This season marks a historic year for Bruins hockey in Estevan. It's been 60 years since the Humboldt Indians moved to the energy city in 1957 and began play inside the Civic Auditorium as the Estevan Bruins. It has also been 18 years since the club captured the league championship, and it's something Chris Lewgood and company are pushing for.

The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins will hit the ice at Affinity Place on Friday night to kick off their 2017-18 SJHL campaign against the Melville Millionaires.

After capturing the Viterra Division title last season for the first time in 10 years and losing to the eventual SJHL Champion's from the Battlefords, the club is returning 12 players and expects to compete for a championship of their own.

"We're looking for a championship," explained Bruins second year forward Isaac Embree. "That's our number one goal, we want to win it badly. This team is very fast and we have a chance, our leaders are experienced and we're really gonna go for it."

Bruins third year forward Zach Goberis also spoke with excitement when talking about getting his 20-year old season underway.

"It's quite a different role its awesome, it's a new experience and that comes with new responsibilities, and I'm ready for the challenge. I'm glad to spend my whole junior career playing in Estevan and I'm looking forward to leaving it all on the ice with the Estevan Bruins this year."

Although not much stock goes into preseason hockey, the Bruins wasted no time going to work showing off flashes of what fans can expect this season as they went 4-0.

"We're looking forward to carrying that momentum through to the regular season," Bruins Defender Jake Heerspink said. "Everyone is excited and ready to go, it's what you want to see."

Up front, the Bruins return Hayden Guilderson, Isaac Embree, Jake Fletcher, Michael McChesney, Kaelen Holt and  Zach Goberis. Two familiar faces in Tyson and Tanner Manz will also look to make an impact after getting a taste last season with the club.

On the back end, a veteran core of defenceman will lead the way for the Bruins with Johnny Witzke, Nolan Ferguson, Mark Edmands, Tyler Hengen and Jake Heespink all returning.

The Bruins will also move forward to start the season in goal with three SJHL unknowns as Maxim Sidelnik, Matt Lenz and Matt Lukacs all start the year with the club. Curtis Meger, who took the net in 22 games for the club last season is still with Prince Albert in the Western Hockey League.

The two teams will both be looking to start the season off right when they meet at Affinity Place Friday night for the season opener. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. If you aren’t able to make it to the rink, you can listen live to Rob Mahon on Rock 106 on-air, and using the Radio Player app on your mobile device.