Artyom Minulin (photo from scbroncos.com)

The Swift Current Broncos are hoping they've got another great find from overseas with Russian defenceman Artyom Minulin.

Drafted by the Broncos 29th overall in the CHL import draft, the 6'2 blue-liner came to Canada to expand his horizons on a couple of fronts.

"Play hockey and maybe study the English language," Minulin noted. "In hockey Canada (is) big level. In two years (prepare for the) NHL draft."

While the language is a challenge for him, Minulin isn't taking much time to show he understands the game.

"He's a real big guy," Lamb said. "He's a right shot that helps us. He's come in with a lot of enthusiasm. He practices like it's a game."

"He hits, he shoots and we're really looking forward to seeing him play."

Minulin would like to play a Drew Doughty-like game and points to his vision as one of his key skills.

"I see all the players," Minulin said. "The teammates are very good."

Minulin had 27 points in 25 games for Metallurg Magnitogorsk U17 in Russia last season. He also played 13 games for the Russian U17 team.

He and the Broncos wrap up the pre-season with a home and home against the Blades this weekend starting tonight in Saskatoon.

"Time to figure stuff out," said Broncos associate coach Ryan Smith. "Figure some personnel out and start to work on more of our systems that we put into place in the previous weeks."

It's that time of year where the team is trying to come together while at the same time players are competing with each other for roster spots.

"The atmosphere is tough because there's guys trying to make this team," Smith said. "There's guys trying to move up the roster. You've got a bunch of guys fighting for spots and in games they have to come together. We've got a big weekend ahead of us."

Defenceman Kade Jensen is back with the Broncos this weekend after his experience at Chicago Blackhawks camp. Landon Bow, Glenn Gawdin and Jake DeBrusk are still away.

You can hear both games live on The Eagle 94.1 FM with our pre-game show starting at 6:30pm. The regular season gets started next weekend with a home and home against Brandon.