The Swift Current Broncos got back into their opening round playoff series with a 5-4 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers. Carlin Dezainde scored a hat trick and Connor Dale scored a late goal for the Broncos’ first win of the best-of-seven series after dropping games one and two in Medicine Hat over the weekend.
“It feels really good,” said Dale. “It was definitely a must win. They are going to have to play again in our barn tomorrow, so we’ll see what we can do.”
“It was huge,” said Dale of the sold out crowd of 2,890 at the InnovationPlex. “I think we found it hard to play because it was so loud in here. It was really good.”
The Broncos fell behind for a third straight game when Bryce Pickford scored from in tight, his third goal of the series. The Broncos responded 49 seconds later when Trae Wilke scored on an innocent looking wrist shot in his first appearance in the series. The Broncos took their first lead of the series minutes later when Dezainde scored his first goal of the post-season.
The two teams combined for four goals in the second period, beginning with a Josh Van Mulligen goal 5:16 into the period. Dezainde replied with his second goal of the game and then added a power play goal to complete his hat trick only 28:10 into the game. The Tigers replied with a shorthanded goal from Hunter St. Martin for a 4-3 Bronco lead after two periods.
The Tigers tied the game midway through the third period when Oasiz Wiesblatt one-timed a centering feed home for his sixth goal of the playoffs. The Tigers had a chance to win the game with 4:08 remaining, but Reid Dyck stopped Misha Volotovski on a penalty shot. The Broncos responded 18 seconds later when Dale outraced Tanner Molendyk and scored on a backhand deke.
“I got a nice stretch pass there from [Peyton] Kettles. I just took it to the net, fake shot, backhand, scored,” said Dale.
Reid Dyck earned his first win of the series with 31 saves on 35 shots.
Harrison Meneghin lasted only 28:10 as he allowed four goals on 11 shots. Jordan Switzer made 14 saves on 15 shots over the final 30:11.
Game four will be Wednesday in Swift Current.
Bronco Bits: Rookie forward Sawyer Dingman was suspended one game for a gesture during game two in Medicine Hat. 2024 first round pick Carter Moen made his home debut for the Broncos. He had played two road games in the regular season and game two in Medicine Hat.
