Lernout called up to Montreal

Swift Current Broncos defenceman Brett Lernout is about to experience the NHL playoffs first hand.

Lernout and five other players from the AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs have been called up to the Montreal Canadiens. Hamilton's season wrapped up this weekend and the six players will join the Habs for the remainder of their playoff run.

Lernout and company will part of what is referred to as the "Black Aces" or prospects who are called up to get a taste of the playoff experience as healthy scratches.

The big Winnipeg native went pointless and was -1 with 6 shots on net in 6 AHL games after Swift Current's WHL season ended. Lernout joined the Bulldogs on an amateur try-out contract for the rest of this season. He is signed to a three-year contract with the Canadiens organization that will take effect next season.

Montreal leads Ottawa 2-0 in their first round series. Lernout will be united with Swift Current Broncos alumnus Dale Weise who is a regular for the Habs.

Former Broncos captain Adam Lowry and the Winnipeg Jets are down 2-0 to Anaheim in their series after blowing third period leads in each of the first two games. Meanwhile, former Broncos defenceman Michal Rozsival and the Chicago Blackhawks are up 2-1 on Nashville.