Hunter Helping Out / Broncos Injury Situation Improving

The Swift Current Broncos have added another veteran element.

Former captain and five year Bronco Luke Hunter is on board for the rest of the season and playoffs. His focus will be helping the team with face-offs and whatever else is required as the team approaches the post-season.

"He'll be a valuable asset to work with the guys here through the remainder of the year but more importantly also depending on who we play in playoffs, he's going to study the opposition (centermen) and come up with some ideas that will maybe help our guys," commented Broncos Head Coach and GM Dean Chynoweth today after practice.

I'm thrilled to have Luke around this team. He will be a great influence on our younger players and has taken face-offs to almost a science.

Broncos veteran forward Dale Wiese knows he will be a big help and a positive guy to have in the room.

"It's huge for us he had to be one of the best face-off men in the league. I know he was up around 85-90% every game. He's a great leader and great person to have around the team, he's a real positive guy. I know for me when I was a rookie, he's one of the most influential guys that I played with. He's a great leader and great to have on the team."

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The Broncos practice today had more bodies than usual. First up, 16 year-old Taylor Vause has joined the club for the rest of the season after his "AAA" midget team in Calgary concluded their season. He's expected to be in the line-up tomorrow night when the Broncos host the Chilliwack Bruins.

Also, Jesse Dudas who was day-to-day is back and good to go. Mike Brown and Jan Dalecky are both also off their concussions and could be inserted into the line-up.

Dale Wiese is skating again but wearing the yellow "don't hit me" jersey. He's making good strides in his recovery. He was even shooting the puck pretty good today which indicates his shoulder is feeling pretty good.

Dale tells me he would love to play as soon as possible but it's not his call. The Broncos will take their time with the injury.

Only Derek Claffey didn't skate today. He picked up a concussion in practice earlier in the week.

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It's another night of scoreboard watching for the Broncos with Moose Jaw, Brandon, Regina, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat all playing.

The Broncos can't expect any help. The only thing the top eight teams do in the eastern conference is win. It really is something to marvel at. Any kind of help would be appreciated but it hasn't happened lately. The top eight are playing unbelievable hockey. Only Regina has stumbled lately but it's definitely few and far between.

We'll see what happens....

Jon