Canada/Russia series featured abundance of local connections

Tyler Steenbergen (left) STEVEN MAH/SOUTHWEST BOOSTER FILE PHOTO

The 2017 CIBC Canada/Russia Series stopped in Swift Current Tuesday for the second of six games between Canadian Hockey League all-star teams and the Russians.

Russia erased a 3-0 to defeat Team WHL 4-3, only one night after Team WHL had won 7-0 in Moose Jaw. Mikhail Maltsev scored the game winning goal while shorthanded midway through the third period for a stunning comeback win.

Swift Current Broncos defenseman Artyom Minulin played some important minutes for Russia in the win in his home rink.

Artyom Minulin (right) and teammate Tyler Steenbergen mixed it up during the Canada/Russia Series in Swift Current Nov. 7.
STEVEN MAH/SOUTHWEST BOOSTER

“I am so excited,” said Minulin. Second game we play much better than the first game. We work on some details last night and watch some video clips about WHL game and just figure out. I think we played better today and we want to beat them them more than they do.”

Despite the loss, Broncos forward Tyler Steenbergen relished the opportunity to suit up for Team WHL.

“It was unbelievable,” said Steenbergen. “Playing in front of the home crowd, it’s always a tonne of fun. Obviously it’s too bad we couldn’t get a win for them. Overall it was a great atmosphere and a great experience for myself.”

Broncos’ defenseman Colby Sissons was a late injury replacement for game two.

“Obviously it was just an honor to be on the ice with those guys at the same time and being here at home it was really nice.”

Shaunavon’s Kole Lind had a huge amount of support in the stands for a rare appearance in Swift Current where he played some of his minor hockey before joining the Kelowna Rockets.

“It definitely meant a lot to me. I had a lot of fun out there. It just didn’t turn out the way we wanted I thought,” said Lind.

Kole Lind