The last time a member of the Estevan Bruins scored 30 goals in back-to-back seasons was 2003, when Lonny Forrester accomplished the rare feat. At that time, Jean Chretien was Prime Minister, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter were all yet to be invented, and Michael McChesney was five years old.

16 years later, McChesney hgas inscribed his name on the Bruins history books with his second consecutive season with 30 goals or more. The Dickinson, North Dakota native has posted a total of 80 goals so far in nearly three seasons with the Bruins, making him one of their most consistent scorers ever.

"Mike's been so consistent for us right from his rookie season," said Bruins head coach and GM Chris Lewgood. "By the end of it he was scoring at that pace. It took him a little while to acclamate on the offensive side but he's been such a key cog for us. I think if he wasn't snakebit early in the season he would be pushing 45 goals right now."

McChesney has been on a tear in the second half after a slump beginning in early November. Since January 1, he's posted 12 goals and 23 points in 17 games, while currently riding a six-game point streak. McChesney credits the success in 2019 to a new approach to the game

"That's the identity we're trying to form as a team," he said after his hat trick against Weyburn on February 16. "Just blue collar, chip and chase and bang some (defense). I think our team is really coming together in the second half, we've been pretty successful with that."

For Lewgood, McChesney's run puts him among the most consistent players he's had in his time with the team. The 21-year-old forward produces offense a little differently than some of his predecssors, according to his coach.

"One thing with Mike is he's not just a finisher," Lewgood said. "He creates a lot of his opportunities off the line rush and hard work down low. He's a unique player in the way he plays the game and makes opportunities for himself and his teammates."

Another factor in McChesney's recent surge has been feasting on the Weyburn Red Wings, a team he's produced seven goals in his last three games against. For the long-time Bruin, the rivalry between the two teams has always brought out the best in him.

"It's just the rivalry," he said. "Being here for three years, you get that... you hate red, you hate everything about the Weyburn Red Wings. There's that intensity in ever game against them and you never want to lose to them."