Lane Pederson (photo from scbroncos.com)

You would have to excuse Lane Pederson for going through a range of emotions this weekend.

After a holiday break at home in Saskatoon with his family, he returned to his WHL home in Red Deer only to pack his bags once word broke that he was headed to Swift Current in a blockbuster deal for Jake DeBrusk.

The Broncos also received a 2017 1st round bantam draft pick and a 2016 3rd round pick.

One can only imagine the mixed feelings that come with any trade let alone one that takes a young player away from the Memorial Cup host.

"It's a bit of a roller coaster of emotions," Pederson said. "I'm just happy to get here and get my first game under my belt."

With Red Deer hosting the Memorial Cup there is speculation around basically every player on the roster as the Rebels attempt to build a contending team. Pederson couldn't help but think about that although he didn't think he'd be moving on.

"I think it enters almost everybody's mind," Pederson said. "I didn't think it would happen. It kind of came as a shock, but I'm happy to be here in Swift Current to help this team win."

"It'll take some time to just indulge the reality of what's happening. Being traded in the summer last year and starting fresh in Red Deer and now starting fresh again. It's hockey and it's a business and you work through it. The guys are really good in the room after a couple of days it should be good."

Pederson has a connection to Swift Current as his father played for the SJHL Broncos and he has family living in the city. He expects that to help make it an easier transition.

"Just having that positive support around me," Pederson said. "Seeing familiar faces around the city that'll be huge getting acclimated and comfortable."

It's been a breakout season for Pederson at the WHL level. He spent his rookie season as a 17-year-old in Seattle where he scored 20 points in 63 games. As an 18-year-old he has already surpassed those totals with 21 in 36 games including 13 in his last 15 games.

"There were a few other offers that were really good offers," said Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb. "But we thought the first round draft pick and (Pederson) that we got back that we can throw in the lineup when Jake leaves was really important."

"He has been playing probably the best hockey he has ever played in this league the last month. We thought he was a player who could come in to help us this year, next year and maybe even as an overage."

Pederson went to Anaheim's NHL rookie camp over the summer and is a guy the Broncos can slot into any position in their lineup.

"He's a little bit of everything," Lamb said. "He's a physical player that can make plays and very versitile. He can play left wing, right wing, center and both special teams. It's something that we need."

Pederson was a point per game player with the Saskatoon Blazers at the Midget AAA level for two seasons. His WHL offence took a step forward this season with increased opportunity on the Rebels."

"Recently the coach gave me some more minutes and more opportunity," Pederson said. "It just seemed to click. I guess that all plays into a confidence thing. If you can just keep a good vibe going, keep building off some previous success and confidence can take you a long way."

The Saskatoon product made an immediate impact on his new club with four good scoring chances, hitting a post and throwing two hard body checks in his Broncos debut against Moose Jaw on Sunday.

"I thought he played really well," said Broncos associate coach Ryan Smith. "He generated some offence, threw some checks and he looks confident with the puck. First impressions he had a great game and with no practice time that's difficult."

He'll have one practice under his belt as the Broncos host the Prince Albert Raiders tonight. Each team has won once in the season series so far and both have been close contests.

The Raiders feature Swift Current products Tim Vanstone as their captain and Marc Habscheid as their coach.

You can hear the game on The Eagle 94.1 FM at 6:30pm. Puck drop is just after 7pm at the Credit Union iPlex.