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

J-Dub Does it Again

Former Bronco and WHL 50 goal man Jeremy Williams put his name into the record books tonight.

Williams scored his third goal in as many games as a call-up for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It doesn't sound like a big deal except the three games he's played in are based over three years and the first three of his NHL career.

He becomes the first player in NHL history to accomplish that feat. Three goals in his first three games.

Maybe the Leafs should keep this guy around for more than a game a season? It can't get any worse.

Of players to come through the Broncos the last five years, Williams is easily one of my favorites.
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Nelson's Hat-trick Paces Broncos to Win

A third period let down dampened the celebration somewhat as the Broncos skated to a 7-4 win over the visiting Kamloops Blazers.

The Broncos took a 5-0 lead into the third and seemingly took the foot of the gas as the Blazers scored four times on 17 shots - including a goal as time expired to make the score somewhat respectable.

The last goal at the end of the third period had goaltender Travis Yonkman storming off instead of accepting congratulations from his teammates in the victory. In a way it must have felt like a loss for the Broncos 'tender who was left to fend for himself at times in the final frame.

The positive thing is the Broncos did enough thru two periods to give themselves a five goal cushion.

If there's another positive to take from the game is that maybe the Broncos gave Kamloops some much needed confidence as they play in Regina tonight against the Pats. It's a stretch, but we will see how Kamloops comes out of the gates after a solid final period at the I-plex.

The line of Levi Nelson/Keegan Dansereau/Matt Tassone controlled the play. Nelson's three goals were the product of a four assist night for Dansereau. Matt Tassone had a goal and an assist along the way.

Erik Felde was flying again. His first goal was a flash of speed around Nick Ross which he finished off on the backhand to open the scoring. WHL Plays of the Week? Felde added his 2nd of the night in the 2nd period. Geordie Wudrick scored his 19th on a nice give-and-go with Zack Smith.

The win moved the Broncos within two points of the division leading Regina Pats. Both teams have eight games left on the season.

The race for the east division banner is much more than a two team race. If Moose Jaw and Brandon win their games in hand (two apiece), they would be tied with the Pats for the division lead. The Pats and Warriors meet one more time this season while the Wheat Kings and Pats close off the season against each other in a home-and-home set.

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Eastern Conf. record since Jan 10 trade deadline:

Lethbridge 14-3-1-1 - 30 pts
Broncos 14-5-1-0- 29
Med Hat 13-4-2-1-29
Kootenay 12-6-2-2-28
Calgary 13-5-0-1- 27
Regina 12-6-1-1 - 26
Moose Jaw 11-6-1-1 - 26
Brandon 10-8-2-1- 23

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Broncos host Blazers

The Swift Current Broncos host the Kamloops Blazers tonight in the 2nd meeting of the season between the two teams.

Back on October 5th, the Broncos edged Kamloops 2-1 at Interior Savings Center. Kamloops is in the middle of their six-game roadswing through the east division. So far they've lost in Brandon 5-2 and Moose Jaw 4-2.

Kamloops looks a lot different from the meeting early in the season No more Brock Nixon, Ryan Bender, Travis Dunstall Keaton Ellerby, Ryan White or Victory Bartley. Insert Devon Kalinski, Spencer Fraipont, Nick Ross, Mike Gauthier, Scott Wasden and Brady Calla.

The Blazers have dropped five in a row and could be on a collision course with the #1 seed in the Western Conference come playoff time.

Tomorrow night the Blazers are in Regina to play the Pats in a game set for Sportsnet.

The Broncos play game three of their six-game homestand tonight as they begin a busy week. So far the Broncos are 1-0-1 in a must win stretch for the club if they want to win the east division. They have a chance to pull within two points of Regina with a victory.

To think, a month ago the Broncos trailed the Pats by 12 points and sat 4th in the division. It looked like all was lost for a division title. Now it's their focus.

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Thanks to Cody Eakin and Ryan Molle for hanging out with us at the Modern Family Restaurant last night for our final edition of Best Western Monday Night Meet the Broncos.

A couple who have been season ticket holders for 20 years came in to have a chat. They just love Cody and the way the 16 year-old plays the game. The elderly lady was so excited to meet Cody and wish him all the best. She has seen a lot of players come and go through the years and for her to make the extra effort to come and meet Cody really speaks volumes to the kind of special player he is. It was a nice moment.

Thanks to Sherri for coming down and having coffee too. Get well wishes go out to Broncos billet Melinda Baum. Melinda had a run-in with some ice on her driveway and will be out of action with a bad ankle for awhile.

Jon

Awards Banquet Set / Hometown Plug

Press Release:

Broncos Awards Banquet Tickets AvailableThe Swift Current Broncos have announced that they will once again be hosting their Annual Awards Banquet at the end of the regular season this year.

The Awards Banquet is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 17th at the Credit Union i-plex auditorium.The banquet will see the Broncos announce the 2007/08 winners of the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Top Defenseman, and much more.

The event will also feature a silent and live auction where those in attendance will have the opportunity to bid on Broncos memorabilia.

