DeBrusk thriving in clutch situations

Swift Current Broncos forward Jake DeBrusk is developing a reputation as a clutch player as he gets set for his second WHL playoff run.

DeBrusk has stepped up in big games whether it's scoring a 5OT winner in midget, two game winning goals against Medicine Hat as a rookie, or coming up with a huge weekend against Lethbridge with their season on the line.

“Just going to the areas,” DeBrusk said. “It's so pressured especially in overtime or in the playoffs. Everyone is so anxious to make a mistake. You've just got to be not necessarily not afraid but going for those chances. You've got to be playing to win and go for it. Just kind of have a calm mindset and the confidence you can do it. I've been fortunate to get some bounces and have them go in.”

DeBrusk earned the WHL Player of the Week award after his seven point outburst in two games against Lethbridge to ensure the Broncos made the post-season. It was the first time he earned that honour and the second for the Broncos after Jay Merkley won it during the opening week.

“It's amazing,” DeBrusk said. “I couldn't have done it without my teammates and the opportunities I've been getting. We needed some big wins to get in the playoffs. It was big to just contribute for the team. That honour was awesome.”

The Broncos are hoping they've broken out of an offensive slump after scoring five or more goals in four of their last five games.

“We were in a bit of a funk there,” DeBrusk said. “I still thought we were getting some good chances we just weren't capitalize on them. We were just really focused on that and the last couple games we've been scoring. It's having the confidence we can score goals and really bearing down on our chances.”

Now Swift Current is set to battle their rivals from Regina in the first round of the WHL playoffs. It's a series they've been waiting for since it became clear the Pats would finish second in the division and the Broncos were attempting to wrap up third.

“They're kind of like us in a way,” DeBrusk said. “We know them, they know us, we played them a lot. It's going to be a battle. I'm looking forward to it. I love playing against Regina. They're a tough team to play against, but it'll be a good series. We kind of hate each other and that doesn't hurt. It'll be exciting to see.”

Swift Current was 5-2-0-1 against the Pats in the regular season. All those stats are now thrown out the window was the two teams start their best of seven in Regina on Friday night. You can hear all the games on The Eagle 94.1 FM starting with our pre-game show at 6:30pm.