The Swift Current Broncos had a rough opening game to the 2021-22 Western Hockey League preseason on Friday.
The Broncos were outshot 49-15 in a 6-1 loss to the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors. The Warriors connected on three of seven power play opportunities, while the Broncos failed to score on their lone man-advantage.
The Warriors opened the scoring with goals from Kade Runke and Cade Hayes 43 seconds apart. Owen Pickering responded for the Broncos midway through the first period with a slick backhand goal with assists from veterans Braeden Lewis and Mathew Ward.
The Warriors broke the game open in the middle stanza with power play goals from Runke, Nathan Pilling, and Robert Baco. Pilling added his second goal of the game in the third period to close the scoring.
Joey Rocha took the loss with 43 saves on 49 shots. Brett Mirwald earned the win with 14 saves for the Warriors, who improved to 2-0 in the preseason.
The two teams will rematch on Saturday back in Moose Jaw.
