Image

Michael Ferland

 Michael Ferland scored a hat trick as his Brandon Wheat Kings (10-5-0-1) beat Swift Current (6-9-2-0) 7-3 on Tuesday night. Ferland's goals at the end of the first and second periods really helped take the wind out of the Broncos' sails.

A couple of controversial goals put Brandon ahead for good. Darian Dziurzynski's go-ahead marker wasn't called a goal until video review. Bruno Mraz then made it 4-2 after Broncos goaltender Jon Groenheyde had been knocked down in his crease.

"He gets hit out of the way and there's no whistle and they score," said Broncos Assistant Coach Darren Evjen. "When guys are clearing you out of the net and they're scoring... you can't really work on that in practice."

Evjen blamed turnovers for the loss.

"It was just simple mistakes," Evjen said. "We should be more responsible with the puck and we put ourselves in trouble lots."

The Broncos took an early lead on Graham Black's third of the season. It was a bit of a lucky break as the puck bounced away from Ryon Moser on the power play and right to Black in the slot. Swift Current's luck would change when fresh off killing a Wheat Kings power play, Reece Scarlett's attempted clear when right into his own net to tie the game.

Ferland's first of the night came off a Richard Nedomlel turnover with only 27 seconds left in the first period.

"They got a goal in the last minute of both periods and that's really tough," said Evjen. "We can't turn the puck over like that."

Scarlett avenged his "own goal" by starting and finishing a rush to tie the game midway through the second period. The goal came after killing off another Brandon power play. The Broncos came into the game with the league's worst penalty kill and held the Wheat Kings' top ranked power play off the board until the game was well in hand. Brandon finished 1 for 5 while the Broncos went 2 for 5 on their man advantage.

"I think it just takes time," Evjen said. "We have new guys playing on the penalty kill... they need to get out there and experience."

"They're starting to understand what Mark (Lamb) is talking about."

Wheat Kings forward Mark Stone extended his point streak to 16 games with the lone Brandon power play goal to extend their lead to 7-2. Coda Gordon cut into that lead for the Broncos by scoring a late one while playing with the extra man.

The game ended up on a scary note when Dziurzynski was given a charging major for a dangerous, open ice hit on Broncos fowrard Andy Blanke. The Swift Current native returned to his dressing room on his own power. Blanke was also the victim of Ryley Miller's hit from behind in the first period.

After the second hit on Blanke, Broncos forward Adam Lowry fought Tyrel Seamen and Broncos defenceman Richard Nedomlel scrapped with Miller. Swift Current's Josh Derko battled Ayrton Nikkel earlier in the game.

Only 2187 took in the game despite a promotion offering tickets for only $2.

The next action for the Broncos is on Saturday at home against Prince Albert. We will have the game for you on The Eagle 94.1 FM starting with our pre-game show at 6:30pm.

Highlights of Broncos Hockey on The Eagle 94.1 FM:


Click here for the boxscore

Click here for the Broncos recap