Too Little, Too Late

It's happened so frequently, you almost expect it. But it was a no-go last night.

Down 4-1 to the Calgary Hitmen in the third period, the Broncos would make it interesting with back-to-back goals just over a minute a part from Dale Wiese and Daniel Rakos shorthanded.

The goalie would be pulled in the last minute but the Broncos never got that bonafide chance in the dying seconds to force overtime. It would have been unbelievable had the Broncos rallied back for a third straight game in the final frame.

Brodie Dupont was everywhere last night. His 2 goals and 1 assist and superior penalty killing was the biggest factor in the Hitmen win.

Kyle Moir watched the third period from the bench after being replaced by Travis Yonkman. Yonkman had an easy third period only seeing five shots.

Whats the status on Alex Plante? The Hitmen defenseman crashed awkwardly into the corner boards after colliding with Levi Nelson. Plante landed into the boards in an awful position sort of a shoulder/head first crash. He made it off the ice pretty much under his own strength but noticeably favoring his shoulder. I'm not a doctor but it appeared to be a broken collarbone or separated shoulder. He left the rink in an ambulance. There was no penalty on the play despite pleas from the Hitmen bench for a boarding call. What a talented 17 year-old defenseman he is who plays the game well beyond his years.

I like the Hitmen hockey club. They have solid defense anchored by Karl Alzner and Dylan Yeo. Their top two lines are as good as any in the WHL. They won't lose a whole lot next season depending on who signs contracts and makes the jump to pro hockey.

In the end, the Broncos split the weekend gaining two points on Prince Albert and Saskatoon and staying even with Moose Jaw after they were 1-2 on their Central division road swing.

More stories are surrounding the dismissal of Warriors Head Coach Steve Young. They are just rumors and here-say so I'll leave them out of the blog. They do raise one's eyebrow that for sure.

Finally, some nice words from the principal at the Comp High School regarding the Broncos as students. Bryan Braun and I were at the "AAA" Legionnaires game Saturday night. He says the guys fit right in with everyone and don't think of themselves as better than anyone. He says they're great kids and have been a pleasure to have at the school. That's great to hear, thanks Bryan.

Broncos and Brandon tomorrow night at the Civic Center in the 7th of 8 meetings this season. The Broncos are 4-1-0-1 against the division leaders this season.

Speaking of the Legionnaires, this team is in trouble. What a terrible weekend for a "parents social". They were outscored on home ice by the league leading Prince Albert Mintos 24-3 in the two games. Make it 11 straight losses for the Home Hardware crew. With several players graduating or choosing not to return it looks like the futility will continue barring a huge recruiting undetaking.

More later,
Jon