Waldner's World

Swift Current 3 @ Brandon 5 VIDEO

2010-03-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Swift Current Broncos gave Brandon a good run in tonight's third period, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game 3-3. Cody Eakin, (SH) Justin Dowling and Stepan Novotny scored. All three were third period goals. Swift Current did not play well through two periods and although a couple of the penalty calls were soft, the Broncos took too many penalties during the first 40 minutes, which worsened their chances of success against the Wheaties.
The Wheat Kings scored the winner late and added another for insurance to take a 2-0 series lead.

Here are the highlights:

Wheat Kings Take Game One

2010-03-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Brandon Wheat Kings allowed the opening goal but quickly rebounded thereafter and won 5-2 over the Swift Current Broncos tonight. Matt Calvert scored two goals and added an assist as the Wheat Kings took a 1-0 series lead.

The Broncos got a goal from Taylor Vause to open things up and were very much in the game after one period....a 1-1 tie. In fact they were by no means dominated throughout the contest, like some had predicted. The Wheaties though made use of their skill and speed and started climbing uphill in the second period. Scott Glennie scored a critical goal to put them up 2-1 with just one second remaining on a power play. That one was a game changer. Brandon G Jacob DeSerres stood tall in the net and stymied the Broncos on a couple of 2 on 1 chances. That sort of gave them a competitive edge as well. The Broncos got another goal from Taylor Vause late in the third period to make it 4-2, but Brandon scored an empty netter to seal game one.

The shots favoured the Broncos 30-28.

*****

I HAD video highlights, but editing program won't cooperate tonight, so maybe I'll try again tomorrow.

G'night.

Hurricanes Lose Game Three

2010-03-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

The K Motel AA Hurricanes lost game three in Yorkton tonight and got eliminated from playoff contention.

The final score was 7-4..

*****

In other news, the Moose Jaw Warriors lead 1-0 in their series versus the conference-best Calgary Hitmen. The Warriors scored three power play goals at Pengrowth Saddledome tonight and beat Calgary 4-2. The final shots on goal were 50-16 in favour of the Hitmen.

The Broncos will kick off their first round in Brandon Manitoba tomorrow night.

AA Hurricanes Avoid Elimination

2010-03-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Quick update....

I just finished public address announcing/music for tonight's Hurricanes/Terriers game at Fairview West Arena.

****

What a game it was!
Bryce Moberg scored in double overtime for the 4-3 win to send the best of three series back to Yorkton. The K Motel Hurricanes had lost game one by a 5-4 OT score in Yorkton and were facing the end tonight.
Lane Harbor, Hayden Johnston and Craig Fournier also scored for the home team. The 'Canes were down 2-0 before they got on the board midway through the second period. They then scored three unanswered to take the lead, only to have the Terriers tie it 3-3 with just 2:19 remaining in the third period.
Hurricanes G Myles Hovdebo was the best player on the ice throughout the game but made a couple of his best saves in overtime. Yorkton's Chad Fogg had a net-front overtime chance with lots of time to aim. The hard, low shot fooled Hovdebo a bit as it bounced awkwardly off the pad upward and was headed for home. From out of nowhere, Myles snagged it with the glove hand.
If you weren't there tonight you missed a barn burner. Wow.
The Hurricanes will travel to Yorkton this Thursday to finish the series.

Reflections / Predictions

2010-03-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

How do you like that for a post title? ;)

******

My predictions for the WHL's Eastern Conference back on September 17, 2009:

Saskatoon
Brandon
Calgary
Kootenay
Medicine Hat
Swift Current
Edmonton
Regina

Prince Albert
Red Deer
Moose Jaw
Lethbridge

A few notes regarding the prognostications at the start of the season:

-I honestly thought Saskatoon would deny what most of the media predicted and JUST edge both Brandon and Calgary for the conference title. Last regular season and for much of this year, the Blades have become something fierce. This year at times they've looked weak and have lost games they were definitely expected to win. Injuries have had a bad effect on the Blades' play. They lost the services of Curtis Hamilton and Teigan Zahn earlier in the season. Jyri Niemi went down with an injured finger. (he should be back if the Blades have an extended playoff run) Whatever the reason(s) may be, the Blades were just behind Calgary and Brandon and finished in third place. They still had 46 wins....an incredible regular season record.