Cocktails will be served at 6:00 pm with the banquet and award presentations following at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm respectively. The banquet will be catered by the K-Motel.

Tickets are available at the Broncos Store located in the Credit Union i-plex or by calling the Broncos office at 773-1509. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under.

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For the handful of Lanigan, SK readers out there.... Sportsnet gave our hometown a plug on their morning SportsCentral loop...

Overheard during the highlights of the Devis and Capitals... "If you're trying to ge the whole town of Lanigan mad at you Donald Brashear, you're doing a good job."

Brashear was involved in a scrap with Lanigan native Sheldon Brookbank. The night before Brashear had a go with Sheldon's older brother Wade with Carolina.

Can't resist a hometown plug....

Jon

You don't see this everyday....

Usually other coaches and General Managers in the league have a mutual respect for eachother and give credit where it's due. Countless times on our pre-game show an opposition coach or GM has praised the work of their counterpart. Professional courtesy if you will....

Here's an exchange lifted from the Star Phoenix which was posted on Gregg Drinnan's blog at www.gdrinnan.blogspot.com. It features Regina Pat's assistant coach Terry Perkins and Blades GM/coach Lorne Molleken. The Pats and Blades met for the final time last night....

"The game didn’t feature any of histrionics of the last couple of meetings between these teams. Which doesn’t mean there wasn’t some conversation. . . . Saskatoon C Mike Reich, who was involved in some of the goings-on earlier, watched this one from the press box. . . . “We had a couple of games in a row where there were some melees,” Regina assistant coach Terry Perkins told Corey Wolfe of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, “but that’s in the past. Probably not having Mike Reich on the ice (helped avoid a repeat). He seems to want to get things started all the time — I guess because he can’t do anything else right out there.” . . . To which Saskatoon GM/head coach Lorne Molleken responded: “Mike Reich, in every game that we’ve played the Regina Pats, has done a tremendous job. It’s funny that (Perkins) would make a comment like that because I know (Pats head coach) Curtis (Hunt) wouldn’t. We played against Mike Reich when he was a Regina Pat and he was a pain in the ass to play against. For their assistant coach to make a comment like that, it goes in this ear and right out the other ear. It was a mutual agreement between myself and the league that (Reich) wouldn’t play (Saturday) so that Terry Perkins wouldn’t get upset.” . . . Too bad these teams won’t meet again until next season. . . .

That's some great stuff from Lorne Molleken....

As for the Broncos they had a very rare Saturday night off which no doubt had team personnel scoreboard watching. It was a mixed night for the Broncos who saw Regina and Brandon lose but had Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat winning. Kootenay's victory in Brandon also isn't good but it was maybe the best case scenario.

Next up Kamloops on Tuesday, game three of the six-game homestand.

Jon

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Broncos Owning Overtime

Make it 6-0 in sudden death overtime this season.

The Broncos and Kootenay Ice hooked up for a highly entertaining game at the Credit Union I-plex as Erik Felde's 23rd goal of the season gave the Broncos the 4-3 decision.

The Broncos are now 12-2 in their last 14 games and are slowly getting healthy as 20 year old defenseman Michael Wilson was a strong addition back in the line-up last night.

Although the Broncos won in OT, fans this morning are talking about the "Jesse Dudas Dangle" in the third period. Dudas gave the Broncos a temporary 3-2 lead in the third when he split the Kootenay defense with a jaw dropping move and then shelfed it on Kris Lazaruk in the Kootenay goal. The goal was one of the nicest all year at the Credit Union I-plex should garner attention for the top play in the WHL Plays of the Week. I've watched the webcast replay though and the footage isn't great. The audio is muffled and the camera angle is distant and shaky. Too bad the rest of the league won't be able to see the goal for it's full value.

Last night's game was two good teams playing an exciting brand of fast-paced hockey as the Broncos and Ice combined for 88 shots. Kris Lazaruk was brilliant in the Kootenay goal for 39 minutes before Geordie Wudrick finally beat him on a quick wrister on the 31st shot against.

Matt Tassone then banked home a shorthanded goal in the opening minute of the 3rd period to tie the game 2-2. The Jesse Dudas Dangle gave the Broncos a lead with 7:39 to play in the third before Steve Dasilva tied it with 3:24 to go forcing overtime.

Erik Felde's goal was a long shot that beat Lazaruk. Ryan and I both agreed it was similar to the OT winner against the Warriors Friday night from Bretton Stamler. It's a save your goaltender has to make.

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- Another big crowd at the I-plex (2290, great Wed. night crowd) took the game in and left entertained. The Broncos have played some exciting hockey this season and have the ability to play fast-paced style along with some nifty creativity.

- The Broncos are 6-0 in 4-on-4 overtime this season - the best record in the WHL. Overall they are 9-5 when the game isn't settled through 60 minutes.

- I'm sure the rest of the Eastern Conference shuddered when they saw another all-conference match-up go to overtime. Points are being handed out all over the place. The Broncos and the rest of the conference was fortunate that Brandon edged Moose Jaw 1-0 in regulation. The game seemed destined for OT after it was tied 0-0 through two periods.

