Estevan Bruins' director of player personnel Rick Oakes was pleased with the talent that was on display during the club's annual spring prospects camp April 13 to 15 at Spectra Place.

Eighty hopefuls, ranging in age from 13 to 17, were part of the camp. They were divided into four teams, and participated in scrimmages throughout the three days.

"Overall the talent pool was great," said Oakes. "I thought all four teams competed hard all weekend. They definitely put on a good show for anybody that was watching, and made a very good impression on our scouting staff."

Several midget AAA defencemen were among the standouts, Oakes said. Jordan Greig and David Robertson, (Southwest Manitoba Cougars), Sean Whelan and Zach Douglas (Moose Jaw Generals), Edwin Hookenson (Swift Current Legionnaires) drew strong reviews for their play. So did Brett Dumaine, a midget player from Alberta who has local connections.

Hookenson and Douglas are 1995-born defencemen who have another year of midget eligibility. The others were born in 1994 and have exercised their midget eligibility. 

Forward Wyatt Garagan, an Estevan product who spent the last two years with the Tisdale Midget AAA Trojans, was outstanding, Oakes said. Oakes also praised the play of Hudson Morrison (Southwest Cougars), Dayton Picard and Darcy DeRoose (Moose Jaw Generals), Brandon Halbgewachs (Regina Midget AAA Pat Canadians) and Bienfait's Lynnden Pastachak, who spent last season with the Yorkton Midget AAA Harvest.

"I don't think there was a whole lot more that Lynnden Pastachak could have done as a 15-year-old out there," said Oakes. "I thought he was outstanding. He had a great season in Yorkton with the Harvest, and he definitely carried it over to the camp."

Adam Osczevski, who played this past season with the Prince Albert Midget AAA Mintos, has elevated his game, and Oakes said Osczevski was impressive at camp.

Goaltender Travis Pelletier (Regina Pat Canadians) was very strong in net at camp, Oakes said. Cody Murray, a 1996-born netminder from Carlyle, had a very good weekend as well.

Several 1997-born bantam players stood out, including Tanner Jeannot and Bryson Mayer of Oxbow and Talys Halabuza of Estevan.

Oakes expects that there will be some good battles for roster spots at training camp in September. Nineteen players from the 2011-12 edition of the Bruins are eligible to return next season, and Oakes expects there will be some young players pushing veterans for a chance to play with the Bruins.