-I don't believe anyone expected the Regina Pats to miss the playoffs this season. That's been beaten and analyzed to death, so I won't go there right now. The Pats have let their fans down for three consecutive years.

-looking at the predictions today, I feel stupid that I pegged Red Deer not to make the playoffs. The Rebels were due for the postseason and they had enough talent to be even higher in the standings then where they ended up. What I was thinking there, I don't know.

-Edmonton is sort of a mystery. I thought the time was ripe for a bit of a run but they were out of the picture a long time ago. I don't think that team will retain it's coaching staff. Something is likely to change, even if the problem isn't coaching. Three years of losing is too much, and fans want answers.

Anyway..there you go. The predictions were pretty close by my standards. What are your thoughts?

******

I'm starting to like this Swift Current at Regina thing for the Broncos' first round of playoffs versus Brandon.

It seems like a lot of Reginans are going to attend the games from what I've heard. Question is, what will it be like to hear that Brandt Centre horn for the Broncos instead of the Pats? How will it feel to be at a "home game" in Regina? Wow....

Excitement is mounting for playoffs. The Broncos might be heavy underdogs going into the series but guess what? It's still playoff hockey. That brings with it excitement and renewed optimism.

Maybe the Broncos can work a miracle and win round one.

******

Now without further ado, here are my Eastern Conference predictions for round one:

Moose Jaw @ Calgary ----Calgary in six. The Warriors are in Calgary's head. The Hitmen will prevail but not without a battle.

Medicine Hat @ Kootenay ----Kootenay in five. The Ice are a very well-coached team and seem to have Medicine Hat's number in these situations. I can't see why that would change this year.

Red Deer @ Saskatoon ----Red Deer in six. The Rebels may have finished below them in the standings but they have great forward momentum right now and I think they'll sink Saskatoon in this series. Surprised?

Swift Current @ Brandon ----Brandon in five. Although the Broncos were an exceptional 11-6-1-1 in February/March and eventually made the postseason by a 10-point margin, injuries have once again become a hindrance around playoff time. (Tassone, Wagner, Lowry) That and the fact that Brandon is unstoppable offensively should determine the outcome. The Broncos have offense but not enough to keep up.

GO BRONCOS GO!!!

Broncos Get Brandon in Round One

2010-03-14T20:48:00.001-07:00

The Swift Current Broncos went nine rounds in the shootout in Moose Jaw and Jordan Peddle scored the winner as they beat the Warriors 5-4. Michael Stickland scored a hat trick in the win.

The Broncos finished the season third place in the East Division and seventh in the Eastern Conference. They'll be in Brandon next Friday night to take on the Wheaties in round one.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Broncos Solve Warriors in Shootout

2010-03-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

A capacity crowd looked on at the i-Plex as the Swift Current Broncos downed the Moose Jaw Warriors 4-3 in a shootout in their final regular season home game.

Stepan Novotny scored in the fourth round of the derby and Broncos G Mark Friesen then stopped Ryan Stanton to win the game.

Both teams were plagued by injuries entering the contest. The Broncos were without F Matt Tassone who's done for the year, F Dillon Wagner, and F Adam Lowry who might both be back for playoffs. (optimistically speaking) They healthy scratched D Joel Rogers and elected to play two rookies in Brody Luhning and Michael Hay, and Josh Derko who's a call-up from Sherwood Park Alberta.

Michael Hay opened the scoring with his first WHL goal when he beat Warriors G Brandon Glover on a breakaway chance. The Warriors worked the second period and took a lead on two consecutive goals by Jason Bast. The Broncos though tied the game with a goal by Justin Dowling late in the second. Michael Stickland scored his 22nd of the year early in the final stanza to give Swift Current another lead, but the Warriors pulled the goaltender and managed to tie things with less than a minute to go. The shootout followed after overtime solved nothing.

Warriors G Brandon Glover looked terribly shaky in warmup but followed up with an amazing performance, making 39 saves. At the other end G Mark Friesen manned the fort for the Broncos and stopped 26 of 28. Friesen was coming off a great game in Calgary one week ago when the Broncos lost 2-0 to the Hitmen.