- Broncos and the Medicine Hat Tigers tomorrow night in what's promising to be another exciting tilt.

Jon

Breaking Down the Eastern Conference

This is the topic tonight on the Broncos pre-game show as we look at the remaining schedule and important games for the eight playoff bound teams in the Eastern Conference

Here's a transcript of the feature which airs at 7pm before the Broncos and Kootenay Ice at 7:30pm.
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The five minute major is brought to you by B and A petroleum, your local Petro Canada bulk fuel agent.

It's ultra tight in the Eastern conference with four weeks to play in the regular season.
Eight teams in the conference still haven't settled anything except distancing themselves from the likes of Edmonton, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Red Deer.

The eight teams could all have officially clinched a playoff spot by the end of tonight...

So in an effort to learn more of where the teams may finish, we take a look at what the teams have left to close off the regular season.

Moose Jaw sits 8th in the conference but may have the best schedule remaining of the teams. with 14 games left, the Warriors are poised to climb out of the final position and still contend for a division title with Regina - who they trail by six points with three games in hand.

The Warriors have nine home games remaining and five on the road. Three games remain against the Broncos, two with Brandon. Three of their 14 are against non-playoff contending teams.

The Warriors are in good shape and will only move up the standings.

The Brandon Wheat Kings are 7th in the conference, one point ahead of Moose Jaw and one back of the Broncos. The Wheat Kings have 13 games left. Nine of those games are at home while four are on the road.

The Wheaties still have two games left with Moose Jaw and two with Regina which they close off the season against in a home and home set.

The Wheat Kings, like the Broncos, open up a six game homestand tonight.

With all this considered, Brandon has only been a .500 team in the 2nd half posting a record of 11-11-2-1.

The Broncos sit 6th in the conference and only have 11 games remaining. They begin their longest homestand of the season tonight as they spend their next six games at the Credit Union i-plex.

We asked Head Coach and GM Dean Chynoweth this week on the remaining schedule.

"It's busy into March and leading into playoffs but that's good. I think we should be healthy and you hope to stay that way through playoffs. I like the schedule and the way it lays out. This homestand is real important as to where we'll finish."

The Broncos have three remaining games with Moose Jaw, two with Lethbridge and two with the Kootenay Ice.

The Medicine Hat Tigers occupy 5th place in the conference and will visit the Broncos Friday night in the last head-to-head meeting of the season.

The Tigers have 12 games left and a very interesting schedule. 8 of the 12 games left are on the road, but six of those 12 games are against non-playoff contending teams like Edmonton, Saskatoon, Red Deer and Prince Albert. The Tigers still have a pair of games left with Calgary and Lethbridge - the top two teams in the conference.

The Kootenay Ice enter tonight's game sitting fourth in the conference - one point better than the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Ice have 11 games remaining. six home games and five on the road.

Only two of their last 11 games are against non-playoff contending teams. Kootenay's schedule has some tough games, including the Broncos, Brandon, Moose Jaw, Tri City, Lethbridge and Calgary twice to close off the regular season.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have been one of the best teams lately as they occupy third spot despite having more points than the east division leading Regina Pats in the 2nd seed.

The Hurricanes have their eyes set on the Calgary Hitmen and the number one seed in the conference heading into playoffs.

With 13 games remaining and four games in hand with Calgary, the 'Canes trail the top seed by 9 points.

The Hurricanes are 10-2 in their last 12 games. Six of the remaining 13 games are against non-playoff contending teams. Lethbridge will be road warriors to close off the season playing 9 of their last 13 games on the road.

The 'Canes biggest remaining game will be against Calgary March 9th at the Saddledome.


The Regina Pats have 11 games remaining with a four point lead over the Broncos for the east division lead. Six of the remaining games are at home in the Brandt Center, five are on the road.

The Pats play five non-playoff contending teams and will close off the season with a big home and home series with Brandon. A key game March 12th against the Moose Jaw Warriors will also be circled on the Pats' calendar.

The Pats are 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games. It allowed Swift Current, Brandon and Moose Jaw an opportunity to contend for the division title.

Finally, the Calgary Hitmen lead the conference with 43 wins and 90 points. The Hitmen have the fewest games remaining of the playoff bound teams with nine.

Three of those nine games are at home while six will be on the road. The Hitmen still play Medicine Hat and Kootenay twice.

The Hitmen can all but secure first place with a win over Lethbridge in that March 9th game.

Enjoy the final four weeks before playoffs....

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For those who have called or e-mailed regarding the recent internet streaming broadcast problems I apologize for our technical difficulties. There seemed to have been a problem at both the radio station and the Broncos website. It has since been looked after.

For thos out of town the game is available online at http://www.scbroncos.com/ or from the League website at http://www.whl.ca/ under "radio broadcasts". You can also visit the internet providers website at http://www.t2.net/ .

Jon

Long Weekend Off... Back to Blogging

I've taken a few days to catch my breath and get ready for the final month of the regular season and hopefully a long playoff run....

