Kian Calder is in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Finals.

The Estevan Bruins defenceman says it's been a fun journey so far and adds he's excited to play on such a high stage. Calder says if they are able to win the best-of-seven series, this will be the first championship brought to Estevan since the 1998-99 campaign.

He talks about what they've learned from their last two series.

"I think defensively, we've been really solid. We haven't let up very many goals or very many opportunities," says Calder. "We've just been trying to take away the better opportunities for teams, in the slot area and stuff. That's been a key part of our success so far."

Calder has two goals and two assists so far this postseason, with his team only suffering one loss on their way to the finals. The Portager says this is the furthest he's been in the postseason, but he has a unique experience that has given him some extra confidence.

"I was practicing and going to games with the Terriers when they won it in 2019. I was a 16-year-old," Calder explains. "I didn't get a chance to play, but I was with the guys every day and saw what it took to win. It's about sacrificing and playing for the guys next to you in every shift you take."

The Bruins will be taking on the Flin Flon Bombers in the final, who they beat in three of the four meetings between the squads this season. While they had the edge in the season series, all but one of the games was a one-goal contest. Calder says they definitely won't be taking the Bombers lightly.

"They're a good team. They play fast and physical," Calder continues. "Obviously, we've seen them a few times this year and had some success, but the playoffs are basically a different season. So, I think just sticking to what we've been doing will be important."

On the opposite end of the ice, in this series, will be Austin, Manitoba's Zak Smith, who Calder is quite close with as they played their younger years together. He describes what it will be like going against him in such a meaningful set of games.

"It's exciting. Zak and I are really good buddies, but when it comes to things on the ice like he said, it's friendship off. We can talk afterward, but during those 60 minutes, I'm against him," says Calder. "He's a good player, but I'm hoping to shut him down in this series."

Calder and Smith will face off against one another tonight as Game 1 of the series takes place tonight in Estevan, with puck drop set for 8:00.