The Swift Current Broncos ended the playoff hopes of the Calgary Hitmen with an eventful 7-6 win on home ice on Friday.
The Broncos, who had already clinched the East Division banner, outscored the Hitmen 5-4 in the third period for their 40th win of the season. The Broncos finished the season with a 25-5-3-1 record at home.
Rylan Gould led the Broncos with two goals, while Connor Gabriel, Ty Coupland, Jakub Dvorak, Clarke Caswell, and Connor Geekie all scored for the Broncos. Brady Birnie had three assists, while Caleb Wyrostok and Mathew Ward both had two-assist outings. Joey Rocha made 41 saves in the win.
Carson Wetch scored twice for the Hitmen, while Reese Hamilton, Ethan Moore, Carter Yakemchuk, and Brandon Gorzynski also tallied. Ethan Buenaventura took the loss with 24 saves.
The Broncos improved to 40-21–4-2, while Calgary fell to 27-31-8-1 to miss the playoffs.
The Broncos will visit the Hitmen on Saturday to conclude the regular season.
The Broncos will face the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the opening round of the playoffs, beginning next Friday and Saturday in Swift Current.
