Skinner, Broncos Slam the Door Shut in Game 1

March 24, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release

The Swift Current Broncos and Regina Pats renewed a historic rivalry by beginning the next chapter of WHL playoff hockey on Friday night at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex. The Broncos jumped on the Pats early for three first period goals and never looked back in a 3-0 shutout victory.

Beck Malenstyn got the sold out crowd on its feet early in the game as he smacked in the opening goal 3:43 into the contest. The Washington Capitals prospect received the puck off the end boards off a Josh Anderson slap shot and tapped it in the open cage to make it 1-0 Broncos.

Special teams then went to work as the Broncos got a pair of power play goals from Tyler Steenbergen and Matteo Gennaro. The 20-year-old Steenbergen made a nifty move along the right end boards in Pats territory to free up open space before firing a wrist shot through the five hole of Regina goaltender Ryan Kubic.

Gennaro then tipped home his first of the postseason late in the opening frame to give the Broncos a commanding 3-0 lead. Colby Sissons drew the assist while Alekis Heponiemi picked up his second power play assist of the period.

The second period saw the Broncos play sound defence as they limited the Pats to only eight shots on goal while killing off a couple minor penalties.

Stuart Skinner shut the door the rest of the way as the Edmonton Oilers prospect tallied 34 stops to earn first star honours and his first career WHL postseason shutout.

Shots on goal were 34-26 in favour of Regina. Swift Current's power play finished the night 2/8 while Regina went 0/2.

The series resumes on Saturday night when the Broncos host the Pats for Game 2 of their best-of-seven set at the Innovation Credit Union I-Plex. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm MT.

• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...

Western Hockey League Stories from March 24, 2018

• Raiders Drop Game 2 In Overtime - Prince Albert Raiders
• Hebig Lifts Pats to Tie Series - Regina Pats
• Winterhawks Game Day Preview: Portland (0-0) vs. Spokane (0-0) - Portland Winterhawks
• Catch the 2018 WHL Playoffs Exclusively on AccessTV - WHL
• Wheat Kings Drop Series Opener - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Game Day Preview: Pats Look to Bounce Back in Game Two Saturday - Regina Pats
• Giants Earn a 2-1 Road Victory in Game 1 of Their First-Round Series with Victoria - Vancouver Giants
• Silvertips Ease past Seattle for 1-0 Series Edge - Everett Silvertips
• Royals Downed by Giants in Game 1 - Victoria Royals
• Skinner, Broncos Slam the Door Shut in Game 1 - Swift Current Broncos
• Silvertips Take Game 1 - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Rebels' Stymied by 'Canes Netminder, Ineffective Special Teams - Red Deer Rebels
• Tigers Hunt Down Wheat Kings 7-2 - Medicine Hat Tigers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Swift Current Broncos Stories

• Our 20's: McCleary Makes Hometown Proud in Final WHL Season
• Our 20's: Galloway's Short Time in Swift Current Leaves Lasting Impression
• Pickering and Geekie Headed to Respective AHL Clubs
• Four Broncos Alumni Chasing Stanley Cup in NHL Playoffs
• Broncos Season Concludes After Game Five Loss to Warriors