Holt Howorko

A big game on Wednesday with a lot on the line drew the attention of a Swift Current Broncos legend.

All-time leading scorer Todd Holt was in the house on Wednesday when the Broncos beat the WHL East Division leading Regina Pats 6-2.

He has seen the Broncos a handful of times this season and has been impressed.

"I'm really pleased with the talent we have," Holt said. "The guys look like they have an opportunity to go a ways into the playoffs, but they've got to put it together soon here."

The game reminded him of his own battles with the Pats.

"The year we went to the Memorial Cup in 1993 that was the year the Pats had it going too," Holt said. "They had their best they've had in a lot of years. Every game we played against them it was a shootout at the OK Coral at 9-5 or 8-7. When it came down to it we were prepared and swept them in four straight. Against the Pats it's always a game you want to be a part of."

It's been over twenty years since Holt wowed the crowds in Swift Current with his scoring prowess and junior hockey is a very different game now.

"It's so fast," he said. "Everyone competes so hard. Every line makes a difference. They're so strong on their skates. What I don't a lot is guys that used to grab the puck and slow the game down like Gretzky. In this league there's no slowing down. They're all hard on the puck. It's a real treat to see the speed of the game. The guys who stick out are truly talented when they stick out in this league today."

Holt has made significant effort in recent years to be a part of many alumni events including the golf tournaments and alumni games. He still feels very connected to the community after starring here in his junior years.

"Swift Current gave me that opportunity," he noted. "I always want to be a part of it. People from Swift Current and the organization were always fantastic to me and my family. To give a little bit back obviously I would never turn that down."

Holt is now working in the oil industry and plays recreational hockey with some of his old teammates in Alberta.

The Broncos are in Regina on Friday night for a re-match with the Pats. You can hear the game on The Eagle 94.1 FM with Pioneer Co-op Home Centre Broncos Hockey at 6:30pm.