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02-14-2006, 08:46 AM
13 February 2006
Bronco Week In Review
Record: 15-28-5-8
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The Broncos found themselves playing 3 home games this week as the race for the final playoff spot in the Central Division grows closer to an end with less than 20 games remaining in the season. On Wednesday night the Broncos hosted the Tri-City Americans for the first and only meeting between the two teams this season. Friday night saw the continuation of one of the WHL's best rivalries as the Tigers from Medicine Hat made a stop in Swift Current, and finally, the Calgary Hitmen were in town for the 2nd time in less than two weeks on Sunday night.

On Wednesday night the Americans, who were without #1 goaltender and Montreal Canadians product Carey Price, were in town. The game was a battle of two teams with depleted rosters due to injury. The Broncos were without leading scorers Ned Lukacevic, Jeremy Schenderling, and Levi Nelson, as well as #1 defenseman Myles Rumsey. The Americans came out with some early emotion, but could not solve Broncos goaltender Kyle Moir after putting 15 shots his way in the 1st frame. The game's first goal would eventually come midway through the 2nd period as Marc Desloges would snipe his 11th of the season past Chet Pickard (PP) to give Swift Current a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame. The Americans were out-shooting the Broncos 22-18 after 2 periods of play. In the third period it would be Kyle Moir that stole the show, stopping numerous American scoring chances from point blank range, preserving the 34 save shutout. Despite being outshot 12-1 in the final frame and 34-19 in the game, the Broncos held on for the 1-0 victory. A total of 1,856 fans took in the action that saw the Broncos power play go 1 for 6 on the evening while their penalty kill finished 5 for 5.

On Friday the Tigers jumped out to an early lead as former Bronco Jerrid Sauer scored just 20 seconds into the game. The Tigers would continue their pressure and be rewarded once again as Darren Helm would score at the 9:22 and 12:30 (PP) marks of the 1st period to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. The game would remain 3-0 until early in the 3rd period when Spencer McAvoy would score his 5th of the season on the power play past Tigers netminder Blaine Neufeld to pull the Broncos to within two goals. Late in the game with Kyle Moir pulled from the net for an extra attacker, Darren Helm would make a diving effort past Broncos forward Marc Desloges to chip his 3rd of the game into an empty Broncos cage to make the final score from Friday night 4-1 in favor of the Tigers. Medicine Hat outshot Swift Current 30-22 in the contest. Both teams were 1 for 6 on the man advantage during the contest, which attracted 2,038 fans.

Closing the week, the Broncos hosted the Calgary Hitmen on Sunday night. The Hitmen would receive 2 first period goals by Brett Sonne (PP) and Brett Carson and wouldn't look back. The 2nd period saw Ryan White score at the 10:23 mark, again on the power play, to give Calgary a 3-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes of play. White's 2nd goal of the game at the 6:59 minute mark of the 3rd period, chasing Broncos goaltender Kyle Moir from the net, who was replaced by Broncos rookie netminder Travis Yonkman. The goaltending change would not have an impact, however, as Mike Reich would score at the 11:45 mark of the final frame (SH) to make the final score from Sunday night 5-0 in favor of Calgary. Justin Pogge was in net for Calgary and recorded his league leading 10th shutout and 2nd of the season against the Broncos. A total of 1,808 fans took in the game. The Broncos power play was 0 for 7 on the evening while their penalty kill was 6 for 8.

Who's Hot? Broncos 20-year-old forward Marc Desloges has 6 points (4G; 2A) in his last 6 games and has been one of the most consistent Broncos in the last 2 months. Desloges has not had a 2 game pointless streak since Decemeber 4-7, 2005. Rookie defenseman Paul Postma has 3 assists in his last 5 games while Dale Weise has 5 assists in his last 6 games.

Numbers: The Broncos have struggled at home this season and are last amongst WHL teams with 8 home wins. On the road, however, the Broncos 7 wins are 12th in the Western Hockey League. The Broncos have seen more extra ice than any other team this season, appearing in 18 games that have been solved in overtime or a shootout. The Broncos are led offensively by Ned Lukacevic, who has 37 points (19G; 18A) in his first 47 games played this season. Lukacevic's 19 goals are also good for 1st on the Broncos roster. Marc Desloges leads the Broncos in assists (20) and is tied with Lukacevic with 18 points on the road in 2005/06. Levi Nelson leads Broncos rookies with 32 points (16G; 16A) in 53 games this season while Daniel Rakos is 2nd to Nelson with 27 points. Both Nelson and Rakos are in the top 15 in rookie scoring in the WHL. Dane Crowley (0G; 13A) and Donny Lloyd (3G; 9A) lead the Broncos defenseman in scoring. Brandon Tidball is 1st on the Broncos and 3rd in the WHL with 193 penalty minutes this season and is followed by Crowley (119). Broncos goaltender Kyle Moir has appeared in 51 of the teams first 56 games this season and has posted a .910 save % to go along with a 2.98 goals against average.