The Broncos begin a six-game homestand tomorrow night when they host the Kootenay Ice. It's a tough stretch with the likes of Medicine Hat, Kamloops, Chilliwack, Moose Jaw and Brandon all coming in between tomorrow and March 5th.

As we all know the Broncos split the weekend with a 4-3 overtime win over Moose Jaw Friday and a disappointing 7-3 loss in Prince Albert Saturday.

I'll talk about Friday first. Moose Jaw came in and probably played their best games against the Broncos in the five game season series to date. For the most part I thought the Warriors outplayed the Broncos. However, that wasn't exactly backed up from Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak in our post-game show when Ryan asked him his thoughts from ice-level. Hunchak challenged his team on a few occasions...

"Our start was awful. We had passengers that first 10 minutes. Guys weren't willing to pay a price and compete and they were for a full 60, we played for 50 and they (Broncos) deserved the extra point"

"We need to get healthy #1, #2 we need to get our big guns the Knackstedts and Holzapfel's of the world playing to their capability and #3 our goaltending needs to get better. There's no question Travis Yonkman outplayed Joey Perricone tonight and that was the difference in the hockey game."

"We are built to be a physical team and we need to do that consistently. I truly believe over a seven game series we will start to wear a team down. We will get back at it tomorrow and have a good old fashioned battle practice."

The Warriors played their physical style and tried to intimidate. A lot of people after the game questioned the tactics of 20 year-old Terrance Dellaronde challenging 16 year-old Cody Eakin off the opening face-off in the 2nd period. The fight, which featured more wrestling than anything could have been scored a draw. Don't tell Dellaronde that who got up off the ice and acted like he just took out Garrett Klotz of the Blades. The showboating of Dellaronde was puzzling to say the least. I guess he failed to realize that no one had the advantage as Eakin got involved in his first square-off fight in his short WHL career.

In talking to Cody the next morning, it was no-doubt a mutual agreement to get things going. "Just having some fun Jon, that's all," was Cody's remark as we loaded up for Prince Albert the next day.

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What is it with Prince Albert? Their top players all come out to play against the Broncos as guys like Matt Robertson, Ryan Mcdonald and now Justin Bernhardt continue to rack up the points.

Bernhardt used the Broncos to propel himself to a WHL Player of the Week honour recording three goals and an assist in a 7-3 win. The Raiders scored four times on five opportunities in a span of 11 minutes in the the third period to chase Travis Yonkman from the net. Assistant Coach Tim Kehler called it a "mercy pull" in the post-game show. He was amazed the team would quit on their goaltender after all the solid play he's provided for them lately.

Ryan Mcdonald added a powerplay goal late in the 3rd with Mark Guggenberger in goal to finish off the scoring. The Raiders win five of the six season series meetings as the Broncos thankfully say good-bye to the Raiders until next season.

The Broncos host the Kootenay Ice tomorrow night in the third game of the head-to-head season series. The teams have split the first two meetings. The Broncos blanked the Ice 1-0 in Cranbrook December 7th in the infamous Teddy Bear Toss Night shutout from Travis Yonkman.

Not sure on the injury front as to whether to expect any help. Matt Tassone injured his shoulder Friday night and is day-to-day. Mike Brown, Michael Wilson, Dale Wiese and Jan Dalecky all sat out on the weekend. A couple are getting close and should probably play this week in the pair of home games.

The Broncos play their next six at home as they attempt to close the four point gap between themselves and the Regina Pats for the east division lead and the 2nd seed in the Conference.

The Pats are on the road in Calgary tonight to take on the Hitmen. Calgary has company in the Central division with Lethbridge refusing to go away. They are winning and beating some good teams along the way. They outscored Kootenay, Calgary and Regina 13-3 in their last three games.

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A reminder, tonight's Best Western Meet the Broncos has us setting up shop at Boston Pizza. Join myself along with Zack Smith and Eric Doyle between 5-7pm.

Jon

Broncos Host Warriors / WHL Power Poll Released

First up, Kamloops Daily News Sports Editor Gregg Drinnan took up the challenge of putting together a WHL Power Poll which is now on his blog at http://www.gdrinnan.blogspot.com/ .

All the WHL movers and shakers and power brokers are laid out in a Top 25 format. It's pretty interesting stuff. Gregg did his homework contacting several GM's and owners from around the league to get the feel for the behind the scenes aspect.

Although it's sure to draw a lot of discussion about who should be higher/lower or who was left out, it's an interesting look at who gets things done around the league.

A couple of Bronco personnel cracked the Top 25. You will have to go over and have a look....

Gregg will be our guest tonight prior to face-off against the Moose Jaw Warriors to break down the list. Broncos and Warriors on the air at 7pm, play-by-play at 7:30.

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The Broncos and Warriors meet for a 5th time this season as they clash at the Credit Union I-plex. While one Broncos streak came to an end Wednesday, the home team will try to keep another going tonight. The Broncos have won all four meetings against the Warriors this season. Two have come in a shootout, another in overtime.

