Sights are set on the Eastern Conference Finals for the Swift Current Broncos, after advancing out of the second round Monday night in Moose Jaw.
 
The Broncos faced among the toughest of routes in the country to their respective league semi-final, after using seven games to take down both the Regina Pats and Warriors. But, it seems to be a proverbial 'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger' scenario.
 
"I think we stand really well, especially going through the two teams that we went through," said goalie Stuart Skinner. "Obviously Regina is an unbelievable team, they were really hot especially at the end of the year. It was nice to beat those guys, and obviously Moose Jaw who was ranked second in all of Canada."
 
The formula for an adrenaline-pumping 14 games of playoff hockey so far is one that the standout netminder says the team may not alter too much.
 
"Just going into the next round we're not going to change anything," he said. "We're going to make sure that we work hard, and whatever happens happens. I'm just excited to do it with the group of guys that we have."
 
That group of guys that surround him, along with forwards Tanner Nagel and Giorgio Estephan looks ahead to the trio's former team in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
 
From L to R: Stuart Skinner, Giorgio Estephan, and Tanner Nagel with their former club (Photo courtesy of WHL.ca)
 
 
The early-January blockbuster deal that sent the three to Swift Current in exchange for former Broncos Logan Barlage, Logan Flodell, Owen Blocker and Matthew Stanley was among the league's most talked-about deals during a trade deadline that saw a flurry of top names and prospects moved.
 
Skinner (Photo by David Zammit for scbroncos.com), Estephan (Photo by Ed Fonger for scbroncos.com), and Nagel (Photo by David Zammit for scbroncos.com).
 
 
The trade altered the rosters for both clubs, with the initial view that Swift was building for this current deep playoff run, while Lethbridge was stocking up for the future.
 
Nevertheless, the Hurricanes surged past the Red Deer Rebels 4-1 in the opening round of the playoffs, then smacked the Brandon Wheat Kings in a brief five-game Round 2 series as well.
 
"I've visualized this since the trade," shared Skinner. "They told me that we're going to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals - I didn't doubt it, they're a good hockey club and I know them really well. I'm really excited to play against them and I'm excited to see what we can do. It's going to involve a lot of emotions but I'm super excited for it."
 
Although far removed from the last time these two teams crossed paths, some motivation still exists for at least the former Hurricanes after losing 5-2 to Lethbridge on February 2.
 
"We played them our last time in Lethbridge and they spanked us," said Estephan.
 
"At the same time I think that everything happens for a reason," added Skinner. "That happening put a little fire in my belly so I'm excited to go back over there and get some redemption."
 
The Edmonton Oilers prospect is currently enjoying life between the pipes for the Broncos, as he's on pace for the best postseason stats of his career. The 6-foot-4 netminder currently boasts a 2.07 goals-against-average, a .934 save-percentage, to go along with four shutouts in 14 playoff games.
 
Skinner's previous highs were set during a similar run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season with the Hurricanes. He held a 3.09 goals-against-average and a .916 save-percentage over 20 games played with his former team.
 
Meanwhile Estephan, the Hurricanes' former captain, has 11 points (4 G, 7 A) in 14 games this postseason and anticipates another close series ahead for his southwest Saskatchewan club.
 
"They're a fast, young team who's got nothing to lose - they're playing like it, and they've steam-rolled through two rounds. They're a good team that we definitely have to watch out for and can't take for granted for sure," the forward shared, while admitting knowing so much about a team before even diving into the game film is both an advantage and an unfamiliar feeling.
 
"I played a lot of playoff games there and I know a lot of tendencies of the guys there. Pre-scouting those guys there will definitely be a little weird and a little different but I'm definitely excited for the challenge. When I left there they said 'I'll see you in the conference finals', so yeah... here we are."
 
A notable Hurricane to keep an eye on in this series is one that Estephan didn't actually spend time with in Lethbridge. Forward Brad Morrison, who was acquired from the Vancouver Giants at the deadline, is torching teams in the 2018 postseason. 
 
The overage forward boasts a national-best 29 points (12 G, 17 A) in 10 playoffs games. Averaging 2.9 points-per-game, it comes as no surprise the 6-foot centreman hasn't been held off the stat sheet so far this postseason.
 
Holding home ice advantage in the series, the former Hurricanes will have to wait until Games 3 and 4 in southern Alberta to try and thrive in familiar surroundings. Nonetheless, that is an experience the trio look to add to their respective long-tenured resumes in the WHL.
 
"I have tons of friends there and I know a lot of fans - obviously my (former) billets and their three kids," Skinner said, having some fun with the situation. "It's going to be fun playing in front of all of them. I might not say hi to them after the first game, but maybe after the second game so I can get my rest."
 
Games 1 and 2 run this coming Friday and Saturday in front of debatably the loudest arena in the WHL. The Broncos look to take an early hold of the series with a sold out crowd looking on at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex.
 
Catch all the action of the Eastern Conference Finals opener starting with pre-game at 6:30 p.m. this Friday on The Eagle 94.1 for Robertson Family Group Swift Current Broncos Hockey.