The Estevan Bruins said all along they would not be major players on trade deadline day in the SJHL, and they were true to their word, adding the rights to just one player on Wednesday, January 10.

Bruins head coach and GM Chris Lewgood swung a deal with the AJHL's Canmore Eagles to acquire the rights to Regina native Bryce Platt for a player development fee. Platt has spent 37 games this season with the Regina Pats, netting four goals and two assits. Last year he split time between the Eagles and the Calgary Hitmen, scoring 20 goals and 35 points in 50 games for Canmore in his first Junior A season.

As a 1998-born player, Platt is eligible to play junior hockey next year as well. Fans hoping to see Platt in Bruins colours this year, however, are likely to be disappointed.

"Bryce Platt is going to be in the WHL at least through the Memorial Cup this year," Lewgood said. "Maybe we get Bryce next year. If he's playing in the Western League next year, so be it but he's another kid we're very familiar with."

The low cost to acquire Platt was well worth the potential reward according to Lewgood.

"That guy's the full package at the junior A level," he said. "He scored 20 goals last year in a shortened season with Canmore. He's a big, strong guy. Tough as nails and a leader capable of being a captain at our level."

As such, the Bruins roster is now set at 12 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goalies. The Bruins can use affiliate players in the event of injury or suspension, and the did so on Wednesday night against Kindersley, slotting Ryder Pierson in for his first SJHL game. Lewgood said he's wanted to get their APs into games before this, and hopes to as the season wears on.

"We've been trying to use APs all year but have done almost none of that," he said. "We'd like to use more, and carrying 22 guys with eight defensemen we've got a lot of d-men I'd really like to see get in, but carrying eight d-men it can be hard to find them opportunities to play."

The Bruins first game after the deadline is Saturday, January 13, a rematch against the Kindersley Klippers.