(Article submitted by Nolan Kowal of DiscoverEstevan.com)
There will be a strong local flavour to the 2022-2023 Estevan Bruins leadership group heading into the new hockey season in southeast Saskatchewan.
Returning forward Cody Davis, who hails from Alameda, and returning defenceman Alex Von Sprecken, who grew up right here in Estevan, will both be alternate captains for their hometown team this year, fresh off winning an SJHL championship last spring.
“It’s huge,” Davis said. “It’s pretty much my hometown. I grew up playing hockey here. To be in front of the home crowd, it’s good to have an “A” for sure.”
“Yeah, same as Cody,” Von Sprecken said. “Growing up here and just being from here it’s pretty cool. It’s an honour.”
When asked who their favourite Bruin was growing up, Davis, whose old brother Jayden also played for the Bruins, said he remembered watching Kaelan Holt, while Von Sprecken went back a little farther than that.
“I liked watching Brody Haygarth back in the day at the Civic (Auditorium), he was fast and pretty skilled,” Von Sprecken said.
With the Bruins kicking off their season against Yorkton at home Friday night, Von Sprecken said he’ll definitely have family watching in the rink, while Davis said it depends on harvest season.
“Yeah I think I’ll have some family there I hope. Hopefully they get out of the field and combining to come watch me, so we’ll see,” he laughed.
Both 20-year-olds said they’re excited to get the season going against the Terriers.
“I think we just need to come out flying because I know Yorkton is going to be itching at the bit to get going, so we got to match their intensity and come out for a full 60 and I think we can come out with a win,” Davis said.
“I think lots of body, play physical, lots of pucks on net, and just have fun,” Von Sprecken said.
Finally, both players agreed it’s a special feeling to be playing their 20-year-old seasons at home.
“Pretty awesome, that was something to win that (last year) in Estevan too. It’s pretty cool,” Von Sprecken said.
“Coming back for your 20-year-old season in your hometown, it’s everything everybody wants,” Davis said. “So I’m excited…can’t wait to get going.”
