Brett Lernout as a Blade (photo from scbroncos.com)

The Swift Current Broncos wrap up a six game road swing tonight in Saskatoon against the surging Blades.

Saskatoon has won four games in a row and scored 28 goals over that stretch. Meanwhile, the Broncos have only allowed 11 goals in 6 games this month.

It's the first game back in Saskatoon for former Blades defenceman Brett Lernout as a Bronco. Saskatoon traded him to Swift Current a week and a half ago for a 4th round 2013 WHL Bantam Draft pick.
Full interview with Brent Lernout
“I think it's a good fit,” Lernout said. “Rough, hard hitting and a really working hard team. I think I fit that category pretty good. They're all great guys.”

Lernout is one of three former Blades on the Broncos roster along with forwards Levi Bews and Brent Benson. He knows they have to be ready for Saskatoon's very skilled forwards.

“They have two really good lines,” Lernout noted. “You have to shut them down and we'll have a good chance to win that game. Just be really hard on them, physical... they don't like to be hit and we'll capitalize from there.”

Lernout is pointless and a -2 in 22 games this season, including 4 as a Bronco. The Blades feature former Broncos defenceman Graeme Craig who has 7 points and is -5 in 20 games with Saskatoon.

The Blades started the season 2-7 and struggled with inconsistency in the first two months. They have now won 9 of their last 13 games.

“They are playing better. They're a good hockey team and they always have been a good hockey team that went through a downward spiral,” said Broncos Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb. “We have to create some energy, go in there and play our game.”

Both clubs will be missing their starting goaltenders. Eetu Laurikainen of the Broncos and Andrey Makarov are at camps for Finland and Russia at the World Junior Championship. Swift Current call-up Steve Myland made 17 saves to shutout the Prince George Cougars on Tuesday as the Broncos wait to get backup Landon Bow healthy after he suffered a lower body injury two weeks ago.

The Broncos have two wins and an overtime loss against the Blades so far this season.

You can hear Friday's game from Saskatoon on The Eagle 94.1 FM with The New Pioneer Co-op Home Centre Broncos Hockey at 6:30pm. The Broncos are then back home for Kurt's KFC teddy bear, toque and mitten toss night against the Kootenay Ice on Sunday.