The Warriors have dropped three in a row after a loss to Prince Albert Wednesday night. The loss had Warriors Assistant Coach Rene Lemire questioning his team's heart in the Warrriors post-game show. Expect the Warrriors team to come out of the gates a bit stronger tonight.

I used to joke with now Warriors Head Coach Dave Hunchak when he was with the Broncos that I would pay his first WHL issued fine. Boy am I glad that was waived when he joined the Warriors.....

Moose Jaw has dished out a total of $3,250 to the league office in fines this season.

Back to tonight's game at the I-plex. Hunchak had this take on the Broncos recent success Monday...

" They've got some grit to them and they're on a roll right now. They're getting good goaltending and they're getting some breaks and you earn those breaks by working hard and that's what they're doing"

The Warriors welcome back Terrance Delaronde and Ryley Grantham after they sat out Wednesday's game due to suspension. They will be missing Frazier Mclaren who will sit another two games for his actions after the Regina/Moose Jaw game Saturday night at the Brandt Center.

The Broncos are coming off their first loss in three weeks after falling to Calgary 4-2, ending a 10 game winning streak.

Assistant Coach Tim Kehler talked about tonight's match-up in our Wednesday post-game show.

"We've had some great games against Moose Jaw, they've certainly brought out the best in us. It's going to be a great match-up. When you get into a streak where you win 10 in a row, it's not going to last forever you're going to drop a game... but it's how you respond, it's how you bounce back... can our guys come back with some life (tonight).

This is the first of four more meetings between the teams to close off the regular season including a home and home set in the final weekend of the regular season.

See you tonight,

Jon

Game On....

The big snowstorm through Swift Current will not affect travel for the Calgary Hitmen. They arrived last night following a 6-1 win over Medicine Hat.

Face-off at 7:30pm. Bronco pre-game show on the Eagle 94.1 FM at 7pm. Tonight on the show we recap the 10 game winning streak along with the help of some players and Assistant Coach Tim Kehler....

Jon

News Worth Flipping Over

Press Release:

Burgers are Back!

The long awaited arrival of burgers and french fries at Swift Current Broncos home games is finally here. As of Wednesday, February 13th the west-end concession will be fully operational.

The Broncos Organization would like to thank their fans for their continued support and patience during the Credit Union i-plex renovations.

The Broncos will be battling the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday after recording a 2-0 shutout win against them this past Sunday. The Broncos are riding a 10 game winning streak, the longest streak in the WHL this season and the longest Broncos streak since the 1993/94 season.

Game time is 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at the Broncos Store located in the Credit Union i-plex or by calling the Broncos office at 773-1509.

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League Blasts Regina and Moose Jaw....Again

Quite the hefty fines and suspensions dolled out today for a post-game brawl between Regina and Moose Jaw.... here they are. The numbers are staggering. The league is trying to send the message that this stuff won't be tolerated. Too bad no one is listening.

DatePlayer/Coach /Team /Description

Moose Jaw $2,500.00 for post-game incident at Regina on February 9.
Moose Jaw$500.00 for failure to make players available for media
Dave Hunchak Moose Jaw $500.00 for game misconduct at Regina on February 9.
Frazer McLaren Moose Jaw Three games for actions at Regina on February 9.
Terrance Delaronde Moose Jaw One game for actions at Regina on February 9.
Ryley Grantham Moose Jaw One game for actions at Regina on February 9.
Josh Elder Regina Two games for actions versus Moose Jaw on February 9.
Regina $500.00 for post-game incident versus Moose Jaw on February 9.

A Special Effort, A Special Group

10 straight….

Short five regular players due to injuries, the Broncos went into Calgary with the odds of extending their winning streak looking doubtful at best against one of the best teams in the country.

No Dale Wiese, no Michael Wilson, Jesse Dudas, Spencer McAvoy no Jan Dalecky… no problem.

The Broncos rode the back of Travis Yonkman for a 24 save shutout performance in a 2-0 win over the Eastern Conference leading and the CHL’s #2 ranked team

The Hitmen, coming off a 3-1 loss in Red Deer came at the Broncos and had them on their heels for the first five minutes. A disallowed goal just 57 seconds was the only break the Broncos seem to need.

A red-hot Dan Spence in the Hitmen goal stymied chance after chance to keep the game scoreless through two periods. Travis Yonkman matched him with some key saves in the frame – none bigger than a miraculous glove save off Brett Sonne while laying on the ice to keep the game in a goalless draw.

The Broncos finally scored the games first goal with just under seven minutes to play as former Calgary Hitmen Keegan Dansereau tipped in a point shot from Eric Doyle.

The Broncos then had to weather the powerplay storm you knew was coming after the Broncos had seven straight man advantages in the 2nd period.

The penalty kill was lights out…again. Great work by guys like Brad Hoban, Cody Eakin, Geordie Wudrick, Matt Tassone, Bretton Stamler, Derek Claffey, the list goes on.

David Stieler’s empty-netter in the final minute sealed it as the Broncos posted their 10th straight win in front 10,500 pro Hitmen fans inside the Pengrowth Saddledome. It’s their longest winning streak in 15 years dating back to the 93-94 season.

