The Estevan Bruins are the SJHL champions for the first time since 1999.

Estevan played a near perfect game on Friday night at Affinity Place, shutting out the Flin Flon Bombers 2-0 in Game 7 in front of a completely sold out crowd.

Kian Calder and Olivier Pouliot scored for Estevan, while goaltender Boston Bilous made 29 saves in the series clinching win.

The Bruins won the series 4-3.

 

"Very proud of them," said Bruins head coach Jason Tatarnic. "We just wanted to play better defensive hockey...we thought that slipped away from us the last four games, and no goals against (tonight)."

"Both teams play very well on their home ice and give Flin Flon credit, they were excellent at the Whitney."

Following the final buzzer, handshakes, and the trophy celebration, every single Bruins player shared moments with friends and family at ice level.

"Just trying to look around and remember this, wish I could capture a picture in my eyes but it's pretty special, I mean just the support from this city," said Bruins captain Eric Houk. "We wanted to win it so bad for them, all the support around the city I can't thank enough."

team photo

Standout defenceman Dayton Deics commented on the gruelling series that spanned a full two weeks with multiple nine hour bus trips.

"Going all the way to seven, both teams battled hard, it came down to home ice and I'm glad we battled through the regular season to get home ice."

"They're the best fans in the world. I don't even know what to say...you wouldn't get this anywhere else, it's unreal," Deics added.

 

Sniper Mark Rumsey said it was a pretty special accomplishment in his last year of junior hockey before heading off to the University of Saskatchewan.

"It's awesome," Rumsey said. "I love this group, I love these guys. It was a special group all year and I'm happy that everyone gets rewarded with this."

Finally, Mitch Kohner, who was playing with a heavy heart after losing his younger sister earlier in the playoffs, said he was playing for her. 

"My sister Cindy, she passed away a couple weeks ago, and it's been really hard," said Kohner, fighting back tears.

"These are the best group of guys that I've ever been with...true champions right here."