The Swift Current Broncos continue the WHL exhibition season in Regina this week with games tonight, tomorrow and Saturday.

That will start this evening against the Pats.

For returning veterans like Glenn Gawdin the pre-season is an opportunity to learn who you click with.

"I think chemistry number one," Gawdin said. "You've got to get some chemistry that you maybe missed over the summer. I think personally get your hands back, your legs back and get back into game shape before the season starts."

That chemistry shouldn't be too hard to find with twelve forwards, five defencemen and two goaltenders back from last year's team.

"Everybody on this team has kind of played with each other," Gawdin noted. "Especially last year we went up and down in the lineup and everyone has a little chemistry with each other. It's up to us how fast we can get it back and the sooner the better."

This was the first training camp under new coach Manny Viveiros and loaded with young players from the recent drafts. 

"It was good," Gawdin said. "It was high pace. We've got a lot of good young players coming up. I think we'll be in good hands in a couple years. Everything was high pace and with the new coach it was well run."

Gawdin is entering his 19-year-old season and is still looking for a contract after being drafted by the NHL's St. Louis Blues. Knowing he is going to have to be an impact player this season he really worked hard during the summer.

"I was in the gym a lot," Gawdin said. "I think this is probably one of the biggest years of my career. I trained pretty hard probably the hardest I've trained yet. Just kind of had to work on everything. Get fast, get stronger and do what it takes to get to that next level."

With experience often comes the call of leadership. The Broncos have yet to name a captain for 2016-17 and Gawdin's name could certainly be on that list. Setting an example is something he is focusing on.

"I think trying to be a leader," Gawdin said. "This is my fourth year and I think I'm the only guy left who has been here this long. Just kind of show maybe the new guys and young guys the way it is around here. Just do what I can to help this team."

Gawdin has taken a step forward offensively in each of his three seasons in the WHL. He's gone from 0.33 points per game as a rookie to 0.75 in his second year and a ful point per game last season. Now he is potentially on the brink of being one of the league's elite scorers.

"I think it's just showing up every night," Gawdin said. "You look at those guys that put up 100 points and they don't take a night off."

Gawdin attended another St. Louis development camp this summer and will be back with the Blues at their main camp. He has really enjoyed that NHL experience so far.

"They were great," Gawdin noted. "You see where you have to be when you compare to some guys your age, younger and older. It helps you improve to know where you have to be in a couple years."

The Broncos are expected to have more veterans in the lineup this weekend after going young in the rookie game on Tuesday in Moose Jaw.

Follow @shawnmullin on Twitter for updates from the game and check back on Swift Current Online tonight for a recap.