The Estevan Bruins are headed into the Christmas break with a record of 20-12-3, a two-point lead atop the Viterra Division, and the highest goal total in the SJHL. Just don't expect them to be satisfied with it.

The Bruins did a great job putting pucks in the net in the first half. They lead the SJHL with 156 goals for, and have five of the league's top-twelve scorers and two of the top-seven scorers among defensemen.

Up front, Zach Goberis (26 goals, 54 points) and Kaelan Holt (20 goals, 45 points) lead the charge, though they are amply supported by Michael McChesney, Jake Fletcher, and Hayden Guilderson. On the back end, it's been Johnny Witzke and Jake Heerspink carrying the offensive mail, as both have set career highs with 27 and 25 points respectively.

While the Bruins have tightened up defensively, keeping pucks out of their own net remains their biggest challenge. At one point in the early season they were leading the league in both goals scored and goals against, and while they've reduced the latter number they still sit 8th out of 12 teams with 121 goals against.

Penalty killing has also been an area of concern, as their eighth ranked penalty kill (79.2 per cent) stands in stark contrast to their third ranked power play (21.4 per cent).

To that end, Estevan went out and acquired goaltender Bo Didur from the BCHL at the beginning of December. He made a quick impact, posting two wins (including the team's only shutout on the year), a .934 save percentage and a 2.01 GAA through his first three starts. 

The Bruins will begin the post-Christmas schedule against the Weyburn Red Wings for the first time all season on December 30. We'll have that game for you on Rock 106!