The puck dropped on another year of Western Hockey League action Tuesday in Moose Jaw as the Broncos and Warriors opened the pre-season.
Moose Jaw topped Swift Current 3-1 in the annual rookie game between the two teams.
The Broncos controlled the game early, but penalties caught up to them.
Interview with Darren Evjen"We were going good in the first and then I think the penalties were 9 to 2 or something," said Broncos Assistant Coach Darren Evjen. "When we sat in the box there it definitely takes you out of your rhythm."
Colton McCarthy opened the scoring for Moose Jaw at 7:13 of the opening period, beating Travis Child with a wrist shot on top of the crease. With just over minute to go in the first, Broncos 2012 first round bantam pick Glenn Gawdin came out of the penalty box, accepted a feed from Dakota Odgers and beat wired a shot over the glove of to tie the game at one.
"I just picked a spot, shot there and luckily it went in," Gawdin said.
The 15-year-old also took three minor penalties in the game.
Interview with Glenn Gawdin"I was trying to play a little more physical but some of the things I wish I (hadn't) of done," Gawdin noted. "I think it might have been because I was a little bit amped up but there's kind of no excuse for those kinds of penalties."
Evjen was still impressed from what he saw of the potential future star.
"He was very good," Evjen said. "He's just such a great two-way player with skill and he just shoots the puck like a rocket... he's just been a great player for us every since he got here."
The teams battled for position in the second with the Broncos leading heavily on the shot clock. With 2:59 remaining in the frame Warriors, 2010 Ben Duperreault took a feed from Brayden Point and beat the Bronco goalie to make it 2-1.
In the third period the Warriors turned the pressure around by out-shooting the Broncos 13-7. With just under four minutes left in the game and on a two man advantage, Ethan Williams scored his first of the pre-season to make it 3-1.
Zachary Sawchenko, who celebrates his 15th birthday on December 30th, made 30 saves to get the win for Moose Jaw. 15-year-old Travis Child stopped 9 of the 10 shots he faced in half the game for Swift Current, while 17-year-old Landon Bow allowed 2 goals in 18 shots in the other half.
Odgers and Tanner LeSann had the assists for Swift Current on Gawdin's goal.
Swift Current's next action is on Saturday and Sunday at the annual exhibition tournament in Edmonton.
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Click here for the boxscore
Click here for the Broncos' website summary
Tue, Apr 16, 1:00 PM
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