Swift Current D Brody Luhning dropped the mitts with Moose Jaw's Clinton Atkinson in the first period. There was no clear winner in the fight but it did provide some good entertainment for the 2879 onlookers. (video up top)

The Broncos will face the Warriors tomorrow in Moose Jaw to end regular season play for both teams.

****

The Broncos or Warriors could still play Calgary OR Brandon in round one of the WHL playoffs, depending on the outcome of tomorrow's game.

IF....

-the Warriors win in regulation or overtime: The Warriors will get seventh place. Result: Broncos @ Calgary and Warriors @ Brandon in round one.

-the Broncos win in regulation or overtime: Broncos @ Brandon and Warriors @ Calgary.

NOTE: The Broncos' record versus Moose Jaw the last three seasons is now 19-2.

CLINCH!

2010-03-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I was out of town and unable to watch tonight's game in P.A. The Broncos must have sent a clear message right from the onset. The win officially put a playoff "x" beside their name in the standings.

Maybe some video highlights tomorrow if I have a moment.....

Tuesday

2010-03-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

  Finally, some time to sit down and blog.
  I arrived back from Alberta Sunday night at around 11 PM. A workday and a Swift Current Indians BOD meeting followed so really, I've been hard at it since yesterday morning.

****

  Well, the weekend was awesome. I took Thursday and Friday off work to catch Bronco games and a bit of a holiday in Calgary/Red Deer.
  Although the Broncos brought back just one out of four available points, I had forgotten how much fun it can be to get on the road for awhile. The past three years I'd hardly missed a road game. This year however, due to minor hockey commitments the time did not present itself to travel all over Western Canada....until last weekend.
  I had a fantastic day in Calgary. I then took off for Red Deer on Friday to watch the game there and visit my second family, the Postmas. They are a busy bunch...when the Chicago Wolves (Paul's AHL team) are not on the big screen, something else is always on the agenda. This time it was a family wedding. Bottom line: It's a fun time whenever I'm in Red Deer. I'm very thankful for a lot of things in life....but unwavering friends are hard to beat. The Postmas would certainly fall under that category.

*****

  The Broncos were likely aiming for two points over the weekend. To "steal" one of the two games in Alberta would have been nice. Given their injuries, how tough it is to win in each of the two buildings, and their sagging power play, (more so in Red Deer at 1 for 9) I suppose one of four points wasn't bad. Most teams draw momentum from killing off that many opposing power plays and hurt you the other way but luckily the Rebels didn't do that until overtime. After all, the Broncos' performance combined with two P.A. losses was enough to ALMOST put the Raiders out of playoff contention at this point.
  I was listening to Prince Albert's 900 CKBI via BlackBerry tethered data on my way back from Red Deer. The Wheat Kings beat the Raiders 4-2 up in P.A. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Raiders captain Dustin Cameron, who choked back tears as he was being interviewed post-game by Raiders play-by-play man Drew Wilson. I don't suppose the feeling is any different than losing your final playoff game. It's a sinking feeling. You know it's a matter of time before the hope dwindles down to nothing. Who knows though, right? There is still a glimmer for the Raiders although very faint.
  Wednesday's game in P.A. should be a dandy, that's for sure. It may be the toughest test the Broncos have faced this season. Sure it's unlikely that P.A. will catch them, but do the Broncos have that killer instinct? You need it in playoffs.

*****

It sure feels like playoffs in Swifty...almost too warm in fact. I hope you're enjoying this weather!

Ciao.

Hockey Night

2010-03-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

I'm in Red Deer and it's hockey night!

Lower Right: Paul Postma and the Chicago Wolves take on Milwaukee.

Lower Left: WHL Raiders @ Pats.

Top: Zack Smith and the Sens taking on the Leafs on HNIC.

Have a great weekend! :)

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Rebels Slip By Broncos

2010-03-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

The Swift Current Broncos were at the favourable end of an officiating fiasco in Red Deer tonight but failed to take advantage.

The Red Deer Rebels scored with 36 seconds remaining in overtime to win tonight's game 2-1 at Enmax Centrium. The win moved them within three points of fourth place and home ice advantage in the WHL's Eastern Conference. Willie Coetzee scored the overtime winner on the second of only two power plays the Rebels had on the night. Adam Kambeitz scored in the second to put the Rebels ahead 1-0.

The Broncos were handed nine power plays by referees Steve Papp and Derek Zalaski, including an early power play in overtime. All but one went by the wayside....Justin Dowling finally made the man advantage work when he scored to tie the game with just 3:44 remaining in period three. The goal helped in earning the Broncos one point this weekend. They remain four points removed from clinching a playoff spot. Tonight's game also finished off the season series between the two clubs which ended up 3-1 in favour of the Broncos.

Swift Current got another solid performance out of G Morgan Clark, who made 32 saves in the overtime loss. The former Red Deer Rebel made several highlight reel stops on the Rebels in tight. The goaltending performance followed yesterday's great output by backup G Mark Friesen in Calgary, so two stellar road goaltending performances were for naught this weekend....except of course the one point.

The Broncos will travel to Prince Albert this Wednesday for their biggest game of the year. (Depends on the outcome of P.A.'s games versus Regina and Brandon this weekend. The Raiders are currently six points behind the Broncos with five games remaining.)

Broncos Snuffed Out in Calgary

2010-03-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Prairie Post:

Calgary-If the Swift Current Broncos make the playoffs, they got a preview of who they may be facing in the first round March 4.

The Broncos dropped a 2-0 decision in Calgary to the Hitmen as Tyler Fiddler and Matt MacKenzie scored for the home squad.

The Broncos put in a good effort against one of the top teams in the country. Mark Friesen, who was the second star of the game stopped 31 of 33 shots.

The win ran the Hitmen's record to 47-17-1-2. They are 7-0-0-1 in their last eight games. The Broncos are now 34-30-0-4. They are still two points behind Moose Jaw and remain five up on Prince Albert.

Just notes: The Broncos' bench took two, too many men penalties during the game. Stepan Novotny served both of them...next action for Swift Current is Friday when they visit the Enmax Centrium to battle the Red Deer Rebels.

Pengrowth Saddledome

2010-03-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Broncos are ready for action at the Saddledome.

Matt Tassone, Dillon Wagner, and Adam Lowry will be scratched due to injury.

D Brody Luhning and call-up Josh Derko are going to be dressed.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Broncos Ice Pats

2010-03-02T20:49:00.001-08:00

The Swift Current Broncos got two goals from leading goal scorer Cody Eakin tonight en route to a 5-2 home ice win over the Regina Pats. The loss eliminated the Pats from contention for the final playoff spot in the WHL's eastern conference, and they'll miss the playoffs a second consecutive year.

The Broncos got 36 saves from G Morgan Clark for the win. He was magnificent.

*****

It ain't fun to tap out a game recap on BlackBerry. They're amazing but not for mass typing applications.

My computer will arrive back here by Thursday morning before I leave for Alberta...hopefully.

For a detailed recap of tonight's game: www.rodpedersen.com

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld

Wildcats Bow Out in Four

2010-03-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats were eliminated from the SFMAAAHL postseason with a lopsided 7-2 loss tonight in Regina. The loss ended the 2009-10 campaign for the Wildcats, who won game one of the first-round series but then lost three consecutive on the way to the end.

In her last game as a member of the team, Bailey Habscheid scored both goals, both times assisted by Jenna Smith and Megan French. Chelsie Lowe started in goal and allowed seven goals on 16 shots before being lifted in favour of Leanne Gerwing for period three.

No doubt it was another sad ending to another year in which the girls fought hard to a strong regular season record, only to be eliminated in the playoffs. Although they didn't make the final this time like the two years previous, the team pushed ahead with the talent they had to achieve their record of 16-9-2-1 and home ice advantage in the playoffs.

It's tough to lose like that but you have to give the other side due credit. The Regina Rebels were facing an uphill battle versus a Swift Current team with a lot of momentum heading into playoffs. They established a hard-nosed presence in game one however, and it was clear they were going to make it very difficult for the Wildcats. Despite losing game one by a tough score of 1-0, they won game two in Regina quite handily to tie the series. The turning point was the Wildcats' 1-0 home ice loss in game three. That turned the whole thing around. After game three here at home you could almost feel the air escaping from the balloon.

It's unfortunate, but real.

****

Personally I'd like to thank Wildcats head coach Terry Pavely and his assistant coaches as well as GM Clark McMillan. They presented me with a great opportunity....to do PA announcing and music for Wildcats' home games this year. For some games I couldn't be there due to other commitments but when I did attend, it was very very enjoyable.

Every year after a season of winning and development, girls graduate from this team to bigger and better things. This year the group graduating to various schools will include Shelby Nisbet, (Clarkson University) Bailey Habscheid, (St. Lawrence University) Chelsie Lowe, (SAIT) Nikki Connor, (Red Deer College) and Leanne Gerwing. (University of Lethbridge) It's an incredible organization and makes them better people. The girls were a tight-knit group this season as always. I'd like to thank them for their efforts and kindness.

As well thanks to the parents, the Wildcats' fans, and volunteers. Nothing is better than to gather post-game and during the intermissions with some of you and discuss hockey or whatever else pops up in conversation. We all deeply love the game for various reasons. I hope to see most of you again next year.

Monday...

2010-03-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

First things first...

BACKS AGAINST THE WALL

The Diamond Energy Wildcats are trailing their first-round best-of-five series versus Regina 2-1 and are looking to get a win in Regina tonight to extend their playoff run. Game time is 7:30 PM from Al Ritchie Arena.

******

A few quick notes...

Broncos' F Michael Stickland was named the BP's WHL PLayer of the Week today. He scored seven points the past two games as the Broncos beat Regina and Vancouver respectively. I think it's a fitting choice not just for the points, but because Stickland often flies under the radar. The Broncos have certainly had their ups and downs this year but he's a pretty consistent 20-year-old in my opinion. When he doesn't score points he usually makes up for it in other areas of the game.

Congrats Sticks.

****

I've not heard any updates regarding the injuries to Adam Lowry and Dillon Wagner on Saturday. The way Wagner left the ice looked ugly but that can be deceiving sometimes. And Lowry's a tough kid...maybe he was just banged up. Hopefully the boys pull through sooner rather than later. An excessive number of injuries at this time of year is not unfamiliar territory for the Swift Current Broncos. Note: See last season.

****

The Broncos will host the Pats tomorrow for the final meeting between the two clubs. It's virtually impossible for the Pats to make the playoffs at this point. They're nine points out with six games to go. Also, they've got Prince Albert to climb over before they can catch Swift Current in eighth. They're going to try and prolong their "playoff lives" if you will, for a few more days but barring a miracle that will be it.

They'll definitely want to wreck anything possible for Swift Current and revenge will be on their minds after Friday's 6-4 loss here in Swifty. So the injury riddled home team will have to play desperately. For the Broncos, tomorrow's game will be as critical as any have been so far this season.

Points count even if it's a Tuesday night game. Crowds have been disappointing lately especially for mid-week games. Come on out in support of your team tomorrow.

****

I'm planning to take Thursday / Friday off to spend the extended weekend in Alberta. I'll be watching the Broncos play in Calgary and Red Deer, and visiting friends. It's been a long time since I've had a mini holiday or have went on a road trip for that matter.

The scary part? I could be without a computer! I haven't undertaken ANY trip without a computer the past four years. It's almost like an addiction.

My Mac is working fine but needs to see a doctor for a couple of reasons. Of course it's all covered by Apple's great warranty so it's just a matter of getting it to Regina for a few hours. That might just happen via STC bus this weekend. I'll have my BB Tour though, so the blog should be updated frequently.

****

That's it for today...

Ciao.

2010-02-28T19:33:00.001-08:00

Quick Sunday Morning Post

2010-02-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

The Broncos put forth a courageous effort last night versus one of the top teams in the western conference and beat the Vancouver Giants 5-3. The win included the first goals of the year for D Joel Rogers and D Kyle Verdino. Jordan Peddle scored his second of the season in the third period while Brad Hoban and Cody Eakin added singles.

The Giants worked hard and had the lead for a lot of the game but perhaps showed some effects of being at the end of their long east division road trip. They uncharacteristically gave up two leads. In any case, the ride home will be a long one for the Giants who won three on their east division road swing and took losses in P.A., Moose Jaw and Swift Current.

The Broncos trailed in the third period of both games this weekend and managed to win both. That, especially versus Vancouver was something no one imagined them doing. The team needed some sort of momentous push here in the home stretch and they certainly got that the last couple of days. Hopefully the trend continues.

Swift Current lost two players to injury last night. Dillon Wagner (leg) left with the help of Trainer Jamie LeBlanc, and Adam Lowry (lower body) left in the third period. Matt Tassone and Reece Scarlett were not dressed due to injuries and should be back in about one week.

Regina is here again this Tuesday before the Broncos take off for Thursday/Friday games in Calgary/Red Deer.

****

The Regina Rebels beat the Diamond Energy Wildcats 1-0 yesterday afternoon in a hard-fought game at Fairview West Arena.

The win means the Rebels now have a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-five heading home to Regina for game four this Monday.

Hopefully the girls can open things up a bit and score some goals. Yesterday's game was very chippy and frustrating.

They'll have to dig deep come Monday.

Broncos Beat Pats Late

2010-02-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

  "The Pats found a way to lose this one."
  That's what the person in front of me said after tonight's 6-4 Swift Current Broncos win over the visiting Regina Pats.
  It couldn't be more true. The Bronco crowd was out of it when Jordan Eberle tallied his 43rd of the season to give the road team it's first lead early in the third. The goal followed what had been a great second half of the game for Regina which tied the game twice, once after trailing by two goals and once after trailing by one.
  For the Broncos and the onlookers, the game had almost taken on that dead feel of another close home ice loss. That was until Regina's Myles Bell took a penalty for hooking with just over five minutes to go. The Broncos tied the game 4-4 on the ensuing power play with Cody Eakin's 42nd of the year. Not two minutes later a sagging Pats team allowed them to set up deep again and Travis Bobbee scored what would be the game winner for the Broncos. Taylor Vause salted it late with the empty netter.
  To start the game, Swift Current came out with jump after a week off and lots of practice. They quickly defied their low power play odds by striking twice on the man advantage with goals from Michael Stickland (5-on-3) and Adam Lowry for an early 2-0 lead. Regina was really never in it during that first frame but Matt Strueby scored on a rush to cut the lead in half. In the second, the Pats tied it 2-2 with a 5-on-3 power play goal by Jordan Weal. Swift Current scored just minutes later, a hardworking goal by Michael Stickland to go up 3-2. The Pats though didn't go anywhere and tied the game again with a late one from Cass Mappin. The wild third period then proceeded.
  With the win the Broncos moved up three points on the ninth-place P.A. Raiders who lost 5-0 in Saskatoon tonight. The Pats meanwhile took their third consecutive loss and now have nine points and the Prince Albert Raiders sitting between them and a playoff spot with seven games remaining.
  The Broncos were still without F Matt Tassone (one more week?) and D Reece Scarlett. (wrist...approx. one more week) Rookie F Michael Hay was inserted tonight and played on the Blanke line. Otherwise, the Broncos shuffled their lines and tried some different combinations. Whatever the coaches did got them the win.

Final Power Play Numbers: Regina 1/6 Swift Current 3/7

Shots: Regina 29 Swift Current 37

*****

Yes, the Pats allowed them to creep back into it late but the Broncos also showed some resilience. Maybe it was the momentous push they needed to beat the hardworking Vancouver Giants team that'll be here tomorrow.

*****

Don't forget the Diamond Energy Wildcats and Regina Rebels resume their 1-1 series tomorrow!

Game time is 3:15 PM at Fairview West Arena.

*****

How about Team Canada? The Canadians almost blew a 3-0 lead but still won 3-2 over Slovakia tonight to advance to the gold medal showdown versus the United States this Sunday. Isn't it awesome that the three Saskatchewan boys on the team (Morrow, Marleau, Getzlaf) scored the goals in tonight's game?

GO CANADA GO!

Rebels Knot Series 1-1

2010-02-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

The Regina Rebels used home ice to down the Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats 5-2 and tied the first round series 1-1 in SFMAAAHL playoff action tonight.

The Wildcats, who won game one by a score of 1-0 on Tuesday, were in a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes and surrendered three goals in period three to take the road defeat. G Leanne Gerwing took the loss in goal making 19 saves. Shelby Nisbet and Jenna Smith scored for the Wildcats.

They'll try to redeem themselves this coming Saturday in game three of this best-of-five series. Game time is 3:15 PM at Fairview West Arena.

Wildcats Draw First Blood

2010-02-23T23:10:00.000-08:00

Wildcats lead best-of-five series 1-0.


Regina Rebels	@	Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats
0		1

SCORING	1	2	3	TOTAL
Regina Rebels	0	0	0	0
Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats	0	1	0	1

SHOTS	1	2	3	TOTAL
Regina Rebels	6	6	6	18
Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats	7	12	5	24

POWER PLAYS
Regina Rebels	0 for 4
Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats	1 for 6

GAME DETAILS
GAME DATE	Feb. 23, 2010
LOCATION	Fairview Arena
VENUE	West
START TIME	7:45PM
REFEREE 1	Tim Tisdale
REFEREE 2	-
LINESMAN 1	Warren Hale
LINESMAN 2	Mike Kozyn
SCOREKEEPER	Rick Lowe
ATTENDANCE	0

SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 1:52 (PP) - Kali Jamieson from Karrah Newkirk and Carley Bertram

PERIOD 3

No Scoring

PENALTY SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

Regina Rebels at 19:24 - Brooklyn Moskowy for Tripping (2 Min.)

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 9:08 - Jenna Smith for Tripping (2 Min.)

PERIOD 2

Regina Rebels at 17:57 - Tayler Kosloski for Hooking (2 Min.)

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 10:10 - Carley Bertram for Delay Of Game (2 Min.)

Regina Rebels at 5:34 - Tayler Kosloski for Interference (2 Min.)

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 3:26 - Kelsey Mastel for Roughing (2 Min.)

Regina Rebels at 3:26 - Nikki Watters-Matthes for Roughing (2 Min.)

Regina Rebels at 2:26 - Jenny MacKnight for Slashing (2 Min.)

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 1:40 - Leanne Gerwing for Slashing (2 Min.)

Regina Rebels at 0:19 - Andrea Ehrmantraut for Body Checking (2 Min.)

PERIOD 3

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 13:22 - Shelby Nisbet for Body Checking (2 Min.)

Regina Rebels at 13:22 - Nikki Watters-Matthes for Interference (2 Min.)

Regina Rebels at 8:24 - Melissa Folk for Hooking (2 Min.)

Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats at 7:51 - Nikki Connor for Hooking (2 Min.)

Win: G Leanne Gerwing 60 MP 18 SH 18 S

Loss: G Samantha Langford 59:30 MP 24 SH 23 S

********************

Another great story from the Wildcats......

The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats are proud to announce that five graduating players from the 2009-10 team have made commitments to attend the following schools next season:

Shelby Nisbet (Clarkson University)
Bailey Habscheid (St. Lawrence University)
Chelsie Lowe (SAIT)
Nikki Connor (Red Deer College)
Leanne Gerwing (University of Lethbridge)

Wildcats Start Playoffs

2010-02-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

The Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats will kick off their 2010 playoff run tonight. They'll face the Regina Rebels in round one.

The Wildcats finished the season third in the SFMAAHL with a record of 16-9-2-1, while Regina finished sixth with a 13-13-2-0 record.

Game time is 7:45 at Fairview West.

GO WILDCATS!!!

Postma Nets Three Goals and One Helper

2010-02-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

This just in....

Former Broncos/Hitmen defenseman Paul Postma, (left) who by the way is celebrating his 21st birthday today (Happy Birthday Paul!) scored three goals and one assist in the Chicago Wolves' 7-4 victory over San Antonio last night.

The Red Deer native is in his first year with the Atlanta Thrashers AHL farm club, the Chicago Wolves. In 41 games played he's scored nine goals and added eight assists.

Postma was part of a Calgary Hitmen squad last season that compiled a regular season record of 59-9-3-1 and went 12-0 in the first three rounds of playoffs before being beaten in the WHL final by the 2009 WHL champion Kelowna Rockets.

