The Estevan Bruins didn't make the playoffs last year, but they still posted a modest surplus last season, according to audited financial statements released during their annual general meeting September 1.

Revenues exceeded expenses by $12,356 last season. Revenues for 2009-10 were down about $59,500 from the year before, but expenses dropped by nearly $100,000.

The club had a deficit of about $30,000 in 2008-09.

President Jeff Pierson attributed the reversal of financial fortunes to the efforts by head coach/GM Karry Biette, and the team's executive, to run the team in a business-like fashion.

“It shows me that if the team makes the playoffs, and if we keep running (this way) on the business side of things, there's an awful lot of money that can be made,” said Pierson. “I think that's a goal of the executive to have the business side of your operation mirror your on ice product very successfully.”

The club's long-term debt remains at $153,193.

Perry Wenham, Gail Gustafson and Trevor Knibbs were re-elected to the club's executive. Pierson, Chad Saxon, Brent Sauter and Kim Anderson are the other members.

Pierson said the executive received criticism because they retained Biette’s services. But the executive felt Biette deserved one more chance after he traded several veterans for younger players in a rebuilding effort.

“I think it would have been terribly hypocritical for the board to support him to sell those players, for no (immediate) return, and then fire him, and say 'Thanks Karry for getting this team ready for next year, but then we're going to get someone else to do it,’” said Pierson.
The Bruins also announced their intentions to host the 2014 Royal Bank Cup.

“When the City builds you an arena like they are, it's just a no-brainer,” said Pierson. “We're going to have a rink that stands out right across the country as far as Junior A hockey goes. There will be very few that will match this facility.”

An application will be due next March. Pierson said they will need to promote the accommodations, the venues and the hospitality sector of Estevan and other southeast communities.