With every win, the Broncos continue to chase history.The Broncos current eight game winning streak had me searching the team records for the longest winning streaks since the team came back in 1986. A quick trip down to the Broncos office and a chat with Eldon Moberg offered up some interesting numbers.
The Broncos current streak matches one back in the 2000-2001 season when the Broncos rattled off eight in a row from November 29th, 2000 to December 16th. That year led to the Broncos getting to the Eastern Conference final before bowing out to the Red Deer Rebels (the eventual Memorial Cup Champs) in six games.
In the 96-97 campaign, the Broncos put together a 10 game unbeaten streak. Remember, there were ties back then and unbeaten streaks rather than winning streak were more common. Not to take anything away from the Broncos current run, but two games during this streak would have been considered a "tie" before the shootout rule came into effect.
The next milestone the Broncos are chasing is 10 straight wins which they accomplished from October 23rd to November 11th of 1993. The Broncos were fresh off a WHL championship from the 92-93 season and carries momentum into the next year.
In that championship season, the Broncos picked up 12 straight wins from January 15th, 1993 to February 13th. Back in the Memorial Cup winning season of 88-89 the Broncos won 12 straight games to start the season and then 12 straight again later in the year.
Let's throw the cliche " one game at a time " line out the window and see what it would take for the Broncos to meet or beat that 12 game team record.
at Red Deer Saturday - The Broncos take on the Eastern Conference's last place team. A team they are 4-0 against on the season. They have won in Red Deer this season already - a 5-4 nail biter that went back and forth.
at Calgary Sunday - Here would be the biggest challenge to date for the Broncos as they attempt to beat Calgary for the first time this season. The Broncos will try to avenge a 7-2 loss in Calgary back in October. The Hitmen also won 4-3 in a 10 round shootout at the I-plex in November.
host Calgary Wednesday - If the Broncos streak survives the game in the Saddledome, the Hitmen return for a Wednesday night meeting at the Credit Union I-plex. The Broncos have won five straight on home ice and nine of their last ten.
host Moose Jaw Friday - to tie the team record of 12 games, the Broncos would host the Moose Jaw Warriors in their fifth meeting of the season. The Broncos have won all four previous meetings this season.
at Prince Albert Saturday - to break the record the Broncos would have to win in Prince Albert - a team that's had their number this season. The Raiders won the first four head-to-head match-ups before the Broncos finally broke the slump with a 5-1 win January 8th on home ice.
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A few days off from game action may be what's needed for this team after a bout of the flu and injuries forced them to only dress 16 skaters against Saskatoon Tuesday night. Spencer McAvoy, Michael Wilson, Jesse Dudas, Derek Claffey, and Jan Dalecky all missed Tuesday's game.
Hot performers include the youngster line of Justin Dowling, Cody Eakin and Geordie Wudrick. The trio has combined for 11 points the last three games. Eakin has four goals in the last three games. While Wudrick has collected a goal and four helpers. They have been a treat to watch haven't they.
Jon
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