ESTEVAN — Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins’ forward Cash Olson has been one of the dominant rookies in the SJHL from the start of the season.
Olson, an 18-year-old from Medicine Hat, Alta., has recorded five goals and 11 assists for 16 points in 16 games. He is tied for the rookie points lead with the Weyburn Red Wings’ Roan Burgess, who spent the past two seasons with the Estevan U18 AAA Bears
Olson's not surprised with his production to start the season, especially since the Bruins have a lot of talent.
“I have confidence in my skills. I know we have a good squad in this Bruins team,” said Olson. “We have a lot of depth and we know how to play with each other.”
Olson’s abilities earned him a spot on the Bruins top line alongside Ewan Rennie and Rylan Williams, creating one of the top units in the league. Olson believes they clicked right away, even when they were playing together at training camp.
“They’re two very skilled guys. It definitely makes life a little bit easier. They’re easy to find, easy to play with,” said Olson.
He believes the team has come together well, and they know what they are capable of after winning seven of their last nine games.
Head coach and GM Drew Kocur noted the club signed Olson after their spring camp, and he came in, worked hard and earned the added responsibility.
“To be frank, he earned a spot on the top line. So, we’re really excited with what he’s done so far, and we’re really excited to see where it goes,” Saxon said.
Olson has the speed and skill to play with Rennie and Williams, Kocur said, and he sees the game well and works hard. The coach went on to say Olson gets better each game, and they’re happy to see him as the top rookie scorer.
“It was a natural fit for him, and he’s definitely thriving now,” said Kocur.
The Bruins swept two straight games over the Red Wings on the weekend, beating the Wings 5-4 in a shootout Nov. 1 in Estevan and 6-4 the following afternoon in Weyburn.
Olson opened the scoring in the first period of the first game. It was a Teddy Bear Toss goal, as all of the bears collected will go to the Children’s Miracle Network and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Olson said it’s the first time he’s had a Teddy Bear Toss goal.
Olson recalled defenceman Matthew Ronn had a good shot from the point, which went off Olson’s stick, hit something and bounced back to him; then he scored.
“It was good to see all the teddy bears come on the ice,” said Olson.
Estevan was down 2-1 after two periods; Burgess had both of Weyburn's goals. Then Ethan Andrews scored twice and Rennie tallied to give the Bruins a 4-2 lead. Andrews’ second goal and Rennie’s tally came 25 seconds apart during a four-on-four situation.
Weyburn scored twice in 12 seconds to tie the game.
Olson had the only goal in the shootout for Estevan.
Nathan Kam stopped 44 shots in regulation and all three shots he faced in the shootout.
Estevan was down 2-1 after the first period against Weyburn in the second game, but rallied to lead 3-2 after two and pulled away with three in the third. Drew Beasley had two goals for the Bruins, and Andrews, Williams, Chase Holt and Lochlan Tetarenko also scored. Tetarenko’s goal was his first as a Bruin.
Dylan Adams had 39 saves for Estevan.
Kocur said it was good to beat Weyburn after dropping the first two games of the season with their Highway 39 rivals in late September.
The Highway 39 rivalry is fun to be part of, Olson said, and it reminds him of the Medicine Hat-Lethbridge rivalry back home.
The next game for the Bruins (9-5-2) is Nov. 11 when they visit the Melville Millionaires.
