There's certainly no shortage of young up-and-coming hockey stars from Estevan that will have an impact on our younger generations moving forward.

Whether it's Bruins 20-year-old Kaelan Holt, NHL draft eligible star Cole Fonstad or his friend and teammate Brayden Pachal, there is definitely some high-end talent that has made it's way through the Estevan Minor Hockey system.

After it was announced that Fonstad and Pachal were ranked in the NHL's Central Scouting year end rankings, it was no surprise to their former coach who spoke highly of the two current Prince Albert Raiders.

"Hockey was going to happen for these guys and it was a matter of whether they can avoid injury and get some breaks," explained Bantam Estevan AA Bruins, Head Coach, Tom Copeland. "I know they're both really excited about next season because they really turned some heads this year and both will be leaders next year, they're going to have a heck of a hockey club."

Just one week after getting knocked out of the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs, Pachal was back at home skating in familiar territory, working on his game.

"It's exciting for both of them," Copeland said of Pachal and Fonstad, after they were both ranked ahead of this summers NHL Draft. "Brayden was out skating with us on Monday so that was opportune timing for him. He was out working there with the 12-year olds and they all look up to him. It's interesting because it's just another day at the office for him."

"We've been running skill clinics here for kids aged 12-17 to keep them going and get them ready and prepared for next year. Brayden shows up after losing out of the playoffs the previous week and for him to show up, it's big for those kids and they really look up to him. They kind of had an off night and were able to point to Brayden and say this guy was here 3-4 years ago putting in the exact same work, and look where he is today."

Copeland said that Pachal knows that the rankings don't mean much, and that the hard work is just beginning, but is extremely happy to see how far he has come.

"It's really exciting for Estevan hockey. We're proud of them, they're good kids and that reflects on the ice, they want it bad," Copeland said.