Spencer brings physical game to Broncos

It looks like a penchant for physical hockey can run in a Minnesota family.

New Swift Current Broncos forward Calvin Spencer's physical style might be familiar to anyone who has seen his half-brother Dustin Byfuglien of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets.

"I'm a muck and grind kind of guy," Spencer said. "I like to get the puck deep, stick up for my teammates, play the body a lot and get momentum for the guys on the bench."

"I just try to hit as much as I can. I try to get at least seven or eight hits per game. Just get the puck deep, go after the defencemen and make them scared for the rest of the game."

His brother is also known for being able to throw big hits. It was that same brother who inspired Spencer to get into the sport.

"I grew up watching him play hockey," Spencer said. "He kind of got me into it so I've always wanted to be like him. Once he started playing I started playing."

"I was just talking to him about this trade actually. He was talking to me about it and helping me out through it. He's a good source."

The Broncos added Spencer from Seattle for a conditional 7th round bantam draft pick in 2017. He doesn't quite have his brother's size, but at 6'1 and 216lbs he certainly has the physical tools to play an intimidating game.

"He's a physical player that will fight," said Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb. "Some of the guys in that category last season won't be back. He's a big guy and he's a weighty guy that can really get in on the forecheck and hit."

"He kills penalties too so he can play a role."

A 19-year-old heading into his third WHL season can also bring some experience to a young group.

"He was a leader on his team last year," Lamb said. "It's something we're missing this year. We added (Scott) Feser who is going to be a real leader on this team. It's nothing different than the guy (Spencer) we added today."

The offence hasn't quite come yet for Spencer at the WHL level. It's not what people are focused on with him and yet it's something he feels he has the ability to deliver.

"It's all about having confidence with the puck on your stick," Spencer said. "This year I'm just looking to control the puck more in the offensive zone, use my body to shield the puck and create space."

The Broncos open up training camp on August 27th.