The Kelowna Rockets put in a solid workmanlike effort perhaps catching the Broncos by surprise in a 3-2 win to kick-off their east division road trip.
The Rocket jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the first period before former Rocket F Stepan Novotny cut it to 2-1 after two periods on a set-up by F Justin Dowling.
A Cody Chikie goal in the third period would give the Rockets back their two goal advantage. Bronco D Travis Bobbee would score his first goal as Bronco on the PP to cut the lead to 3-2 but that's as close as the Broncos would get on the night.
Credit to Kelowna for getting the most out of a shortened line-up because of injuries. The Rockets finished every check and won the majority of the battles. They played really well in the final five minutes as they protected the one goal lead.
G Adam Brown made 33 saves for the win. Former Bronco goaltender Mark Guggenberger was seen visiting with fans in the stands as he didn't dress for the game. Mark spent some time in the Bronco office and admits he misses Swift Current and the city. He's expected to dress tonight in Regina as the Rockets continue their road swing.
In the game-within-a-game, F Stepan Novotny finished with a goal and an assist against his former team while Geordie Wudrick was held in check in his return to the Credit Union i-plex. Wudrick took a couple of minor penalties which put the Broncos on the powerplay. Fans cheered loudly as Wudrick made his way to the penalty box. Call it a "Bronx Cheer" by the Broncos faithful.
Georide was very nervous before the game. In our pre-game interview he was admittedly pretty tense heading into the contest.
The Rockets departed for Regina after the game. F Kyle St. Denis suffered a reported concussion in the 2nd period and didn't return.
The Broncos are expected to have an "old school" type practice today following last night's effort. F Cody Eakin will leave Friday to attend Canada's World Junior selection camp.
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