Rookies Push for Bronco Roster Spots

As the Swift Current Broncos prepare to head to Edmonton this weekend for exhibition games against the Oil Kings and the Calgary Hitmen, there are a hand full of players battling for only a few roster spots up front.

17-year-olds Jake DeBrusk and Cavin Leth are among the group of rookies trying to find a place on the Broncos this season.

For DeBrusk, one of the top scorers in Alberta Major Midget AAA last season, a growth spurt has allowed him to add a physical edge to his game.

"I feel like I can take more hits and give more hits easier," DeBrusk said. "I find like I don't fall as much. It's definitely better."

DeBrusk went from 5'5 when drafted two years ago to 5'11. He has an idea what it will take for him to crack the WHL lineup.

"I want to show that I can scare," DeBrusk said. "Be solid in my own end, reliable... and why not play the body too."

The son of former NHLer Louie DeBrusk scored 52 points in 34 Midget AAA games last season.

Leth took a different path as he skipped his last year of midget eligibility to play for Drumheller in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He had 13 points and 145 penalty minutes in 50 games as a 16-year-old playing against players as old as 19 and 20.

"Just because I'm a little bit smaller, a little bit younger and a little bit lighter doesn't mean I can't bring that physical presence," Leth said. "I always gotta be known out there."

A mix of the physical side and scoring ability are the keys for the 2011 2nd round WHL Bantam Draft pick to make the squad this time around.

"I love to be physical," Leth said. "I love to get in there and bang around. The odd goal never hurt anyone either."

"Just do the simple things and it should lead to good things. Drive the net, bang, get a lot of shots and hopefully it turns out well."

Leth, DeBrusk and other rookie forwards like Jordan Wittman, Glenn Gawdin and Brandan Arnold will make their case again on Saturday and Sunday in Edmonton.