The team showed a lot more emotion when the final buzzer sounded as they huddled around their goaltender. They knew it was a big time effort given the circumstances and the obstacles put in their way. It was a special effort.

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- The penalty kill has now killed off 50 of the last 51 advantages. It’s been nothing short of sensational after some struggles at times this season. The guys are pressuring and sacrificing their bodies to make plays. It’s a treat to watch.

- Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler was all smiles in the post-game show. “Without a doubt our biggest win of the season,” Keller commented afterwards. “There’s not a lot of people that would have picked us to win today given all adversity heading in.”

- Quite the WHL debut for Taylor Vause. The Broncos 16 year-old call-up was excellent with four shots on goal and playing a regular shift in the process. He was a head-turner at training camp for his speed and puck-handling. He’s a piece of the puzzle in the future of this hockey team.

- The winning streak has begun and ended with solid goaltending. The tandem of Travis Yonkman and Mark Guggenberger has been fantastic. The Broncos haven’t allowed a goal on the road in 198 minutes. Impressive. My colleague Ryan Switzer has dubbed the duo "Yonkenberger".

- The Broncos Calgary contingent is amongst the strongest in the league. Mike Brown, Eric Doyle, Ryan Molle, Levi Nelson, Justin Dowling and Taylor Vause all had large cheering sections today.

- The guys are excited but were already talking about Wednesday’s rematch with the Hitmen back at the Credit Union I-plex. It’s a fun group to be a part of right now.

The best of Chris Farley on SNL is on the bus TV…. Have a great week.

Jon

Gameday in Red Deer / Playoff Bound Teams on a Roll

The Broncos are back tucked into their hotel after a pre-game skate this morning at the Centrium.

The Broncos will be hard pressed to ice a full line-up due to some injuries but it hasn't hurt their results lately or dampened the spirits at all as they chase their 9th straight win. That number that would match the longest winning streak of the season by any team in the WHL. Spokane rattled off 9 in a row earlier in the year.

The Rebels are coming in off back-to-back wins over division leaders Regina and Calgary last night. The Rebels worked hard in a 3-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen last night at the Centrium. Although outshot by a wide margin, the Rebels rode goaltender Morgan Clark to a 42 save performance. The loss ended Calgary's seven game winning streak.

Could it be another night where the Broncos start Mark Guggenberger? So far as a Bronco the 18 year old goaltender has put up some impressive numbers: 3-0, GAA: 1.50, Save% .966. Two of his three wins have been by a shutout.

I was doing some scoreboard watching last night on the way into Red Deer and it couldn't have went much worse. Moose Jaw went to overtime for a league-leading 18th time and lost to Regina in a shootout. Medicine Hat and Lethbridge needed a shootout to decide things too. Kootenay and Brandon both won a pair of close games - it was pretty much worst case scenario as far as the Broncos were concerned.

Here's an unbelievable number to chew on. Because of the point awarded to teams who lose in overtime or a shootout, teams ranked 2nd to 8th in the ultra tight Eastern Conference have picked up at least one point in 25 straight games! Ridiculous. It begs the question. Are teams playing for overtime at this stage? Teams are having a terrible time protecting a one goal lead lately. Overtime is becoming the norm. Last night 13 teams of 18 got at least a single point.

Broncos and Rebels tonight on the Eagle 94.1 FM. Pre-game show at 8pm Swift Current time, 8:30pm play-by-play.

Jon

Broncos Creeping Up on History

With every win, the Broncos continue to chase history.

The Broncos current eight game winning streak had me searching the team records for the longest winning streaks since the team came back in 1986. A quick trip down to the Broncos office and a chat with Eldon Moberg offered up some interesting numbers.

The Broncos current streak matches one back in the 2000-2001 season when the Broncos rattled off eight in a row from November 29th, 2000 to December 16th. That year led to the Broncos getting to the Eastern Conference final before bowing out to the Red Deer Rebels (the eventual Memorial Cup Champs) in six games.

In the 96-97 campaign, the Broncos put together a 10 game unbeaten streak. Remember, there were ties back then and unbeaten streaks rather than winning streak were more common. Not to take anything away from the Broncos current run, but two games during this streak would have been considered a "tie" before the shootout rule came into effect.

The next milestone the Broncos are chasing is 10 straight wins which they accomplished from October 23rd to November 11th of 1993. The Broncos were fresh off a WHL championship from the 92-93 season and carries momentum into the next year.

In that championship season, the Broncos picked up 12 straight wins from January 15th, 1993 to February 13th.

Back in the Memorial Cup winning season of 88-89 the Broncos won 12 straight games to start the season and then 12 straight again later in the year.

