The new head coach for the Estevan Bantam AA Bruins is no stranger to the role, nor to the organization.

Blaine Chrest took over earlier this year from Tom Copeland, and he'll be bringing a strong coaching and playing background with him to the bench. Chrest spent much of his Junior A hockey career alternating between the SJHL and WHL, with the Estevan Bruins and Portland Winter Hawks especially, and then the Saskatoon Blades. He was drafted in the 7th round of the 1987 NHL draft, 136th overall by the Vancouver Canucks, though he never played. 

"I've done coaching for quite a few years at the Bantam AA, I did do some at the Midget AA as well back in the '90s. It's old hat and I'm really excited about it," he said.

Chrest will be joined by Jeff Clauson and Michael Hengen as assistant coaches, and he's optimistic about the upcoming season.

"And Aren Miller's going to help out a little bit when he can, so we should have a pretty good staff."

"We are in quite a favorable position, with six returning forwards and two returning full time D, and two defencemen that were affiliate players last year, and we've got a goaltender coming back. I know the kids have been working out and working hard on strengthening, so it looks pretty good actually," he noted.

Tryouts get underway for the Bantam AA Bruins on September 7th.