Broncos sweep home and home with Rebels

Jon Martin's goal in the fifth round of the shootout sent his teammates leaping onto the ice as he secured a hard fought 5-4 win for the Swift Current Broncos in Red Deer.

The goal allowed a previously struggling and banged up Broncos club to earn a sweep of a home-and-home set against the very talented Memorial Cup host Rebels.

"This was never going to be an easy game after last Saturday," said Broncos associate coach Ryan Smith. "We knew they were going to come out firing and they did. They're a very good team. There was a little bit of a lull at the stat of the game. I think we weathered that pretty good in the first and got our legs going midway into the first and into the second."

The Broncos got a huge boost from two returning forwads as veterans Glenn Gawdin and Calvin Spencer were back in lineup and both scored. Spencer struck shorthanded and on the power play for his first career two goal game.

"We're always excited to get guys back in the lineup that have been out," Smith said. "Glenn and Calvin are big parts of the team they're veteran guys. Those guys they help out not only on the ice but around the team... getting them back really helps our overall team. They add so much on the ice but also off the ice."

Taz Burman was very strong again for the Broncos earning his second straight win over his old team with 42 saves. He has faced at least 38 shots in every game he has played for Swift Current so far with a 0.923 save percentage over that span.

"He hasn't had an easy game has he?" Smith said. "He's been very, very good for us. He really cuts down the angles. He was a rock. There were some real pressure situations. I think he has the confidence of the team."

Red Deer jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead on Adam Musil's 13th of the season as he was winning a match-up with Swift Current's top line early in the game. The Broncos struck back when Austin Adamson worked a long give and go with Jamal Watson before backhanding his first of the season over Rylan Toth's blocker.

It was also Adamson's first point since joining the Broncos from the Rebels at the trade deadline.

Late in the first period Swift Current's new depth got depleted when Lane Pederson was kicked out of the game for a boarding major. Spencer scored shorthanded early in the second period before Adam Helewka eventually converted the power play and the game remained tied.

That's when Swit Current's power play took over as the team traded goals in the second period. Both Gawdin and Spencer notched power play goals as the Broncos went up 3-2 and then 4-3.

"Our power play is clicking right now," Smith said. "Both units played well tonight. Both are a different look. One look is a little more patient and one is a little quicker. A lot of people think on the power play you need to get in and get set up and get your spots. That (Spencer goal) showed you can score off the rush. It's a big advantage for us when it's working. It gives us some momentum and changes the way the other team plays."

The Rebels managed to tie the game after a steady attack in the third period. Jamal Watson drew a penalty shot but was hurt and Gawdin wasn't able to score in his place. Watson later returned to the game where he was real different maker with two assists and a goal in the shootout.

The Broncos haven't lost yet in the three games he has played with them.

"He's come in and he's helping us win games," Smith said. "That's the biggest impact you can have as a player. His positive play and his positive attitude... he comes in from a Seattle situation that was pretty good, he fights through an injury and he keeps the game alive with the shootout goal. That's a guy who has played five years in the league and been in these situations a number of times. He influences not only the game but just in shifts. He just needs a little space and he's gone."

Former Rebel Scott Feser also had a two assist night.

Swift Current remains ten points out of the playoffs heading into Saturday's game against Calgary. You can hear it on The Eagle 94.1 FM at 7:30pm.