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Andy Blanke

 

The Swift Current Broncos are leaning on their improved depth early this season.

This edition of the Broncos doesn't appear to have one or two big stars to lean on. Instead, forward Andy Blanke believes every line has been making an impact.

"It's been awesome everyone is contributing," said Blanke. "It takes a lot of pressure off the top guys when you have four lines the coach is confident in."

"It's a lot more fun too."

Sixteen Broncos have at least a point or more in their first seven games and five are averaging at least a point per game. Beyond points, the bottom six forwards are seeing more minutes at key times in the game. The third and fourth lines saw their ice time increase in Sunday's game against Edmonton as they proved to be increasingly more effective against the Oil Kings.

"We've got twelve guys in the line-up who can play." said Broncos Assistant Coach Darren Evjen. "The way you play is going to dictate your ice time."

"That's the way it should be."

After Saturday's 6-3 win over Lethbridge, Evjen didn't think the Broncos were as mentally prepared as they needed to be against Edmonton. The Oil Kings won Sunday's game 4-1.

"We've got to get over this hump of being happy with one win and not having everyone ready to go for the second game," Evjen said. "That's just not acceptable."

"We can use it as a learning experience," Blanke said. "I think maybe in the dressing room guys were too happy and content because we played so well the night before."

Swift Current has points in three of their last five games heading into action on Wednesday night against Prince George. The Cougars are 2-3 on their East Division road trip and are coming off a 6-0 loss in Moose Jaw on Monday.

Our broadcast starts at 6:30pm on The Eagle 94.1 FM and puck drop is 7pm.

Interview with Broncos Forward Andy Blanke: