Broncos 6 Portland 3 / Final Day of Trip

Good effort by the Broncos last night for the 6-3 win at the Rose Garden.

The start was key as the Broncos took control early leading to Matt Tassone's goal 3:56 into the first period.

Tassone would score another to double his season goal total. Taylor Vause and former Winterhark Travis Bobbee scored on the powerplay while Dillon Wagner scored a shorthanded goal on a giveaway from Hawks G Ian Curtis. Wagner then scored the empty-netter in the final minute to close off the contest.

The Hawks trailed 4-2 entering the third and poured it on. The Broncos killed off a Hawks 5-on-3 powerplay for 1:43 midway thru the third period. The Hawks didn't get a scoring chance out of it and it turned out to be the turning point.

Justin Dowling led the way with three assists. He was the first star in the building and on our broadcast. He has five helpers in the last two games.

It's the Broncos first win in Portland since February of 2000.

The Broncos spent the night in Portland and will leave for Kent early this afternoon to play their final contest against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The T-Birds won in Spokane last night 3-2 in OT.

It will be the first time the Broncos have played in the new Sho Ware Center. It's also the last game for both teams before the break.

We're on the air with the annual Broncos Christmas special at 8:30pm, play-by-play at 9pm on the Eagle 94.1 FM.

Ok.... now some pics from Friday.......

Christmas come early for Cody. He finally got his gear back after being lost on the flight back to Seattle. It was waiting for him in the hotel lobby just before departing for the rink.

broadcast perspective in the Rose Garden

pre-game anthems



Off ice distractions. Hawks cheerleaders paid a visit to the media area.

It was good to talk to former Bronco Eric Doyle before face-off. He's playing just as much as he did when he was a Bronco. I was told by some members of the Portland media that his offensive style sometimes gives the Winterhawks coaching staff some headaches. But, that's what he is and that's what he does.

He had a relatively quiet game against his former team.

Thanks to Portland broadcaster Andy Kemper who helped make sure I found my way around the arena and the broadcast booth. It was my first game inside the Rose Garden.

I'll try to post one more time before face-off tonight........

Jon