Team activities begin September 3rd
As the Power City Bruins return to organized team activities, significant questions face the team ahead of their first game action. The coaching staff will lead high paced practices getting the team ready to start strong. With new players joining a strong core, the coaching staff is faced with a few important questions - and optimism that luck will be with them this season.
1) Can the Bruins stay healthy?
Last season began with a convincing 9-1 road win. After that? At least one player was lost for significant time due to injury or suspension in each of the next 5 games. In total, no more than four Bruins from last years squad played in 100% of the games - and most of them did so through various ailments and injuries.
Developing chemistry requires better luck on and off the ice regarding player health. The team appears to have come through the summer healthy which should contribute to a faster start.
2) Schoen Back in the Blue Paint
Yes, the Bruins are returning a strong core - but not all to the same position. During the 2023-24 season, Cody Schoen punched in double digit goals as a agitator and strong net-front presence. Cody will again be in front of the net this year - defending it as half of the goaltending tandem with RJ Turner.
Schoen is not unfamiliar to the cage having spent the bulk of his career there prior to his temporary transition to forward. It has been a few years since Schoen has seen game action, though he has looked good in optional team skates so far. Both Turner and Schoen will be relied on for big minutes in key situations - a task both goaltenders will be up for.
3) Power Play Production
Speaking of Schoen, his move back to goaltender creates added competition for time on the power play. Opportunities won't be a problem for the Bruins - Head Coach Craig Newell doesn't have specific lines he puts out in certain situations. Every player will have opportunities at success.
Where the new Bruins slot in to those opportunities in terms of line combinations will be fun to watch. Forwards AJ McCune and Carter Winiarski bring size, speed, and a scoring touch to create for themselves as well as their line mates. Defenseman Derrek Wolski complements his physical defensive presence with a strong shot from the point that creates problems for goaltenders and rebound opportunities for his line mates to cash in.
It's possible all three will start together when team activities begin in just over two weeks. No matter what the combinations, a healthy Bruins squad has the speed and grit up and down the lineup to produce in any situation.
Check back frequently for all of your Power City Bruins Bantam Major news - we will be highlighting team and player success throughout the season beyond the score sheet. If your favorite player wasn't mentioned today - they will be very soon as the season is just getting started!