What started out as a promising evening at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex took a turn for the worse over the final 30 minutes for the Swift Current Broncos.

The Broncos and visiting Portland Winterhawks were relatively neck-and-neck to start, though it ended as an 8-2 thumping by the Oregonian club.

The two teams traded goals early - the Broncos used the first-career WHL goal from Aiden Bulych, and the first of the season from Ethan O'Rourke to sit tied at 2-2 under four minutes into the second period.

Portland scored the eventual game-winner four minutes later, then made it 4-2 after two periods of play.

The third period was one to forget. The Winterhawks scored 1:45 into the final frame, then 4:23, 7:27, and 17:10 in.

Recently-signed overage goalie Reece Klassen's first start as a Bronco saw 32 saves on 40 Winterhawks shots.

Meanwhile in the opposing crease, former fan-favourite Bronco Joel Hofer stopped 24 of 26 for the win.

The Broncos now sit at 2-4-0-0, and will try to get their feet back under them in yet another home game before a bit of a lengthy BC road swing.

Swift Current hosts the Winnipeg ICE Saturday at the iPLex.

Then, while the CCA Finals Rodeo subs out ice for dirt, the Broncos hit the road for five games in seven days.