The leading scorer on the Estevan Bears and a product of the 'Energy City' will be joining the Estevan Bruins next season.

The Junior 'A' club announced Carter Onrait's commitment on Thursday.

The 6-foot, 177-pound forward, who turned 18 on January 19, has 21 goals and 20 assists in 36 games in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League this season. He's tied for fifth in the league's goal-scoring race.

"I am very excited for this opportunity to be playing for my hometown and the Bruins organization," Onrait said in a post the Bruins published to social media. "I have grown up watching the Bruins my whole life, and to finally get the chance to play for them is incredible."

"We're excited to add Carter to our team next year," said Bruins head coach and general manager Jason Tatarnic. "He has had a very productive season on the offensive side of the puck. We look forward to seeing him develop here next year. I know our program means something to him as a hometown kid."

Onrait was held off the scoresheet in three appearances with the Bruins between last season and this season.

The Bears captain is leading them to their best season since they joined the SMAAAHL in 2020-21. They are in the playoff race with a 16-15-5 record.

Onrait - as an Estevan product - was automatically protected by the Bruins in the 2022 SJHL draft. The Prince George Cougars selected him with the 144th pick of the 2021 Western Hockey League draft.