There's some tough decisions ahead of the new coach of the TS&M Bantam Bruins, Blaine Chrest. The team wrapped up their tryouts and training camp with a Black on Gold game, Gold winning 11-2 on Sunday.

"The Black team kind of struggled, Saturday they actually won the scrimmage. It was a long weekend for the kids, four ice sessions, and it was a tough go. You could tell that some of them were a little tired Sunday," said Chrest.

"The veterans really showed what they're made of, and the young ones that came in did very well. We've got some decisions to make, and we go to a tournament next weekend, so we're able to take a few extra with us to help us decide."

The final cut won't take place for at least another week. Three goaltenders will have to be reduced to two, nine defencemen and fifteen forwards will have to come down to six and ten, respectively.

"It was impressive to see all the veterans that have all come back and put the work in," noted Chrest, "(Carson) Birnie, from Arcola, played Peewee last year, really showed that he's a first year that's going to step in and be able to play."

Depth on the offense, according to the coach, will be one of their assets in the upcoming season.

"Tom (Copeland) put a lot of work in with these kids, and especially at the end of the season, a lot of skill development, and it shows. We're going to be able to throw three lines at teams, and you won't be able to tell much apart. We won't really have a number one line that you can defend against, so we're really looking forward to that. Tom's built this program over the last five, six years, and we'll carry on, work with these guys and get them better."

There's also several strong candidates among the returning players that could be tapped as the next one to wear the Captain's C for the season.

"We've got a core group of eight, nine kids coming back. Any one of them could be our leader. You could hear them out on the ice talking, it's something to see, they're making their own plays up as they go. It's pretty good for this age group."

Chrest added that he'll be looking for someone who can lead the crew on and off the ice, and maintain and grow the team's unity.