A pair of Regina Pat Canadians forwards will be making the jump from Midget AAA to the WHL level with the Swift Current Broncos this season.

The first was Matthew Culling, who the Broncos acquired from Edmonton in the Jacson Alexander trade.

The latest is Eric Houk, who signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Broncos after a head-turning performance at training camp. 

"I came into camp just as a free agent player, I ended up impressing the coaching stuff with some of my work ethic in camp and had a good showing, so that led to where I am here today," said Houk.

The forward noted right from the get-go that he knew he'd need a good showing to impress Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Dean Brockman, leap-frogging some signed players for a roster spot.

"At the start in Dean's meeting he said something's got to catch his eye. I just made sure my first couple games to try to get off on a good (note), lay a couple bodies, and just get their eyes on me. I think it just worked from there."

The 5-foot-11, 182-pound Houk recorded 32 points (9 G, 23 A) in 42 games with the Pat Canadians last season, adding four assists in seven post-season games. He also logged a short playoff stint with the SJHL's Estevan Bruins.

With still a season of Midget AAA eligibility remaining for Houk, the 2001-born forward says he would have been comfortable heading back to the provincial capital - however, that thought didn't come close to entering his mind in Broncos' training camp

"I just think day-in and day-out in that camp, I just kept my mind on trying to make this team," he explained. "Knowing if I had to go back to Midget I have a good role, but my main goal was to make it here, and that happened to work out."

On a Broncos team that carrying a pile of new faces, Houk hopes he'll be able to earn increased ice time, getting a chance to showcase his style of play.

"I'd say I'm a two-way forward," he said. "I'm good in the D-zone, a good play-maker, and if I get the chance to put it away, I'll put it in. PK - I can play a big role there, and I just think good in the defensive zone."

Houk and the Broncos get back to the preseason schedule September 14, when they're on the road against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.