The Estevan Bruins are becoming a feeder system for higher levels of hockey with this year's group of graduating players. The latest to take his talents to post-secondary hockey is forward Arthur Miller.

The bruising, agitating forward who also potted 21 goals in just 40 games in Estevan was part of the University of Regina's recruiting class for the year along with some former SJHL foes and old teammates. 

"It's really good to be playing back at home with a couple of buddies from the Western League," the Regina native said. "I'm really excited and ready to get going."

Miller joined the Bruins in early November following a trade from the MJHL's Steinbach Pistons. He played only one season in Estevan, but made a definite impression on the league with 39 points and 155 PIMs. Some of his former opponents will now be teammates as the U of R has leaned heavily on the SJHL for its most recent recruits.

Among those recruits is former Weyburn Red Wings captain Mike Eskra. Eskra and Miller battled hard against one another in the season series and even dropped the gloves in a game in Weyburn, something the two now laugh about.

"Me and Mike are good buddies and throughout the summer we were joking about that fight," Miller said. "It's just that we were both big time competitors and that's how it goes when you're in a tight game. We both like to play that way and I think it's going to bring a good energy to the team."

Chris Lewgood, Bruins head coach and GM, brought in Miller to provide leadership, skill and grit. A year later, Lewgood says Miller was all he expected.

"He was a little bit of everything for us," Lewgood said. "He came up big for us in key moments. That's just the nature of the character you have with Arthur. He was great to work with."

After his year in the SJHL and with his WHL pedigree, Miller had other options for post-secondary hockey. In the end, being from Regina made his decision an easy one. 

"U of R was always in the back of my mind," he said. "I talked to a couple of other schools but when you're home school is pushing for you, they were always there from the start."

Lewgood said he believes Miller will have an easier transition to the speed of the Canada West conference in which Regina plays because of his own style of play. 

"It's always tough as a 21-year-old to have an impact as you adjust to bigger stronger guys," said Lewgood, "but Arthur is fast in all elements of the game, and he's gritty and tenacious. I think that will help him to overcome some of the challenges that guys normally face. I think he'll fit in just fine with that program."  

Miller may not have been a Bruin for long, but much like fellow graduate Bo Didur the community left its mark on him. 

"Playing in Estevan was one of the best things that's ever happened to me," he said. "I can't stress enough how the coaching staff made me like part of the family. They were so close with every player on the team and I'll never forget it."

"The town was really supportive," he added. "If I could change one thing, I would have come to Estevan a lot sooner."  

Miller added 15 points in 16 playoff games and was among the league's top scorers. He earned the Bruins "Rocky Award" for toughest player, which he shared with Austin King-Cunningham.