Careful For What You Wish For

As far as I'm concerned, Carey Price could have worked the gate in the Americans bench last night and that would have been just fine by me.

Instead, he starred in a 4-1 Americans victory making 40 saves - some of the spectacular variety.

The game began with a heavyweight tilt between Myles Rumsey and Aaron Boogard. Myles can't really event be considered a heavyweight based on sheer size. But yet, he's a willing combatant so game on. Boogard is flat-out a monster. While not as tall as older brother Derek, his mass of 245 pounds more than makes up for it. I saw him before the game and thought "he's a man amongst boys". Credit Myles for answering the challenge. Myles did his best to get in close rather than trade with the Ams' tough guy. Rumsey was definetely outmatched in the strength department but held his own.

The Americans scored early - only 3:25 in to take a 1-0 lead. The Ams built on their lead in the 2nd period on a goal in front from Shawn Vey. Then a 3rd period screen shot from the blueline courtesy Brock Cornish made it 3-0. The way Carey Price was playing, you knew that would be more than enough for the Ams to hold on.

Bronco defenseman Eric Doyle's goal with five minutes to play gave the Broncos temporary life before Aaron Boogard's empty-netter closed off the scoring.

I agree it's nice to see Carey Price play even though he was the biggest factor in the outcome. It's the first time he's ever played on Civic Center ice as he was injured last time the Americans rolled on through. Don't get me wrong, I would much prefer a Broncos win but it wasn't a bad parting gift. It's the first time Tri-City has beaten the Broncos since November of 2002.

The Broncos hit the road later this afternoon, hopefully beating a blizzard that is supposed to settle in through southern Saskatchewan later today. The team will battle the Wheat Kings tomorrow night. With 11 games left in the regular season, 3rd through 6th in the east division continues to get tighter. Here are the standings:

Pats 61

Broncos 55

Raiders 54

Warriors 49

Blades 48

In other tidbits . . .

How 'bout Anthony Heuer? The Swift Current product was named the SJHL's MVP this week. He played a major factor in the Melville Millionaires making the playoffs. He recorded 24 wins with a GAA of 2.87 and a save percentage of .919. After November 18th, Heuer didn't allow more than four goals in a game. He's the first Millionaire to win MVP honors since Brian Propp did it as a 16 year old in 1976.

Good for Tony who never played "AAA" midget in Swift Current, rather "AA" for the Hurricanes. He was a late bloomer of sorts. When Heuer was in goal for the "AA" Hurricanes, the "AAA" Legionnaires had the goaltending tandem of Russ Monette (last year's SJHL Player of the Year) and Andrew Leslie (Broncos, Rebels, Blades, Warriors). Leslie is having a great season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League as a 20 year old.

The Broncos are hoping Cody Eakin will be available for action tomorrow night in Brandon. The Broncos 1st overall bantam pick from this past summer has already played two games with the team.

I'll post again later from Brandon once we arrive,

Jon