Bring on the Second Season!

We won't delve too much into last night's 6-2 loss in Moose Jaw to the Warriors to conclude the 72 game regular season.

Let's just say when I saw defenseman Myles Rumsey at forward on the powerplay early in the game, it was safe to say the two points weren't exactly a top priority. The game lacked intensity throughout and I have to admit was tough to get into, especially with the Warriors up 5-0 midway through the 2nd period.

It could have been worse. Red Deer was pounded 11-1 on home ice by Lethbridge as the Hurricanes closed off their season. The 'Canes served notice that they will be a handle next season. Zach Boychuk finished the night with 2 goals and 6 assists. Mitch Fadden had a five-goal night. Boychuk will be 18 next season while Fadden will be 19. They will have some pop next year.

As for the Broncos, the only bright spot was Ryan Molle getting his first ever WHL goal. He played the point for a short 5-on-3 powerplay in the third period and blasted home a one-timer off the feed from Derek Claffey. Great for Molls, I know the team and myself have been teasing him a little about that first one. He'll still need to work on the celebration . . . the multiple fist-pump as he skated to the bench was priceless. You can always tell when a player gets his first in the 'dub. What made it sweeter is that it wasn't a "garbage goal", he wired it from the midpoint to ripple the twine. Geordie Wudrick had the other goal on a 2-on-1 conversion from Paul Postma

The Warriors got to send off their three 20 year-olds on a winning note as they said goodbye to Matt Isbister, Steven Gillen and Cody Thoring. We had Cody on during the pre-game show. Can you believe he was told at one point by doctors that he may not ever play hockey again after taking a crushing hit two weeks ago? Two weeks later he's out of hospital and a bit ticked off that a doctor would make that bold of a statement. The Swift Current kid will be just fine.

Oh! I almost forgot. How about Albert Headrick winning the grand prize in the Goals For Education Lottery! $100,000 to the local Deputy Fire Chief. Good things happen to good people. Albert has been a guest on our Eagle 94.1 morning show. He's always a lot of fun. Also, Clay and Linda Thompson, long time Bronco billets and supporters won the runner-up prize of $10,000. Tracey Martin of Swifty won $3,000. I also saw a "Toulmin" and a "Claffey" on the winners list. Looks like a few bucks for some of the Bronco relatives. A complete list is available at http://www.scbroncos.com/ .

BRONCOS VS PATS

OK. let's get the playoffs fired up! I know our fans are big time excited about locking up with the Pats. Unlike the past couple playoff dates with the Medicine Hat Tigers, the fans truly believe they can win this one. For that matter so does this Broncos hockey club.

Our fans came out last night to Moose Jaw to show their support. We'll call it a tune-up for the playoffs. Two separate fan buses will be headed to Regina for Friday and Saturday's games. Call the Broncos office at 773 - 1509. You may be already too late. It's worth a shot.

The Broncos should play this series with nothing to lose. The Pats are the team that made all the changes near and at the trade deadline to make a run. From what I'm hearing from other people around the league, the Pats are expected to win in five, maybe six. I think the Broncos can take the underdog role and run with it. I will have a complete series breakdown later in the week.

Tomorrow night, I'll be emceeing the Broncos Awards Banquet from the Legion Hall. These events are always fun. It's also a chance to honour our three graduating 20 year-olds in Kyle Moir, Jeremy Schenderling and Myles Rumsey. I have a list of the award winners and there are no shockers. Those who will take home the hardware will do so deservedly. Dave Hunchak might even give me the "King of the Road" award but I doubt it! Last year he took a veiled shot at me during the ceremony. A great inside joke I must say.

See you all tomorrow. Have a great Sunday,

Jon