(Release courtesy Marty Martinson/Estevan Bruins)
The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins made waves on the eve of Fall Camp Wednesday, announcing the signing of standout winger, Colton Getzlaff.
Originally acquired in a second blockbuster trade with the Battlefords North Stars earlier in the summer – less than two weeks after the teams’ five-player mega-deal – Getzlaff was acquired in exchange for the CJHL rights to forward Kale Margolis and a Player Development Fee, with the Bruins’ brass working diligently to recruit the Bottineau, ND., USA product ever since.
“For us it was obviously an educated risk,” Head Coach and GM, Drew Kocur said of the move. “We made a good trade we thought, and we put some time into it, so we’re really excited to have Colton here and have him be a part of the Bruins. Colton’s a proven guy in the league who scored 20 goals last year. He can score, he can skate, he works hard, and he does everything we try and preach as a staff so he’ll be a big piece for us.”
Much like Getzlaff’s teammate Rylan Williams, who headlined the other big trade between the Bruins and North Stars this summer, Getzlaff was also heavily pursued by the North American Hockey League, as a first-round selection (9th Overall) of the NAHL Draft by the Kenai River Brown Bears.
While he initially did intend to play the season back south of the border – as recently as reporting to training camp with the Brown Bears – Getzlaff said ultimately the chance to play closer to home with several familiar teammates, on the team he once watched his cousin (Bruins’ alum, TJ Irey) suit up for, just made it too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“It’s definitely something special. It’s not something you always get to do, playing for an organization like the Bruins, and [playing close to home] is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Getzlaff said. “It’s huge not only for me but for my family too. It’s just two hours away, so they can come to any game they want and that’s a big piece for me.
On the ice, Getzlaff’s playstyle should make him an instant fan-favourite amongst Bruins’ fans as a strong left winger with a fearless approach the game and scoring instincts, fresh off a 36-point (20 goals, 16 assists) season with the North Stars last year in 56 games.
“I would say I’m a power forward, a bigger guy that likes to get into the corners and mix it up a bit, but I can also put the puck in the back of the net when I need to too,” he said of his game.
Adding to an already strong core of six returning players from a season ago and a number of other high-impact newcomers hungry to make their mark in the black and gold, Getzlaff looks to be a natural fit within a group Kocur said he’s looking forward to seeing continue to come together and push each other every day heading into Fall Camp, Thursday.
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Marty Martinson/Bruins PxP/Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
