The Swift Current Broncos were shutout 3-0 by the visiting Saskatoon Blades on Friday, but still managed to clinch an Eastern Conference playoff spot when the Prince Albert Raiders defeated the Red Deer Rebels.
The Blades led in the first period on a Jack Kachkowski goal. Hunter Laing added a power play goal in the third period. Cooper Williams scored into an empty net in the final minute to close the scoring in front of 2,535 fans at the InnovationPlex.
Joey Rocha took the loss with 24 saves on 26 shots. Evan Gardner made 22 saves for his second shutout of the season.
The Blades moved into fifth place with a 35-22-3-4 record. Swift Current fell to 33-28-1-2 as they lost a third straight game.
The Broncos will visit the Regina Pats on Saturday and again on Tuesday.
