Jamal Watson (photo from scbroncos.com)

Jamal Watson is quickly making a big impact in Swift Current.

The veteran forward scored the overtime winner tonight as the Broncos beat the Prince George Cougars 4-3.

He has 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 games with Swift Current, but more importantly the Broncos are 4-1 since adding him to their lineup.

It was veterans leading the way for the Broncos late in tonight's game as down 3-2 in the third Jon Martin scored his league leading 32nd goal to tie it up before Watson won it in extra time.

"These guys have played in the league a number of years and they know how to get things done in the tight situations," said Broncos associate coach Ryan Smith. "Jamal has been real good since joining us, Martin has been our leader all year and these are the kinds of games you really lean on those guys. It wasn't just he goals from those two, it was the leadership. They were a really good example for the young guys to a follow and a lot of them did."

The Broncos answered the Western Conference's top scoring team goal for goal and chance for chance throughout the night. They also got some production from their blue line as Sahvan Khaira and Max Lajoie scored their first two on the night. Lajoie also had another goal waived off on a point shot when the referees felt Martin made contact with Prince George netminder Ty Edmonds.

"I know growing up every single one of my coaches say even a soft wrister from the point is better than a slap shot that gets blocked," Khaira noted. 

With wins over top opponents like Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary lately confidence is growing in the Swift Current dressing room.

"It's a little lighter," Khaira said. "It's a little more positive for sure. Once we did it we know we can do it so there's nothing really stopping it. I think it's more of a team game right now. Working as a team and we're keeping it simple."

Taz Burman made 29 saves for his third straight win and five straight strong starts since joining the Broncos. He is 3-2 with a 3.13 goals against average and 0.920 save percentage since joining Swift Current from Seattle.

"He sucked in rebounds," Smith said. "He played the puck well today I thought. He gave us a chance and he kept us in it when it was 3-2. I liked everything about his game tonight."

Smith also noted a more confident approach from his team in the late stages despite a one-goal deficit that has been difficult for them to overcome at different times this season.

"We've lost 18 games by one goal," he noted. "That's hard on anybody. We've had these kind of games go against us so often you're almost at times waiting for it. Lately it doesn't seem like that. It's more like go and win. The attitude on the bench is good. We're playing on our toes and not on our heels."

The Broncos now host Prince Albert on Sunday afternoon. Our broadcast starts at 3:30pm on The Eagle 94.1 FM and puck drop is just after 4pm at the Credit Union iPlex.