The Swift Current Broncos made three cuts after Saturday's game as they get closer to next Friday's WHL regular season opener.

The defending WHL champs released veteran forward Logan Foster, while cutting but retaining the WHL rights for forward Alex Thacker and defenceman Ben Wood.

"That's the worst part about coaching is having to do that and talk to the kids," said Broncos assistant coach Scott Dutertre. "We have some great young men and some of the ones we had to let go... we have great character kids. I don't think it's the last time you'll see them. Some of these guys we will see in a Broncos uniform again."

Foster played half of last season with the Broncos before being re-assigned to the SJHL. He had 3 points in 23 games for the Broncos before putting up 19 in 21 games for Melville. He was pointless in 3 pre-season games and is now free to sign with any other WHL team.

Thacker was a 6th round pick in the 2017 WHL bantam draft. The Broncos signed him in January and gave him an extended look before sending him back to midget for his 16-year-old season. He had 37 points in 34 Alberta Midget AAA games last season and added an assist in four pre-season games with the Broncos this fall.

Wood is entering his 17-year-old season and went pointless in three pre-season games. The Sherwood Park product had 12 points in 38 Alberta Midget AAA games last season.

The Broncos are now carrying 14 forwards, nine defenemen and two goalies. The defencemen include veteran Artyom Minulin who is still weeks away from being able to play after off-season surgery. They will open the WHL regular season against Saskatoon on Friday.