Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

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The Estevan Bruins could be a sleeper team to watch in 2020, as they hit the holiday break out of a playoff spot, but had only 33 games played, by far the fewest, with some teams having as many as 39 games under their belts.

The Bruins came out of the break with a convincing 7-1 win over the Weyburn Red Wings, on the road Monday night.  That brings them now within just two points of Kindersley for the final playoff spot, and they have multiple games in hand on everyone in front of them.

Keenan Rancier made 19/20 saves in Monday’s victory, while seven different players scored for the Bruins (14-17-2-1).  Tylor Ludwar, Caleb Petrie, Cody Davis, Jayden Davis and Eddie Gallagher all had a goal and an assist.  Tyson Manz (first of the season) and Griffin Asham-Moroz also found the net.

Rookie defenseman Daytona Houle scored his first fourth goal of the season for the Red Wings (14-21-0-1), who slip to last in the overall standings, but it’s tight, as 8th and 12th are separated by just five points.

Estevan will make up another game in hand on New Years Day when they host the Wings, with a chance to move into a tie for a playoff position.

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Former Humboldt Bronco Zach McIntyre scored his first two goals as a Melville Millionaire, leading his new club to a 4-2 home ice win over their rivals from Yorkton on Monday.

Aidan Steinke (1g-1a) and Rin Beny also scored for the Millionaires (12-18-2-4) and Berk Berkeliev made 32/34 saves.  Melville’s also in that 8th-12th logjam looking to move up, as they’re now 11th, four points out of a playoff spot.

SJHL leading scorer Chantz Petruic (44-goals, 81-points) was the playmaker on Monday, with a pair of assists for the Terriers (23-16-1-0).  Kaeden and Keenan Taphorn did the scoring.

Yorkton hosts Melville in the return matchup, New Year’s Day at 2:00.