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WHL Swift Current Broncos

Rocha and Hvidston Shine as Broncos Defeat Hitmen for First Win

September 30, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release


Swift Current, Sask. - The Swift Current Broncos are on the board with their first win of the season after a 3-0 win over the Calgary Hitmen on Friday night at the InnovationPlex.

From the get go, the Broncos led the way. Outside of a shift here and there, the momentum was on the side of Swift Current for the majority of the night. Assistant Coach Taras McEwen called it the clubs most complete effort of the year.

"I thought we held a lot of the play, right from the start," he said. "A lot of the things we talked about, we did early and consistently so it was good to see."

The Hitmen even outshot the Broncos 33-29, but netminder Joey Rocha stood tall, earning his second shutout of his WHL career.

The 18-year-old netminder got some help on the scoresheet in each period as the Broncos found some offense. Maybe it was the return of forward Connor Hvidston that kickstarted the Bronco offense as the Anaheim Ducks prospect scored in the first on the powerplay, and again on the man-advantage in the third for his first goals of the year as he returned from NHL Training Camp.

"Just how much natural skill he has to jump in the lineup, didn't get to play exhibition," McEwen said. "Went down to Anaheim and was rehabbing his back and didn't get into any game action, practiced once. So just for him to get in and make an immediate impact, that's the sign of a really good player."

Clarke Caswell scored the eventual insurance marker in the second period, earning his first of two points on the night. Mat Ward also added two points with a pair of assists.

The Broncos are back in action on Saturday night as they visit the Brandon Wheat Kings at Westoba Place. Puck drop is 6 p.m. Sask Time.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2023


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