Six of the ten goals scored came from defensemen, as the Estevan Bruins beat the Melville Millionaires 6-4 in a penalty-filled affair to kick off the SJHL season Thursday night.
The Bruins led 3-0 early in the second period, and while the Mils cut that lead to two 4 different times, the Bruins always responded and kept the Millionaires an arm's length away.
Defenseman Tyson Newell, who scored one goal in Melville last season (after joining them January 10th), scored twice in Thursday's opener. Craig Karius and rookie Godric Tham added goals for the Millionaires.
Estevan had 6 different goal scorers. Richard Hubscher, Lucas Stubel, Ryan Andersen, Tyler Spencer, Dylan Smith and Ty Ariss.
Joel Danyluk (30/34) got the win, while Kyle Jahrus (25/31) took the loss in his Melville debut.
Estevan was 3/8 on the PP, and also scored short-handed. The Mils went 2/10 with the man advantage.
A few rookie mistakes and some undisciplined play were all that kept the Mils from being right there with the Bruins, who are likley to be a top team in the Sherwood this season.
The Mils' rookies were also some of their top players. Godric Tham was one of the best Mils on the night, and guys like Connor Lowe-Wylde and Roger Tagoona didn't look out of place at all. Jordan Paddock saw regular PP time on the backend as a 17 year old, and Tyler Bird also jumped in offensively from the blue line a lot.
Lots of upside on this Mils team... they'll be great down the road, but I think they can make some noise this year too.
They're in Estevan Saturday night, the same night the Yorkton Terriers kick off the season, at home against Weyburn at 7:30.
Friday's MJHL action includes Swan Valley home to Steinbach, and Wayway in OCN.
Rookie Godric Tham discusses first SJHL goal, and game.
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