Let's throw the cliche " one game at a time " line out the window and see what it would take for the Broncos to meet or beat that 12 game team record.

at Red Deer Saturday - The Broncos take on the Eastern Conference's last place team. A team they are 4-0 against on the season. They have won in Red Deer this season already - a 5-4 nail biter that went back and forth.

at Calgary Sunday - Here would be the biggest challenge to date for the Broncos as they attempt to beat Calgary for the first time this season. The Broncos will try to avenge a 7-2 loss in Calgary back in October. The Hitmen also won 4-3 in a 10 round shootout at the I-plex in November.

host Calgary Wednesday - If the Broncos streak survives the game in the Saddledome, the Hitmen return for a Wednesday night meeting at the Credit Union I-plex. The Broncos have won five straight on home ice and nine of their last ten.

host Moose Jaw Friday - to tie the team record of 12 games, the Broncos would host the Moose Jaw Warriors in their fifth meeting of the season. The Broncos have won all four previous meetings this season.

at Prince Albert Saturday - to break the record the Broncos would have to win in Prince Albert - a team that's had their number this season. The Raiders won the first four head-to-head match-ups before the Broncos finally broke the slump with a 5-1 win January 8th on home ice.

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A few days off from game action may be what's needed for this team after a bout of the flu and injuries forced them to only dress 16 skaters against Saskatoon Tuesday night. Spencer McAvoy, Michael Wilson, Jesse Dudas, Derek Claffey, and Jan Dalecky all missed Tuesday's game.

Hot performers include the youngster line of Justin Dowling, Cody Eakin and Geordie Wudrick. The trio has combined for 11 points the last three games. Eakin has four goals in the last three games. While Wudrick has collected a goal and four helpers. They have been a treat to watch haven't they.

Jon

Flu and Injuries Running Rampant

The Broncos seven game winning streak will be put to a major test tonight as they battle both the Saskatoon Blades and a flu bug that's making it's way around the room.

Injuries to Michael Wilson, Spencer McAvoy and now Jesse Dudas (knee) are also playing a factor.

Safe to say it's going to be a tough night ahead...... we will know the extent of sickbay closer towards face-off.

We're on the air at 7pm with the pre-game show, play-by-play at 7:30pm.

Broncos Post 7th Straight, Blades Back in Town

The Broncos and Blades continue their summit series tomorrow night - their 4th meeting in eight nights!

It's been quite the run; there is a definite buzz in the community. I picked up some off-sale over the weekend for the SuperBowl at the new Buffalo Brew Pub and it was the rockstar treatment from a couple of the owners who were entertaining guests.

"How bout the Broncos!" or "This is unbelievable!" was their take on the recent success which has the Broncos in the midst of their longest winning streak since 2000. BTW, the new Buffalo Brew Pub on 1st avenue looks awesome. Go check them out this week for yourself. We thank the Brew Pub for being one of our sponsors for Broncos hockey on the Eagle 94.1 FM.

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Weekend thoughts........

* Mark Guggenberger is becoming one of my favorites. His numbers as a Bronco look pretty good so far in three starts. W-L 3-0, Save % .966, GAA 1.50, SH 2 . The colorful personality was even caught waving to a some Blades cheerleaders in the stands during the third period radio time-out.

"I was disapointed, they didn't wave back," is what Guggenberger told Blades colorman Dave Thomas during an interview in their live post-game show.

** What was with Ryley Grantham and Frazier Mclaren in the warm-up prior to the Broncos / Warriors game Friday night? Both summoned the Bronco waterboys for some gatorade and water from the Broncos bench. It was clearly an intimidation ploy from the on-set. The bit has been done fellas, how about a little creativity?

Mclaren then proceeded to run Broncos defenseman Mike Wilson from behind in the opening minute drawing a boarding major and game misconduct. Mclaren was suspended for Saturday's game vs Brandon and may receive more games pending a league review today.

He's been nothing short of a sideshow in the three meetings against the Broncos this season. He's hurting his team.

** We should see Matt Tassone tomorrow night as the Broncos host the Blades. Tassone has missed the last three games due to illness. Hopefully he can get a practice in today and get back on the ice as the reigning Boston Pizza Fans Choice Player of the Week.

** Have you heard Broncos Assistant Coach Tim Kehler in our post-game Coaches Show yet? It's worth a listen.

** Can the Broncos consider themselves back in the race for an East division title? The gap is down to only six points after a pair of Broncos wins has puncuated with a pair of Pats losses - both to teams well out of the playoff picture in Red Deer and Saskatoon. The Pats and Warriors get set for a weekend war in their home and home set Friday/Saturday.

** Apparently the Swift Current Indians Field of Dreams Sportsmans Dinner was the best one in it's short four year history. Guest speakers Dennis Hull and Matt Dominguez had the sold out crowd in stitches all night long. Great job by the organizers once again. I was in Saskatoon and missed it but M.C. Ryan Switzer gave me the lowdown on the event...

** Is there a better M.C. out there than Switzer for an event like this? Not likely.

** I see that Terry Bradshaw is the latest sportscaster to throw out an F-bomb during a live television event. I didn't see it live but it's all over YouTube. It came in the Fox pre-game show leading up to the SuperBowl in some friendly ribbing with co-host Howie Long. In 10 years of being on the air I've had one slip-up. The "S" word when one of our operators missed an edit in a taped NHL draft report out of Vancouver. Not blaming him though... you should assume everything is live. I didn't, and the report ran across the network.

