Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Broncos Blast Pats, Grab Share of East Lead

For two periods the game was close. After that it was all Broncos in a 5-1 win.

A dominating third period was led by the Bronco top scorers' Keegan Dansereau, Erik Felde and defenseman Mike Wilson. They all scored to put the Broncos up for good. Zack Smith had three assists in the final period. The Broncos outshot the Pats 14-4 in the 3rd for their 3rd straight win and a share of the division lead with Regina.

The game turned chippy in the final frame with the Broncos up by four. Major meltdowns from Troy Ofukany and Colton Tuebert had the Broncos on the powerplay to close off the last 10 minutes of the game. Both Pats players were obviously frustrated with the way the third period turned out.

The chippiness turned into scraps with a minor three-on-three bout. The Broncos had both their 16 year-olds in the mix with Joel Rogers and Cody Eakin. Rogers wrestled with Pats defenseman Nick Ross while Eakin somehow paired up with Pats tough guy Josh Elder. Elder realizing the situation didn't really get it going as the two just hugged each other. Doyle and fiesty Pats 16 year-old Garrett Mitchell turned out to be the most spirited affair.

Moments later R.J. Larochelle and Troy Ofukany dropped the gloves as both players took turns being the aggressor. Score it a draw for the two tough guys.

"I think Regina has a lot of pride, and they don't want to be embarrassed and I think in many facets of the game we embarrassed them tonight," remarked Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler in our post game Coaches Show.

Later in the frame Cody Hanson attempted to jump Ryan Molle but the linseman intervened right away leading to a Bronco four-minute powerplay as they closed off the game on a 5-on- powerplay advantage. It was clear the wheels had fallen off the Pats following the Broncos 5th goal.

The two teams will get two months to cool their jets. Their next meeting isn't until New Year's Day in Regina. The Pats could be involved in another battle Friday night when they host the Moose Jaw Warriors at the Brandt Center. The Broncos depart Thursday afternoon for Brandon to battle the Wheat Kings Friday.

-------------------

Other notes:

- Bronco defenseman Ryan Molle scored his first of the season to open the scoring. It was an unassisted goal off the rush.

" That's the big joke with the coaches here. If I keep on putting up points sooner or later they're going to half to put me on the powerplay," Molle laughed after the game.

- My apologies to defenseman Mike Wilson. He was fantastic last night and was all over the ice. He was deserved of some recognition if not the first star of the game. Is he the biggest surprise of the 1st qaurter of the season? Easily.

- Dale Wiese was assessed a major penalty for charging after he ran into goaltender Linden Rowat while attempting to drive towards the net. It was a major league collision to say the least. Wiese made contact with Pats defenseman Colton Tuebert while cutting towards the net.

- The Broncos now feature four players in the WHL's top 20 scorers. Erik Felde - T-4th, Zack Smith T-10th, Keegan Dansereau 18th, and Mike Wilson 20th. Keegan Dansereau has also scored in four straight games.

- Bronco "fans" have to quit with the throwing of bottles and garbage on the ice. That's the 2nd time if six home games that's happened. It makes us look junior "B" and I can't stand it. Bottom line here these are young men aged 16-20 and you do not have the right to endanger their safety with that type of display. I know it's been going on for years but that doesn't make it right. Anyone caught throwing debris should be banned for the season. Remember, our boys have to play on the road too. Rant over.

- Moose Jaw Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak was in attendance doing some scouting before Friday night's clash with the Pats. He was our 1st intermission guest. It was a home-coming of sorts for Hunchak who took his first look at the on-going renovations inside the I-plex.

Jon

No comments: