Broncos win streak comes to abrupt hault
The Swift Current Broncos squared off against the Moose Jaw Warriors for the sixth time this season on Thursday night at Mosaic Place and it was a rough night, as the Broncos six-game win streak ended abruptly with an 8-2 loss.
Justin Almeida made a move off the end boards and skated towards the slot before firing a wrist shot by Broncos goaltender Logan Flodell to make it 1-0 Moose Jaw 5:47 into the opening frame.
Dmitri Zaitsev and Jayden Halbgewachs each netted a marker just minutes later and the Broncos were staring at a 3-0 deficit. Rookie goaltender Joel Hofer entered the game temporarily in relief of Flodell but was eventually switched back in favour of the 20-year-old veteran.
A positive note for Swift Current occurred in the second period when forward Beck Malenstyn deflected in his first goal since arriving to Swift via trade with the Calgary Hitmen back in November. The Washington Capitals prospect now has two points in as many games as a Bronco.
The Warriors restored their three-goal lead when Luka Burzan completed an impressive move from the left corner to cut out in front and tuck a low shot by Flodell.
The Broncos would get one back via a giftwrapped Warriors turnover in which Glenn Gawdin set up Kole Gable for his third goal of the season. Shots on goal were 33-23 in favour of Moose Jaw heading into the third period and the Broncos were only down 4-2.
Unfortunately, that was as close as Swift Current would ever get in this contest as Moose Jaw poured it on in the third period.
Halbgewachs pocketed his second of the night and 37th of the season to make it 5-2. Tempers flared later in the period, resulting in multiple fights and game misconducts on both sides.
The Warriors went on to add three more goals in what was a miserable 8-2 loss but the Broncos remain second in the WHL’s East Division standings.
Shots on goal were 48-31 in favour of Moose Jaw. Special teams were a bright spot as the Broncos tallied on their lone power play opportunity while holding the Warriors scoreless on four man advantages.
Next up on the schedule for Swift Current is a home-and-home set against the Saskatoon Blades with the first date slated for Saturday, December 30th at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex. Puck drop is at 7pm CT.
