Three days off from the grueling WHL playoff schedule has given the Swift Current Broncos a chance to get some much needed rest and, as noted earlier this week, provided some good news for a pair of Broncos as well.
 
Defenceman Artyom Minulin and backup goalie Joel Hofer were named to the final NHL Central scouting list of the season, after both seeing their names on the mid-season rankings list as well.
 
For Hofer, who went undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, it's a rewarding feeling after having to fight for a roster spot.
 
"When I was younger I didn't get much much exposure. I didn't play in the highest league but I'm just grateful for where I'm at right now," the Winnipeg-born netminder admitted. "It's pretty nice - going into the season my goal was to learn as much as I could, absorb everything, and get a feel for the league, but it's a nice bonus to get recognized."
 
However, the 17-year-old isn't planning on being content any time soon.
 
"I think everyone thinks about it a little bit, but I try not to think too much about it - I try just to go out and just play my game and let everything take care of itself," said Hofer.
 
In 19 appearances during the regular season, Hofer amassed a 2.61 goals-against-average and a .914 save-percentage on his way to being named the Broncos' rookie of the year.
 
"The biggest thing for me was just to be ready no matter what. You never know what's going to happen. Luckily, whether it's ten games or three games or whatever, I just went in there knowing that anything can happen," shared Hofer, adding that another keys this season in the growth process was attention to detail.
 
"Trying to do the same things, even if I am playing or not. Having the same preparation for everything. Skinner's been doing a well, but you never know right? Anything can happen, but he's doing well and hopefully he can keep it up."
 
That is exactly what starting goalie Stuart Skinner has done, through 14 postseason games so far, carrying a goals-against-average that is flirting with the low side of two per game (2.07).
 
With limited postseason action for Hofer backing up the Edmonton Oilers prospect, it's still provided plenty of experience to be gained.
 
"A lot. I know from watching the Regina and Moose Jaw games, all the games are skilled, all of them are either 1-0 or one-goal games, so I know it's really important to be focused all the time - Stu's been doing a great job of that," Hofer said.
 
Just over 24 hours now remain until the Swift Current Broncos jump back into the playoff schedule, and into the Eastern Conference Finals against the Lethbridge Hurricanes. After knocking off the Moose Jaw Warriors to advance to the third round, Hofer and the Broncos certainly aren't looking past an opponent who has needed just five games in both rounds to eliminate their opponent.
 
"Lethbridge is a pretty good team. I think most people might underestimate them a bit because of the other teams in front of them, but I think they're a really solid team and I think we can't take them lightly."
 
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals is set for Friday at 7 p.m. from the Innovation Credit Union iPlex.