Sunday...

I've already had enough of the Riders for today... offensive futility starring Michael Bishop and friends.

Here's a quick Sunday blog - some general news and notes regarding the Broncos and their 4-0 start to the season.

- 4-0 is the best start since the 2000/01 season. That year the Broncos won their first four games before tying their 5th outing of the season. A win Wednesday against the energetic and upstart Red Deer Rebels would match their best start since 98/99.

- Keegan Dansereau (3-4-7) and Matt Tassone (1-4-5) have at least a point in each of the Broncos first four games.

- Why has the team 4-0 at this point? You could site a few reasons. For me, it's been the emergence of a bonafide third line. Taylor Vause centering Dillon Wagner and Jordan Peddle have provided the Broncos with a solid third group which seems to be holding their own and then some. Last night's 3rd goal finished off by Wagner was a thing of beauty. D to D in their own zone, left wing feed to Jordan Peddle then to a streaking Wagner up the middle for a nifty back-hand finish upstairs on Braden Holtby.

- Travis Yonkman will be re-evaluated Monday after a suspected shoulder or upper-body injury sustained early in the first period last night. He left the game and did not return. Tim Kehler commented in the post-game coaches show that hopefully a day off and some rest may get Travis back within a couple days.

- Mark Guggenberger came in cold and played well. He was the 3rd star in his 53 minutes of action. He's now 5-0 career against the Blades.

- In the pre-game show, I made the comment to Broncos Head Coach/GM about the luxury of having two top end goaltenders on the same team. I did ask him if there was enough pucks to go around for the both of them. They both have provided some solid starts going back to last season. Here was Dean's response:

"I think you're being awfully generous to a guy who's totally unproven in our league in Mark Guggenberger. He played a number of games last year - 12 to be exact - where a number of those were against Saskatoon but they were one of the poorest teams in the league. With saying that I do not doubt his ability and capabilities but with Travis Yonkman and the way he played in playoffs, he's the #1 guy and Mark's in a back-up role. Mark is anxious to prove his worth and obviously wants to compete for the #1 spot and that will play out over time."

- A bit of caution on the Broncos start. Although deservedly winning the first four games, they've only played two teams and have yet to face a so-called WHL powerhouse in the early stages. We will see how they fair in the coming weeks as their schedule gets a little tougher.

- I'm cringing already about this upcoming week's CHL Top 10 rankings.

- Who's my pick for WHL player of the week? How about Joel Broda in Moose Jaw. His return from pro camp has netted the Warriors three straight wins since the opening weekend. He's collected five goals and an assist in three straight Warrior wins.

- Where's Marc Habscheid? The local coaching product can be found on the ice this season helping out the Swift Current "AA" midget Hurricanes. His friend Rod Grose is the Head Coach. He's been on the ice the past while.