For the first time in 46 games, the Abbey Resources Midget AA Broncos will be looking to rebound from a loss.

Their 45-game winning streak ended in a 4-1 loss to the Battlefords Barons in Game 1 of their Provincial final series.

Captain Jackson Sitter snuck in Swift Current's lone goal from the side boards in the first period, though the home side trailed 2-1 after 20 minutes of play.

Jackson Sitter managed to slip a shot under the glove of Barons' netminder Cameron Taylor for the team's lone goal (photo by Eric James)

Battlefords then put home a goal in both the second and third periods to take the series-opening win in the best-of-three battle.

"I think at the start of the game we kind of sat back, tried to feel them out, and see what kind of team they are - we just wanted to play our game," said head coach Todd Hornung. "We let a couple of their guys beat us with speed. A couple of opportunities they got, they capitalized on, and a few that we got, we didn't."

Ryland Hornung rang one off the post on a short-handed breakaway in the second period, one of a couple chances that were inches away from making it a different game (photo by Eric James)

The Barons did a good job matching Swift Current's physicality, the lone team all season to be able to equal the level of grit, and still stay within their game.

As well, it was a case of stout goaltending in the away crease for Battlefords netminder Cameron Taylor. Though a couple chances - including a penalty shot - were rung off the iron, Taylor managed to stop 34 of 35 Swift Current shots for the win.

Cameron Taylor was locked in for the Barons in the series-opener at Fairview West (photo by Eric James)

After last losing March 9, 2018, when their season ended in Round 2 of the 2017-18 SAAHL playoffs to the Regina Rangers, this time the Midget AA Broncos have the chance to regroup and respond.

"Just move on, I mean it's one loss. Yeah, it's new to us this year, but at the end of the day, we put together quite a streak," said Hornung on the post-game message to the team.

"Take one at a time, win two in a row, it's not out of the question for us. You know, a couple bounces here or there, and it was a different game. We finally had a game where those bounces didn't go our way."

Now, with their season on the line, the Midget AA Broncos head north on Highway 4 on Saturday for Game 2 of the series.

Puck drop in North Battleford is 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Catch all the action on the 'Local Sports Live' link on Swift Current Online. Pregame starts at 3:45 p.m.