It's tough not to be excited about how the Broncos played last night in a convincing 5-0 win over the Regina Pats in Kindersley.
A four-goal first period put the Broncos ahead to stay as they took control and stayed there for 60 minutes.
Geordie Wudrick scored twice, he finishes the pre-season with five goals to lead the team. David Stieler, Jan Dalecky, and Grant Toulmin added singles. Dale Wiese had three assists in the win.
Goaltender Travis Yonkman had a fairly easy night making all 19 saves for the shutout. For Yonkman, the shutout capped a perfect pre-season. He did not allow a goal in his four exhibition games.
Offensively the Broncos looked good with 17 year-old European Jan Dalecky impressing me the most. In what was his first real game action after being hurt most of camp, Dalecky had a lot of people checking their programs to find out who this #27 is.
He looked like a complete forward with some offensive flair, his willingness to help out defensively and his strength on the puck. He's quick and quite frankly could be a top six forward on this team... and he's only 17.
Here's the scary part for the Broncos. Not one forward looked out of place last night and that was without the likes of Levi Nelson, Kyle Bortis, Brady Leavold, and Phil Gervais in the line-up. For me it appears rookies Justin Dowling, Cody Eakin, Mike Brown, Kris Foucault, and Brad Hoban can all play in this league. Something has to give. Is there a trade in the works? You tell me.
Our defense was equally impressive in the 5-0 win. Postma, Wilson, Larochelle, Rogers, McAvoy, and Doyle dressed. Ryan Molle is still in New Jersey Devils camp while Derek Claffey is nursing an injury.
The Broncos blueline is as mobile as it's been in my eight years watching this team. The 2001 -2002 team with Ian White, Ales Cerny, and Aaron Rome on the back-end would be the nearest comparison.
Make no mistake, the Pats were without defensemen Logan Pyett and Nick Ross and #1 goaltender Linden Rowat. Offensively, it was pretty much what you see is what you get with veterans Ofukany, Saulities, Eberle, McAngus, Jagow, Leffler, etc. all dressed. Kirt Hill and Mike Reich would be the only additions.
I'm excited about the potential of this hockey team. They can play and I think will be the surprise team of the league this season. Not much is known about the Broncos outside the city limits and around the WHL and maybe they can use that to their advantage.... and maybe I should be quiet and try and keep it that way.
A 2nd fan bus has been added for the Broncos season opener in Moose Jaw Friday. Call the Broncos office at 773-1509 to reserve your spot.
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