Broncos Fall to Pats in Second Straight Shootout
December 3, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release
Regina, Sask. - The Swift Current Broncos finished up a four games in five night stretch on Saturday night and they played a bit more hockey than they would have liked in the game as they fell to the Regina Pats 6-5 in a shootout.
The game came just a night after the Broncos had fallen to the Prince Albert Raiders.
In Regina, the Broncos got on the board first in the back and forth game as Connor Gabriel's third of the year, but that only lasted until Sam Oremba sent the teddy bears flying in Regina for their Teddy Bear Toss night. After an intermission, the final 3:06 of the first was played and both teams added goals as Tyson Laventure's 12th of the year gave Swift Current the lead back. But just 33 seconds later, the Pat's responded as Tanner Howe scored to tie it up again.
The Pats took their first lead of the game in the second period as Jaxsin Vaughn made it 3-2. The Broncos would get back in the lead as Connor Hvidston and Maddix McCagherty each scored 13 seconds apart to flip things back to the Broncos favour at the end of the second period.
Regina would retake the lead as Tye Spencer and Parker Berge scored before eight minutes elapsed in the third period. Rylan Gould scored the tying goal for the Broncos with a few minutes remaining, and things led to overtime.
Broncos Interim Head Coach Taras McEwen said it wasn't ideal having to head to overtime, but he's pleased with how the team kept battling when down in the game.
"Happy to get a point and battle back there," McEwen said. "So, there's definitely positives and negatives to the game for sure."
In overtime, both teams had a couple chances, but neither team was able to capitalize. In the shootout, it took until the third Pats shooter, Tanner Howe to get a goal on the board, which ended up being the decider. Hvidston, Brady Birnie, and Gould all missed for the Broncos.
While the Broncos gave up five goals in regulation, McEwen said his team actually defended pretty well.
"Was pretty happy with the defending," McEwen said. "And that's the kind of team they are, they generate off of your mistakes. If you don't do a good enough job managing a puck or you get above one time, that's the time they're going to strike."
In net, Matthew Kieper stopped 29 of 34 against his former club as the Broncos are now 13-11-1-2 on the year. Swift Current is back in action on Wednesday night visiting the Calgary Hitmen.
Western Hockey League Stories from December 3, 2023
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- Hawks Fall to Cougars on Sunday - Portland Winterhawks
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- Raiders End Road Trip with 5-2 Win in Calgary - Prince Albert Raiders
- Preview: Americans at Wild - December 3 - Tri-City Americans
- Game Day Hub: December 3 vs. Prince George - Portland Winterhawks
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- Preview: Oil Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Chiefs Host Second Annual Neurodiversity Awareness Night Sunday vs Vancouver - Spokane Chiefs
- Americans Trade Nick Avakyan to Portland - Tri-City Americans
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- Cougars Aim to Sweep US Road Swing in Portland - Prince George Cougars
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