The Swift Current Southwest Sports Excellence Broncos lost the opening game of their second-round playoff series 2-1 to the host Estevan Bruins on Wednesday.
Juris Busse scored the only goal with assists from Rhett Steel and Tysen Kobley. Conner Bender made 33 saves on 35 shots.
Tristan Brownridge and Riley Gigian scored for the Bruins. Jaxon Kuchinka made 31 saves.
The Broncos were third in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AA Hockey League South Sask Division with an 18-9-2-3 record, one point behind Estevan.
Game two of the best-of-three series will be Saturday at 4 p.m. in Cabri.
