The Swift Current Broncos will have their captain with them to start the WHL season tonight in Saskatoon.

While Glenn Gawdin was eligible to play in the AHL and performed well at Calgary Flames camp, he returns to Swift Current for his final WHL season.

Broncos head coach and director of player personnel Manny Viveiros believes this will be the next step towards a pro career for Gawdin.

"He knows that he can play at that level. I think it's even more beneficial that he gets to come back, have a really good year again, and showcase himself in front of everybody," Viveiros said. "Then, he can pick and choose where he wants to go for next year. Glenn Gawdin will play professional hockey, we're certain of it. It's just a matter of what team and what organization it's going to be for next year."

Viveiros says he is expecting an entertaining season opener tonight in Saskatoon.

"Sometimes you just never know what to expect," he said. "Both teams are going to be nervous - I know our kids are excited, we can't wait to get going. I expect a really good hockey game and very physical game."

The Broncos should have most of their expected lineup with them as Glenn Gawdin, Aleksi Heponiemi, Tyler Steenbergen, Colby Sissons, Artyom Minulin and Sahvan Khaira have all returned from NHL camps.

It's a homecoming in a way for new Broncos goaltender Logan Flodell who was acquired from the Blades on Wednesday.

"We had an opportunity to upgrade our hockey club and when you get an opportunity to add a top goaltender in your league, every team in the league is going to notice," the Broncos head coach said. "(The move) was just something we couldn't pass up. At the end of the day, we want to give ourselves and our organization the best chance to win."

You can hear all of tonight's action on The Eagle 94.1 FM with Robertson Family Group Broncos Hockey at 6:30 p.m.