they weren't able to cross the border. Plenty of others, however, have returned a year older and wiser, giving the Bruins one of the league's more formidable offenses. 

"We're just going to roll lines and see how it goes," said head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic. "We want to give everyone an opportunity to showcase their skills."

Returning forwards Eddie Gallagher and Griffin Asham-Moroz led the way offensively last year, and both will be counted on to be among the top players this year. They're not alone as promising returnees, however. Cody Davis snapped home 16 goals as a 17-year-old last season, and Troy Hamilton put up an impressive 29 points in 41 games as a rookie. 

Go further down the list, however, and the depth of the Bruins begins to shine through. Caleb Petrie, who is looking at top-line minutes as Brady Nicholas takes a run at the WHL, posted seven points in his last ten games. Petrie's second-half success mirrored the team's, as several players went on second-half surges, including Erik Boers. 

Two locals, Ryder Pierson and Mason Strutt, provide experience and offensive depth, with Pierson entering his third season with the club and both expected to see more opportunity this year. And while Tanner Mortenson isn't a returnee to the Bruins, his three seasons of Junior A hockey make him one of the club's more experienced veterans.

Another source of added firepower will be the incoming rookie class. Brandon Ambrozik was a leading offensive threat in Manitoba's U18 AAA circuit last season, while Mason Smith was an offensive force despite being just 17 playing in Junior B in British Columbia with 42 points in 40 games, 14 more than his next closest teammate. They and other rookies will get a chance to show how they handle tighter-checking competition in the exhibition series against Weyburn this weekend. 

"Guys know there are limited spots on the team," said Tatarnic. "We want guys that are going to show they're willing to compete every shift, that's going to be a big thing for us as a coaching staff to instill in our players. We want to compete every shift. The one thing you control is your work ethic." 

Antoine Saint-Onge provides a mix of size and skill up front as well, and has proved adept at shielding the puck along the wall during camp. He played in the Western States Hockey League last season and scored 15 goals as a 17-year-old for the Edson Aeros. 

Finally, Davis proved last season a 17-year-old can make an offensive difference. Hoping to replicate his success this year will be 2003-born forwards Caelan Fitzpatrick and Keagon Little, both of whom showed strongly enough in camp to make the team despite having another year of U18 AAA eligibility remaining.