The AA U18 Estevan Bears will be closing out 2023 with a game tonight against the Regina Pat Canadians.

Head Coach Ryan Pilon says he's looking forward to the matchup.

"I'm anticipating a good game. I know Regina has played some good hockey basically all year and we're kind of finding our stride again, we went through a little bit of ebbs and flows over the season with the injuries and whatnot, but we're coming off a big win up in Saskatoon against the Blazers, so we're trending in the right direction again." 

Pilon says their key to success has been working hard even as there have been setbacks.

"Our work ethic has been second to none. Most nights, we're the hardest working team and that's finding us a lot of success. We went through some injuries, went through some injury with our key goalie. So we brought him back now and just the confidence the players are playing with him back, matched with our work ethic, it's been working all good."

He's hoping that consistency in 2024 can help the team get to playoffs.

The night will also have a few community events during the game.

"First and foremost there's a jersey raffle for Make-A-Wish, that's a big one. I believe the Estevan Comprehensive School students get in for free with their student cards. People who bring non-perishable food items get half-price admission. There's a guaranteed 50/50 thanks to Murray GM. It's a Christmas game. so we're expecting a lot of people in the building and I think they won't be disappointed with the effort that they put in." 

 

All the community support has been great to see so far this season according to Pilon.

"We've gotten a lot more support from the community this past year. Obviously, winning helps with that, but we notice it in the stands, the kids notice it. Our admission and 50/50s have been up from last season. So we're trending in the right direction."

The puck drops in Affinity Place tonight at 7:30.

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