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Scroll down for Sunday blogging and recaps of Bronco and Legionnaire games.

Broncos Dealt Frustrating Home Ice Loss

2010-02-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Broncos lost 3-2 to the P.A. Raiders on home ice tonight. The loss was one of the most frustrating this season, given the fact that the Raiders were more determined and showed it with their play while for the most part, the Broncos did not. They opened the scoring on a first period goal from Michael Stickland and it went downhill from there. Cody Eakin played another spirited game and scored in the third to make it close at 3-2. The Broncos fourth line also generated some positive energy but was given little ice time.

Both sides got the puck to the net, and the result was a 47-40 shot total favoring the visitors. Broncos G Mark Friesen did everything possible to help his team win but the bad trend in the offensive zone continued for the Broncos. They were unable to connect on passes and win board battles.

P.A. deserves a lot of credit. They stuck to their abrasive game plan through thick and thin. It really frustrated the other side. The Raiders were a team coming off a momentous home ice victory over the Vancouver Giants last night. They could have used the fatigue excuse against a Bronco team with a day of rest but chose instead to come and give it all they had. They protected the front of their net exceptionally well and went to the dirty areas to chip the puck clear of danger. The Raiders scored two second period goals and took over the game that way.

The Broncos are now left in seventh place in the conference with P.A. one point behind (two games in hand) and Moose Jaw two points behind. (four games in hand)

Darby Speaks on Season

2010-02-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Swift Current Legionnaires head coach Regan Darby spoke today after the conclusion of his first full season as head coach.

Thanks to the Southwest Booster's sports guy, Steve Mah, who was kind enough to email the article.

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Long after being eliminated from the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League’s playoff picture, the Swift Current Home Hardware Legionnaires’ season quietly came to an end over the weekend as they wrapped up their regular season schedule, taking three of four points from the playoff-bound Saskatoon Blazers.

Saturday the Legionnaires fell 4-3 in overtime after a too many men penalty in the extra period led to a Logan Sproule powerplay goal with 1:42 left.

Dayton Reinboldt and Dyson Stevenson both had a goal and an assist in the overtime loss, while Reiley Grose added a single marker.

Brett Penner, Tanner Froese, and Austin Connor all added assists.

Lukas MacDonald made 29 saves on 33 shots in 63:18 minutes.

Sunday the Legionnaires got two goals and two assists from Stevenson in a 4-2 win over the Blazers. Trent Winzer added a goal and an assist, followed by a single goal from Colton Heffley. Brett Penner had two helpers, followed by singles from Blake McMillen and Connor.

MacDonald made 37 saves for his eighth win of the season as he finished with a 4.75 goals against average and a .880 save percentage.

The win left the Legionnaires with a season record of 15-26-1-2, 10 points back of the Blazers (19-20-4-1) for the final playoff spot in the SMAAAHL as they missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

“The kids played really good this weekend. Ever since we have been out of the playoffs they have been playing great. They could have packed it in and called it a year but they showed a lot of character playing out the year like they did,” said head coach Regan Darby.

“We have a great bunch of guys and we will have a lot of guys moving on and playing junior being successful. It is great getting to know a bunch of guys every year and I wish them luck in the future,” said Darby after his first full season as the Legionnaires’ head coach.

The Legionnaires playoff ambitions were derailed by nine consecutive losses to open the season as well as injuries to key contributors throughout the campaign.

“Getting off the way we did it is tough to come back from that and then the injuries killed us. You can use every excuse in the book but the bottom line is you have to win games and we didn’t do that right away and it hurt us,” admitted Darby.

Darby, who hopes to back behind the bench next season, says that going with young local players remains a strong option next season. He should have talent on the way as the Swift Current Kabos AA Bantam Raiders, coached by former Legionnaires coach Kent Woods, are among the province’s top teams and are a talented and hard working group that could have as many as five or six players selected in the upcoming Western Hockey League Bantam Draft according to some scouts.

“For sure we are definitely thinking about that but everything depends on who you get back. We definitely want to get some young guys in here and start building something here. Things definitely have to change, this organization needs to start winning and we are committed to doing that,” said Darby.