The Swift Current Broncos have some interesting decisions to make in goal.

With two returning veterans in Travis Child and Taz Burman they could be in a good position to let established goaltenders battle it out for starts and provide insurance.

Yet both are 19-years-old this season and keeping them could risk blocking the path for their future in goal.

It's a decision the Broncos won't take lightly.

"This is probably the deepest we've been as an organization goaltender-wise," said Broncos Director of Hockey Operations Jamie Porter. "Having both guys return is also an interesting battle for us. We've got some young guys pushing for jobs and we've got some young guys pushing for contracts. In net will be one of the most competitive ones we've had in a long time."

Burman and Child both posted pretty similar numbers with the Broncos last season. Child had a 3.26 goals against average and 0.904 save percentage, while Burman put up a 3.39 goals against average and 0.903 save percentage after joining Swift Current from Seattle.

They will face a challenge from a few accomplished young netminders.

"I think it's healthy competition," said Broncos Coach and Director of Player Personnel Manny Viveiros. "We have enough exhibition games where these kids are going to have an opportunity to show themselves. I'm really looking forward to that competition."

"I'm going to rely heavily on my goaltending coach and our scouting staff so we make the right decision."

18-year-old Caiden Kreitz is maybe first in line to push Child and Burman. The Broncos signed him at camp last year and he then went through an injury plagued season with the AJHL's Calgary Canucks.

There's also some potentially ready to play youth in the organization with 17-year-olds Bailey Brkin and Curt Doyle, along with 16-year-old Joel Hofer.

"My goal is to make the team as a back-up initially, and then take over the starting spot halfway through the year," Brkin said. "I want to prove I'm good enough to play in this league."

Brkin ended up playing last season with Coeur d’Alene in the CSSHL prep league. He managed a 3.78 goals against average and 0.915 save percentage on a struggling team.

"It was a good organization and everything just not the strongest team," Brkin said. "A great bunch of guys but it was different getting 50 shots a game. I felt pretty good though because I trusted myself and it just came naturally."

Brkin is a bit of a superstitious guy despite being focused on the technical side of the game.

"I describe myself as a very technical and methodical goalie," he noted. "I'm a bit awkward because I have a big pre-routine that seems a bit awkward for other players."

"I think the mental side of goaltending is a big part. Every time before a game or practice I like to visualize, go in the stands, look at what's happening out there and try and get myself ready completely."

Doyle also had a battle on a struggling Kootenay Ice BC Major Midget team last season where he had a 4.98 goals against average. The league didn't track save percentage. Despite the team's results he got some good reviews for keeping them in games throughout the season.

Hofer suited up for the Pursuit of Excellence Varsity squad and had a strong season with a 1.74 goals against average and 0.937 save percentage helping his club to the lowest goals against in their league.

"I had a pretty good season," Hofer said. "I got goaltender of the year but unfortunately we couldn't win the championship. All in all it was a good season. I had good focus, I had good goalie coaching, but it wasn't all me. The team did really good."

He has a pretty good role model in mind.

"I like to play more of a butterfly style," Hofer said. "I like to model myself after Carey Price."

In addition to the four guys who could win roster spots this year, the Broncos have a few 15-year-old goalies in camp including recent draft pick Isaac Poulter.

Whatever they do decide having multiple credible options is certainly a good problem to have. You can check them and the rest of the 70 plus players in camp out during scrimmages throughout this weekend and the annual Blue vs. White game on Sunday at 1pm.