WHL Swift Current Broncos

Broncos End U.s. Division Trip With Win Over Chiefs

Published on February 4, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release


Spokane, WA. - The Swift Current Broncos (23-21-1-2) took a 3-0 lead into the third period on their way to a 3-1 win over the Spokane Chiefs (9-33-2-2) Friday night to wrap up their U.S. Division road trip.

The Broncos took advantage of Spokane's struggling power play early in the game, jumping out to a 1-0 lead just 5:44 into the game.

Josh Filmon sent a backhand pass to the net from the right circle and it was redirected off the post by Connor Hvidston. Hvidston then got his own rebound in the crease and tapped in his 12th goal of the season.

After failing to connect on their second power play, Swift Current went to the man advantage for a the third time in the period with 7:46 remaining.

Just six seconds into the power play, Ty Coupland wound up for a one timer from the left circle and beat Cooper Michaluk over the blocker for his first WHL goal. Owen Pickering and Braeden Lewis picked up assists on the goal.

Swift Current took a 2-0 lead into the intermission, outshooting the Chiefs 12-7.

The Broncos continued to outshoot Spokane in the second period, eventually ending the period with a 13-7 shot advantage. They also added to their lead to take a 3-0 advantage into the third.

Mathew Ward skated into the Spokane zone on a two-on-one with Brady Birnie. Ward fired a shot off the far pad of Michaluk, and Birnie was able to jump on the rebound for his 11th of the year, extending the Broncos lead.

Joey Rocha wasn't as busy at the other end of the rink, but still made some key stops on the Chiefs to keep the Broncos firmly in the lead.

Two of the Broncos best chances in the third period came while shorthanded. First was Braeden Lewis who was denied on a breakway, but Lewis then got his own rebound and centred for Owen Pickering who was pinching in from the point. Pickering was denied by Michaluk's blocker to keep the game 3-1.

The Chiefs ended Rocha's shutout bid late in the game with a power play goal. Berkly Catton centred the puck from behind the net and Tommaso De Luca fired in a one time from the left circle, beating Rocha blocker side with 5:45 remaining.

Frustration started to boil over for the Chiefs as the clock wound down, but the Broncos did well not to get sucked into penalty trouble and ran out the clock, winning 3-1.

The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Broncos as they now return home and have a week off before they welcome the Prince Albert Raiders (19-26-3-0) on Friday.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 4, 2023


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