Three Broncos alumni to participate in Stanley Cup Playoffs

Category: ArticleApril 17, 2023

Swift Current, SK – The Swift Current Broncos are proud to see three alumni taking part in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jake DeBrusk (Boston Bruins), Stuart Skinner (Edmonton Oilers) and Adam Lowry (Winnipeg Jets) are vying for the Stanley Cup this season.

DeBrusk, from Edmonton, Alta., was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round, 137th overall, in the 2011 WHL Prospects Draft. Making the jump to the WHL for the 2013-14 season, Debrusk would spend two and a half seasons in Swift Current, totalling 146 points (66-80-146) in 168 games before being traded to the Red Deer Rebels in 2015-16. He was drafted in the first round, 14th overall, by the Bruins in the 2015 NHL Draft.

DeBrusk has spent his entire NHL career in Boston being a regular in their lineup since 2017-18 after one year in the American Hockey League. In 385 career NHL games to date DeBrusk has recorded 226 points (119-107-226). He helped the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2018-19 by scoring 11 points (4-7-11) in 24 games.

Skinner, from Edmonton, Alta., was acquired by the Broncos from the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the trade deadline during the 2017-18 season. In 25 regular season games Skinner posted a 16-6-1-1 record with a .914 save percentage and a 2.68 goals against average. The 2018 WHL Playoffs is where Skinner shined brightest, backstopping Swift Current to its third WHL Championship. Appearing in all 26 playoff games that year, Skinner went 16-8-2 with a .932 save percentage and a 2.20 goals against average. He also recorded six shutouts, including a 3-0 win over the Everett Silvertips in the deciding game six of the WHL finals.

Skinner was drafted by his hometown Oilers in 2017, 78th overall in the third round. He took over as the Oilers number one goalie this season, winning 29 games. In 64 career NHL games Skinner is 36-20-5 with a 2.76 goals against average and a .912 save percentage.

Lowry, from Calgary, Alta., was drafted by the Broncos in the fourth round, 78th overall, in the 2008 WHL Prospects Draft. He spent his entire WHL career with the Broncos from 2009-2013, including the final two years as the Broncos captain. Skating in 235 games with the Broncos, Lowry racked up 204 points (90-114-204). He was named the WHL’s Player of the Year in 2012-13 after scoring 88 points (45-43-88) with 102 penalty minutes.

Drafted 67th overall by the Jets in 2011, Lowry has been an NHL regular since 2014-15 skating in 621 career games with 204 points (93-111-204). He has appeared in an additional 38 playoff games for Winnipeg, adding 13 points (5-8-13).