Brandan Arnold knew where he wanted to be.
The 16-year-old forward from Dodsland signed with the Swift Current Broncos just in time before yesterday's rookie game and had several reasons for it.
"Close to home," Arnold said. "I've always wanted to be a Bronco. I watched them growing up as a kid... the dream has come true."
"You can't turn down the Swift Current Broncos ever. I'm happy to be here and proud to be a Bronco."
The 5'7 forward was a long shot to get signed as a 7th round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.
"I never thought this would happen," Arnold said. "Hard work paid off in the summer. Keep working hard and hopefully I can get here this year."
Despite his age and his size, the Broncos truly believe Arnold could make their team this season.
"Right from day one watching him before the draft I don't know if he's had a handfull of bad shifts," said Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb. "Two camps now... last year he catches your eye every time he's on the ice and he certainly did again... he's a real good hockey player."
Arnold made an instant impact with an assist in the 5-4 win over Moose Jaw and 4 penalty minutes that showed his edgy side.
"We talk about our identity and what we are," Lamb said. "He's the picture of it. He just doesn't have the size. When you're around that guy long enough you don't even worry about the size because he's right in there."
Arnold put up 23 points in 41 Midget AAA games for Tisdale last season. He'll be with the Broncos as they head into Edmonton this weekend for two exhibition games as part of the annual six team Oil Kings invitational event.
Thu, Apr 18, 6:30 PM
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