Radio people often get together and have huge laughs over on-air slip-ups they've heard or been a part of over the years. There are some great stories out there....


Have a great week,

jon

Blades and Blades...Again

Broncos and Blades Battle…Again

It’s meeting three of four over the course of eight days between the Broncos and Blades as the teams meet tonight at Credit Union Center.

The Broncos won their sixth in a row last night with a 4-3 shootout win over the Warriors. The Broncos outworked the Warriors for two periods but a 1-1 tie was all they had to show for it. The Warriors finally showed up in the third after realizing they could win this one. They upped their tempo and work ethic in the third and overtime.

The Broncos tied it 3-3 on the powerplay thanks to “The curse of Joey Perricone” ( more on that over at www.ryanswitzer.blogspot.com today). A head high slapper from Erik Felde at the point blasted off the end glass and bounced back over the Warriors goal off Perricone and into the net with some help from David Stieler.

Perricone hasn’t played his best against the Broncos over his four- year career. It would be wise if the Warriors coaching staff maybe gave back-up Todd Mathews a look in the next meeting February 15th. Head Coach Dave Hunchak commented in our pre-game show that he (Perricone) needs to be better than how he’s played lately. I thought he was pretty good last night but didn’t get a favourable bounce off the end glass…. Curse!

“I think we will have to take a sacrificial chicken to center-ice or something to break this hex against the Broncos” was the comment Hunchak gave to the Moose Jaw Times Herald post-game. He must be talking about the bounce because in my opinion the Broncos have been the better team in the four meetings head-to-head and are full marks for their four wins. The games have been close – three have been to overtime. Eventually you have to think it will go the Warriors way soon. I also think the Broncos have yet to see the Warriors “A” game. They’re running out of chances though.

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* The Broncos chase their 7th straight win tonight. A win would match their last seven game win streak set back in January of 2000.


* Commissioner Ron Robison got a big cheer in the pre-game ceremony from the 2700 plus Bronco fans when he announced the Broncos are safe and sound for years to come in the WHL thanks to the commitment by the city and the fans with the renovation project.

* How ‘bout that crowd last night? Biggest of the year. They’re getting bigger and louder and the guys sitting behind me on the bus are noticing and loving it. Keep it up.

* Where’s the beef? The Broncos are now a combined 8-2 against division rivals Regina and Moose Jaw. So far speed and skill is winning out over bigger, more physical teams. Granted six of those eight wins have come in overtime or a shootout. The record 2-2 in regulation time.

* I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the WHL webcast archive game featuring the Pats/Blades from last night. Wow. Our fans love when Regina gets their lunch fed to them almost more so than a Broncos win. Last night was a Broncos fan delight on both accounts. What a melee last night which resulted in several scraps throughout the game, fans getting ejected, players trying to get at fans near the bench and of course the obligatory line brawl with 1:04 to play. The WHL Head Office will finally be able to afford that new office furniture they’ve been eyeing up. Expect at least a fine of a grand for both teams after their 5th multiple fight situation. Highly entertaining stuff out of Regina last night. The Broncos could benefit tonight from a couple suspensions on the Blades side tonight. We will find out when we arrive at the CUC later.

*No one should mess with Garret Klotz. But here is some advice to one of the toughest players in the league: At least try to act like you’ve won a fight before. Klotz took his time to showboat and do some posing en-route to the penalty box after KO’ing Josh Elder in a first period scrap. Same applies to Frazier Mclaren of the Warriors. At least pretend that you’ve done it before fellas.

* The latest WHL writer’s poll is out… the Broncos rank of 14th in the league is laughable. It remains unchanged over last week according to the scribes across the WHL. 14th? C’mon guys and gals. Are you implying the Broncos are presently playing like a team in the bottom third of the league? 18 sports writers across the WHL compile their rankings into a weekly poll. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, a few picked the Blades at the beginning of the season to contend for the east division crown. (stats check: Blades are 30 pts back of Regina)

* Not sure on the status of 20 year-old defenseman Michael Wilson. He will be out for a stretch after taking a check from behind from Frazer Mclaren in the opening minute of last night’s game. He didn’t make the trip to Saskatoon. I didn’t see the hit in the near corner to our broadcast right. The people I’ve asked feel it was blatantly from behind and in a dangerous position. If the league agrees Mclaren will be watching tonight’s game against Brandon from the stands.

* We’re on the air shortly after 6:30pm tonight from Saskatoon. WHL Commissioner Ron Robison will be our guest in a taped interview from last night. Play-by-play at 7:05pm.

Go Patriots!

Jon

Update Coming; Here's a Great Story....

I will be blogging on the bus this afternoon. Should have an update on prior to tonight's face-off as the Broncos chase their 7th win in a row in Saskatoon. The last time they won seven straight was January of 2000.

For now, here's a slice of junior hockey life courtesy Nick Patterson who writes for the Everett Herald. It's a great read...

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080202/SPORTS/429070282/1003/SPORTS08