ESTEVAN — It didn’t take long for Ethan Andrews to match his point production from last season.
The 20-year-old defenceman, who was acquired by the Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins from the Notre Dame Hounds at last season’s SJHL trade deadline, has three goals and 10 assists in 12 games this season.
In 2024-25, he had two goals and 11 assists in 53 games, including two helpers in 21 games with the Bruins.
He is also sporting an “A” on his jersey as one of the team’s alternate captains, and has had even more responsibility of late, as Alex Scheck and Owen Brees have missed time due to injury.
Andrews admits he’s a little surprised with how well he’s done to start the season.
“It’s been good ... personally and for the team,” said Andrews. “We have a good, skilled forward group, and everything’s just working right now.”
He didn’t expect he would match last year’s production within the first month of the season. Andrews chalked up the increased production to added opportunity and ice time, and getting the puck to the team’s skilled forwards.
Andrews believes he had the ability for more offensive production.
“I had to get in the right system and let it happen,” he said.
Despite the added responsibility, Andrews said he’s not feeling any added pressure this season. Wearing a letter is “an honour”, he said, and he’s trying to mentor the team’s younger defencemen, helping them learn from his experience in the SJHL. The injuries have been a challenge, he said, but he hopes the team can be healthy again soon.
Andrews isn’t surprised with the team’s early-season success. The Bruins started with a 7-3-2 record, have won five straight games and were fifth in the latest SportsCage SJHL Power Rankings.
“We have a really good group. We’re all really dedicated to our goal this year, and I’m really happy for everyone and how it’s been going so far,” said Andrews.
Head coach and GM Drew Kocur said Andrews has been a “huge” part of the group. Andrews is one of the few players back from last year’s team, and he’s brought leadership and offence to the team.
“His offensive play has really exceeded a lot of expectations. He’s a big part of our group and we’re excited to see where he goes the rest of the way,” said Kocur.
Andrews put the work in during the offseason, and Kocur believes it shows. The coach lauded Andrews’ “elite” skating, along with puck skills and confidence, which earned Andrews the added responsibility.
“I think there was always offence there, just more opportunity now, being the only 20-year-old on the back end right now, getting a lot of extra minutes. You see it in practice and you see his confidence with the puck.”
The Black and Gold's most recent wins were a 7-1 decision over the Nipawin Hawks on Oct. 17 and a 4-2 win over the Flin Flon Bombers the following night. Both teams have spent time in the national top-20 rankings this season.
Estevan held a 3-1 lead after the second period against Nipawin, with SJHL scoring leader Ewan Rennie scoring in the first period and Chase Holt tallying twice in the opening seven minutes of the second. Rorey Elson, Rennie, Rylan Williams and Cole Dupuis tallied in the third as the Bruins poured on the offence.
Brady Carr stopped 28 of 29 shots he faced.
Estevan and Flin Flon were scoreless after the first period on Oct. 18, and tied at 2-2 after 40 minutes. Oliver Kramp opened the scoring 59 seconds into the second, and Rennie scored once in the second, and twice in the final five minutes of the third.
Nathan Kam made 34 saves in the victory.
Estevan will return to the ice when they host the Battleford North Stars on Oct. 24 and 25. Both games will start at 7 p.m.
