10 Reasons To Get Excited (Part two)

The last post rattled off five good reasons to be excited about Broncos hockey this season, here's five more:



Zack Smith

Zack Smith will be a go-to guy this season as one of the leaders on the team.

Used predominately in a checking role, The 19 year-old from Maple Creek should see an increased role on the offensive side this season.

Smith had ok numbers last season (16-15-31), but a lot of people believe he can be a 30 goal man in this league.

He will wear a letter again and will get some great experience when he takes to the ice at Vancouver Canucks camp after securing a free agent tryout. He's working hard this summer and should come in ready to be an impact guy.

Dale Wiese

All things considered, Dale Wiese should shoulder much of the offensive load this season for the hockey club.

The 19 year old has the abilities to be a dominant power forward in the Western Hockey League.

Last year's numbers of 18-25-43 should be a mere shadow of what he could capably do in the months ahead.

Look for Dale to come in confident and ready to go. I hope he's worked hard this summer and realizes his potential.

Geordie Wudrick

This is a big year for the 17 year-old forward. I sometimes forget he's only coming into his 17 year-old season just based on the predominate role he's been given.

After joining the Broncos as a 15 year-old for the tail end of the regular season and playoffs, Wudrick played in 67 games last season as a rookie collecting 13 goals and 11 assists.

Every time I see this guy he's getting bigger. I saw him down at the gym about a month ago and couldn't believe it.

It's his draft year and I just hope he doesn't put too much pressure on himself to perform.

Geordie Wudrick will be another great reason to get exited about Broncos Hockey.




Justin Dowling

The 17 year-old Dowling comes into this season as last year's top scorer in the "AAA" Alberta midget hockey league. He collected 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points for the UFA Bisons. He also played in a trio of games with the Broncos collecting three assists.

Dowling's offensive potential is big, although we may have to wait some time as he adjusts into the WHL. He's definitely a big part of the future and anything he contributes this season will be a bonus.

I'm interested to see if he got any bigger since his last stint with the team, he'll need to add some weight if he wants to be a regular fixture in the league.

Ian Curtis

The 17 year old netminder comes into camp this season looking to compete for one of two goaltending spots. Right now, he's the favorite in my opinion to back-up Travis Yonkman.

He's the goaltender of the future along with Eric Ferber and possibly Andrew Breker.

After spending last season in Cowichan Valley of the B.C. junior league, Curtis should be ready to make the jump to the Western Hockey League when camp begins August 20th.

I've always liked his size and his athleticism in the crease. He's big (6'4 last year) and was the one player that stood out the most as a 15 year-old two years ago. I've compared him in the past to a Justin Pogge clone. Let's see if this is his year.


There you have it, 10 reasons to get excited about Broncos hockey. Who excites you this upcoming season? Feel free to leave a comment.

Jon