Shorthanded Broncos Double up Hitmen
January 31, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release
Calgary, Alta. - The Swift Current Broncos (15-21-4-1) were missing a handful of regulars in their lineup on Sunday, but a gutsy effort by the team led to a 4-2 win over the Calgary Hitmen (17-15-5-2).
The Broncos had a power play just 17 seconds into the game, but couldn't capitalize on the early chance. After Swift Current killed off a penalty of their own, the Hitmen would open the scoring.
Zac Funk gained the Bronco line and cut across the slot before dropping the puck off to Maxim Muranov who beat Isaac Poulter with a low shot on the glove side. The Hitmen carried the 1-0 lead into the intermission, outshooting the Broncos 8-4.
Swift Current pulled even off a highlight reel goal from Josh Filmon. He gained the Hitmen line with speed, poked the puck into the skates of the Calgary defender then recovered it as he stepped around him, cutting to the net before faking the shot and lifting a backhander past Brayden Peters to tie the game. It was Filmon's team-leading 17th goal of the season.
After killing off another penalty in the second period the Broncos would take the lead on the power play. Raphael Pelletier slid the puck to Owen Pickering who skated into the left circle and wired a wrist shot over the blocker of Peters to put the Broncos ahead 2-1.
Leading 2-1 after two, the Broncos came close to a 3-1 lead halfway through the third period. Alexei Shanaurin picked up a loose puck in front of the Calgary net during a scramble and cut across the crease. Peters went down but reached back with the paddle to take away a goal from Shanaurin and keep the game 2-1.
The goal turned out to be huge as the Hitmen tied the game shortly after. Funk gained the Bronco line and let a hard wrist shot go, beating Poulter on the glove side to tie the game at two with 7:17 left in regulation.
The game didn't remain tied for long as Swift Current quickly regained the lead. After taking a pass from Pelletier at centre, Josh Davies took off down the left wing, stepping around the Calgary defenceman and cutting to the net. He slid a backhander through the five hole of Peters to put the Broncos back on top with 5:29 left in regulation.
After some late power play chances for Swift Current, the Hitmen pulled the goaltender for the extra attacker trying to tie the game. The puck was tied up along the boards near the Broncos blue line, and Pelletier was able to chip it ahead for Filmon who had a breakaway on the empty net, sealing a 4-2 Broncos win.
Swift Current is back in action on Wednesday when they travel to play the Lethbridge Hurricanes (15-18-2-1).
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