Zach Goberis, Johnny Witzke and Michael McChesney...Those are just a few recent players who have made the move north of the border to suit up and star for the Estevan Bruins.

The proof is in the pudding.

The trio of Americans combined for 71 goals and 102 assists in 162 regular season games last season for the Bruins, which also saw all three imports make massive contributions to the Bruins run to the Canalta Cup Final. Zach Goberis holds the Bruins record for all time points from an import with 144, which could be broken this coming season by Michael McChesney, who sits 44 points behind Goberis for the record.

Recruiting in the United States has become a critical tool for the clubs success.

"With the North Dakota guys, it's just a natural fit," shared Bruins Head Coach and General Manager, Chris Lewgood. "We're one of three teams in their back yard, with us and two in the North American Hockey League. Because that's our geographical scouting area, we work hard in North Dakota and Minnesota. For example you see a lot of Alberta kids on Kindersley because they're so close to the border, and Flin Flon with kids from Manitoba."

"It's a bit of a detriment that we're limited in import spots, and yet we're stationed in an area where that's a natural drawing place for us. At the same time, nobody in our league has done as well in North Dakota and in the northern states as we have."

Along with Bruins Head Scout Cole Zahn, Lewgood was on the road during an interview with DiscoverEstevan, looking for the next Zach Goberis while keeping tabs on a couple of their own.

"We've been doing some recruiting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at a United States Hockey League (USHL) camp watching some young players, along with some of our returning players in camp, and promoting them to schools, and supporting them as well."

Many teams in the SJHL have announced a number of player signings throughout the off-season, which is something the Bruins won't be doing. Despite no announcements being made, Lewgood was enthusiastic when speaking about this seasons recruiting class.

"A lot of the players we have committed to have the potential to play in the Western League or the USHL. Until we know better where they stand in those scenarios, we won't make any announcements. I do have to say that I believe this is one of our strongest recruiting classes of my six years with the Bruins, and we're very excited about the young groups."

Just around the corner for the hockey club is their annual summer camp for novice, pee wee and atom aged players, which starts on August 13th.