A few bad minutes cost the Swift Current Broncos the game in a 3-2 loss to the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors Saturday. One night after a wild 7-6 overtime victory in Moose Jaw, the Broncos fell behind 3-0 in the first period and never fully recovered in front of 2,679 fans at the Innovation Credit Union iplex.
The Warriors broke the game open in the first period with goals from Tanner Jeannot, Jayden Halbgewachs, and Luka Burzan over a 2:14 span. Broncos starter Logan Flodell was chased from the game after allowing three goals on 10 shots over 12:46.
“I think we probably lost this game in the first period,” said forward Matteo Gennaro, who made his home debut with the Broncos after being acquired from the Calgary Hitmen. “We didn’t really come out with the start we wanted and they got three quick goals. That is definitely not a recipe for success against a team like that.”
The Broncos responded with a far better effort in the second period and were rewarded with numerous power play opportunities. They scored twice on a four-minute power play when Tyler Steenbergen launched the teddy bear toss and then Glenn Gawdin added a goal after a lengthy delay.
Steenbergen never returned to the game after scoring his league leading 35th goal of the season.
The Broncos put another 10 shots on net in the third period but were unable to beat Evanoff again.
Flodell dropped to 17–5-2-0. Joel Hofer played the final 45:15 and stopped all 19 shots he faced. Warriors’ backup Adam Evanoff improved to 5-0-0-0 this season with 28 saves on 30 shots.
The Broncos dropped to 19–6-2-0, four points behind Moose Jaw, who improved to 21-5-1-1, for top spot in the East Division.
The Broncos are back at home Tuesday against the Prince Albert Raiders.