Special Teams: The Broncos failed to score on the power play for the first time in 3 games on Sunday night, going 0 for 7. The power play units combined for 2 goals on 19 attempts this week and are now operating at a 15.5% success rate this season (44 goals on 284 tries). Ned Lukacevic and Jeremy Schenderling lead the way with 8 power play goals each. On the penalty kill, the Broncos allowed 4 goals against on 19 tries this week. Through 56 games played, the Broncos penalty kill is operating at an 86.0% success rate (47 goals against on 335 tries) and are ranked 5th in the WHL.

Roster: The Broncos are currently carrying a 22-man roster including (2) 16 year olds, (7) 17 year olds, (4) 18 year olds, (6) 19 year olds, and (3) 20 year olds. By hometown, the Broncos roster consists of (6) British Columbia, (6) Alberta, (6) Saskatchewan, (3) Manitoba, (1) Czech Republic.

Upcoming Week:
Mon. Feb 13 Practice 2:45pm Civic Centre
Tues. Feb 14 Practice 2:45pm Civic Centre
Wed. Feb 15 Broncos @ Prince Albert 7:30pm (94.1 FM - The Eagle/Web-Cast)
Thu. Feb 16 Practice 2:45pm Civic Centre
Fri. Feb 17 Broncos vs. Kootenay 7:30pm (94.1 FM - The Eagle/Web-Cast)
Sat. Feb 18 Broncos vs. Prince George 7:30pm (94.1FM - The Eagle/Web-Cast)
Sun. Feb 19 Practice 11:00am Civic Centre
Local times used.

Upcoming Game Night Promotions:

February 17th: The Broncos host the Kootenay Ice on Friday night and the Wheatland Mall Three Star presentation will be made to 3 Bronco players who have received the most recognition in the past 9 Bronco's home games. The game will also see the return of the Elmwood Putt Off Challenge.

February 18th: It's Charlie Horses 14th Birthday and the Broncos are celebrating! Fans are encouraged to come to the game and share a piece of birthday cake with Charlie. A special surprise presentation will also be made to Charlie for his birthday. The game is also the 4th and final Southwest Credit Union Family Fun Night. Fans can purchase 2 adult and 2 student tickets in the fun zone for just $28, and they will also receive special prizes from the Southwest Credit Union!

February 24th: It's pack the house night! In recognition of a huge Central Division battle between the Broncos and the Rebels, tickets to this game only will be half price! Adults for $7, Students for $3, and children for $2! It's also Tim Horton's night and fans will have opportunities to win great prizes from Tim Horton's.

Goals for Education Lottery: The Goals for Education Lottery is off to a strong start this season and has already seen Calvin Andreas claim the $5,000 Previous Buyers Draw! The Early Bird Draw is just around the corner and will be made on February 21st when the Broncos are in Moose Jaw. The lucky winner will receive $25,000 in cash or prizes so be sure to purchase your ticket before 5:00pm on February 17th, 2006 to be eligible for the Early Bird Draw. The Grand Prize Draw of $100,000 in cash or prizes is scheduled to take place at the Broncos final home game on March 17th against the Moose Jaw Warriors. For ticket information or to purchase your tickes call 1-888-640-GOAL. All proceeds from the Goals for Education Lottery goes towards the education funds of both the Swift Current Broncos and the Moose Jaw Warriors.

WEEK IN REVIEW:

Wednesday, February 8 Broncos 1 vs. Tri City Americans 0 - Record 15-26-5-8 -Attendance 1,856
Goal Scorers: Desloges (11)
Assists: Smith (5), Weise (8)
Goalie: Moir (34 saves, 0 GA)
PP: 1/6
PK: 5/5
Three Stars: 1) Kyle Moir 2) Marc Desloges 3) Dale Weise

Friday, February 10 Broncos 1 vs. Medicine Hat Tigers 4 - Record 15-27-5-8 - Attendance 2,038
Goal Scorers: McAvoy (5)
Assists: Weise (9), Postma (5)
Goalie: Moir (26 saves, 3 GA)
PP: 1/6
PK: 5/6
Three Stars: 1) Darren Helm 2) Jerrid Sauer 3) Dane Crowley

Sunday, February 12 Broncos 0 vs. Calgary Hitmen 5 - Record 15-28-5-8 - Attendance - 1,808
Goal Scorers:
Assists:
Goalie: Moir (25 saves, 4 GA) Yonkman (6 saves, 1GA)
PP: 0/7
PK: 6/8
Three Stars: 1) Ryan White 2) Brett Carson 3) Justin Pogge

For more information, please contact:
Brad Boutilier, PR/Game Day Operations Coordinator, S.C. Broncos 773-1509 Ext. 9
E: pr.broncos@sasktel.net