Newly acquired sniper Matteo Gennaro will make his Swift Current Broncos debut tonight as they visit the WHL Eastern Conference leading Moose Jaw Warriors.

It's quite a way to start his career with the Broncos up against maybe their biggest current rival.

“Arguably the two best teams in the league going at it,” he noted. “It's going to be fun.”

Gennaro just arrived in Swift Current yesterday after the blockbuster deal with Calgary and isn't looking to overthink his first game.

“I don't have too many expectations,” Gennaro said. “I don't want to put any added pressure on myself or get in my head. I know it's going to be an adjustment. I haven't really built any chemistry with guys yet or gotten to know the systems too well yet. I'm not going to worry about it too much. I just want to go out and play, not really think too much just read and react... have some fun.”

That doesn't mean the Broncos intend to ease him into the lineup.

“He's a veteran of the league and he's a 20-year-old,” said Broncos Associate Coach Ryan Smith. “You're not going to dip his toe in and see how the water is. It's full on for him and I'm sure he'll want that.”

The Broncos added Gennaro and 19-year-old power forward Beck Malenstyn from Calgary last weekend in a deal that included Riley Stotts, Dom Schmiemann, Conner Chaulk with other picks and prospects. Making the move with a teammate like Malenstyn helps with the transition.

“So far it's been really good,” Gennaro said. “Coming along with Beck has been making it a little easier for sure having a familiar face around the rink. The guys seem great and the coaches seem awesome so I'm excited.”

Malenstyn is still week-to-week with an upper body injury. When he returns the former linemates could come back together in a new city.

“It's a possibility,” Gennaro said. “Beck is eager to get back at it and he's coming off a hard injury. If he gets back and healthy soon – which we hope – that's a possibility for a combination. I've had some chemistry with him.”

Moving from one of the WHL's biggest markets in Calgary to the smallest in Swift Current could be a culture shock for some. That won't be the case for Gennaro as he started his junior career with the Prince Albert Raiders.

“I'm excited,” Gennaro said. “I like the small town vibe. I've played in Prince Albert before and I'm sure it'll be pretty similar that way. We have a great team so it's going to be a fun last ride here and something to really be excited about. Obviously they have some talented forwards that you hear about. I'm excited to play with all those guys.”

The overage forward has 14 goals in 22 games so far this season and notched a career best 43 in 2016-17 with Calgary. That's not all he brings to the table.

“I'm an offensive but yet two-way forward,” Gennaro noted. “I like to shoot the puck and score goals. I think I have a knack for the net like attacking the net and finding the net. On the other hand I like to take pride that I'm reliable defensively and I can kill penalties.”

The St. Albert native spent the first two and a half seasons of his WHL career playing more of a two-way role with the Raiders. He scored 16 goals at 17-years-old and 18 in his 18-year-old season before breaking out at 19 in Calgary.

“I think just the opportunity portion of it,” Gennaro said. “I was a part of teams in Prince Albert that were more veteran squads. I just found that was the way I had to contribute was just playing that role in a third and forth line role there. In Calgary I was exposed to different opportunities with lots of five on five time and lots of power play time. I think I grew as a player and as an individual. I've always been confident in my offensive abilities and my ability to produce and score.”

Broncos fans will soon get familiar with one of the best one-timers in the league and that's something the former Winnipeg Jets draft pick knows is a big part of his game.

“One of my great assets is my shot,” Gennaro said. “It's something I'll have to contribute with here and try to find a way to contribute on the power play here.”

The Broncos start a home-and-home with Moose Jaw tonight on the road. They will host the Warriors tomorrow.

“They're arguably the top team in the WHL,” Smith said. “If you're not ready to play the game you'll be left behind. For us it's a rivalry that has really started to take shape over the last couple of years. Our guys don't like them and they don't like us. You've got a home-and-home what else do you want as a hockey fan and what else do you want as a team and coach.”



Click here to see a preview of tonight's game from Discover Moose Jaw

You can listen to tonight's game from Moose Jaw live on The Eagle 94.1 FM with Robertson Family Group Broncos Hockey at 6:30pm.