What a thriller to start the 2019-20 WHL season in southwest Saskatchewan.

The Swift Current Broncos opened the campaign on home ice at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex, playing host to the Calgary Hitmen in a Central Division battle.

The Broncos used 4:59 of the five minute overtime frame, when Joona Kiviniemi put home the game-winner in a 3-2 effort over the Hitmen.

Swift Current looked to have the game in the bag, but a Calgary strike with 18 seconds in regulation extended the contest.

Captain Ethan Regnier scored on a penalty shot in the second period, while Carter Chorney scored the Broncos' first goal of the season just over 14 minutes into the game.

Starting netminder Isaac Poulter already showed his worth between the pipes through just one game, stopping 34 of 36 shots he faced.

At the other end, the Broncos managed 22 shots, and made them count on Hitmen starter Carl Stankowski.

The Broncos are now off until September 27, when they host the Medicine Hat Tigers at the iPlex.