Broncos end losing streak against Oil Kings

Glenn Gawdin (left) and the Swift Current Broncos ended a four-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings Feb. 1. Southwest Booster photo by Steven Mah

The Swift Current Broncos ended their own four-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the slumping Edmonton Oil Kings Wednesday.

Tyler Steenbergen scored twice in the second period to help the Broncos hand the Oil Kings their 12th straight loss. Steenburgen, 18, is tied for second in the Western Hockey League with 37 goals in 51 games.

Brett Kemp had scored a power play goal for the Oil Kings in the first period. The Broncos responded with three second-period goals, beginning with a goal from Kaden Elder, his 11th of the season, banked off the skate of a defender to tie the game.

Aleksi Heponiemi scored an empty net goal to extend his 10-game point streak during a two-point outing. The rookie from Finland now has 21 points in his past 10 games and leads all WHL rookies with 64 points in 51 games.

Jordan Papirny made 23 saves for the Broncos to improve to 15-15-1-1. Patrick Dea stopped 38 of the 41 shots he faced to fall to 16-22-1-1.

Swift Current improved to 26-17-3-5, six points up on the Brandon Wheat Kings for third in the East Division, while Edmonton dropped to 18-29-3-1.

The Broncos will conclude a three-game home stand on Saturday when they host the Brandon Wheat Kings.