Bus Bloggin'

This blog post comes somewhere between Tessier, SK and parts unknown about an hour away from the drop off bay at the Credit Union Center in Saskatoon…

The team has played well in the first three games of the season with the occasional hicc-up which is to be expected from time to time.

One of those miscues may have been last night after the team built a 3-1 third period lead thanks to a pair of goals from defenseman Spencer McAvoy.

The game seem to open up just as the Broncos wanted it to settle down. After not giving up an odd man rush all game long, the Broncos found themselves guilty of some mistakes which gave the Blades a real good chance to force overtime.

A later delay of game call on the Broncos Jan Dalecky made things a bit tenuous but the Broncos held on for the 3-2 thanks to a strong performance from goaltender Mark Guggenberger down the stretch.

The Broncos are now out to their best start since the 2000-01 season having won their first three games.

Randoms:

- Jordan Peddle has maybe been the Broncos most consistent player in the first three games. The former “AAA” Legionnaire continues to have strong shift after strong shift.

- The Broncos have yet to trail in a game this season.

- Backfire stat of last night? “The Broncos have yet to give up an even strength goal in the short season…” It was five seconds later when Curtis Hamilton whacked home a loose puck at even strength to tie the game 1-1.

- Here’s another number destined to backfire… The Broncos haven’t been shutout in the last 82 regular season games dating back to late in the 06/07 season. It’s the longest current streak by any team in the WHL.

- It’s nice to have the two of the best goaltenders in the Eastern Conference in the fold. Travis Yonkman and Mark Guggenberger are a formidable tandem. But, is there enough pucks to go around for the both of them? At 19 and 20 years of age, you would think both would want to log 60 games this season. I would feel comfortable with either of them playing that many games. Time will tell.

- It’s a treat listening to Tim and Tim in the post-game Junction Square Bingo Coaches Show. Color Analyst Tim Tisdale and Assistant Coach Tim Kehler have a real good knack in explaining the intricacies of the game. Maybe I should just get out of their way.

- 3-0 is nice… but one year Tim Tisdale led the Kimberley Dynamiters to an amazing 27-0 start to the season in the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League. Talk about jumping out of the blocks.

- Former Broncos captain Zack Smith remains with the Ottawa Senators and very well could start the season with the big club. The team has one last round of cuts to go before they start the regular season in Sweden against Pittsburgh. Last night Smith was involved in a scrap with Montreal’s P.K. Subban. The Senators will look to carry 24 players on their roster to start the season.

- There’s another WHL blog worth checking out. Pat Siedlecki in Lethbridge is now offering “Hurricane Watch” at www.canesbroadcaster.blogspot.com . Also, check out Bruce Luebke’s take on the Brandon Wheat Kings and West Man sports in general at www.luberslounge.blogspot.com .

- By my count 16 of the 22 WHL teams are now represented by a blogger who covers the team on a regular basis. Either the broadcaster or a member of the print media. I love it!

- I can see the CUC…. We’re on the air at 6:30pm with the pre-game show. Play-by-play at 7:05pm.


Jon