Opportunity open for Broncos on tough road swing

The Swift Current Broncos start a tough road swing in Calgary tonight against the Hitmen.

They then visit the Kootenay ice on Saturday and Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday.

Broncos Coach and GM Mark Lamb wants to see his club build on the kind of hockey they played last weekend as they out shot and out chanced both Moose Jaw and Brandon.

“They keys are playing the same way we played at home,” Lamb said. “You've got to win games in tough places to play and challenge yourself... not just play good hockey and lose, but play good hockey and win.”

The Broncos are 2-1 against Calgary so far this year and know with Moose Jaw only 5 points back for third place in the East Division standings they have to come up with points during this road swing.

“We're going into three tough buildings that are tough to win in,” said Broncos assistant coach Jamie Heward. “But we've got to find a way to do that. When you're going down the stretch into a playoff run you've got to find a way to win in difficult situations and that will be a character builder for us.”

Swift Current is dealing with a banged up roster right now and isn't quite sure yet when they will get top six forwards Carter Rigby and Coda Gordon off the injured list. That means players like Linden Penner get a chance to step into a bigger role as he did last weekend when scoring his first goal since joining the Broncos.

Taking advantage of extra ice with skilled players is vital for Penner as he tries to earn more of an opportunity with the Broncos.

“Very important,” the veteran forward said. “I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't get an opportunity in the AJHL playing on the first line. I took full advantage of that and went to Flames camp. These are the opportunities that can make or break a hockey career so it's very important for me to do my job out there when I get this opportunity.”

That doesn't mean he should change the way he plays.

“For me as a power forward most importantly it's getting pucks to the net and finish checks and wearing down the other team,” Penner said. “I'm playing with two really skilled players. If I can create space for them by throwing my body around it'll be good.”

You can hear each game during the road swing on The Eagle 94.1 FM. Our pre-game show from Calgary starts at 7:30pm tonight.