Broncos fall in preseason opener

The Swift Current Broncos opened the 2018 Western Hockey League preseason with a 4-1 loss to the host Regina Pats on Friday.

The Broncos allowed the only goal of the opening period when veteran Scott Mahavlich scored on the power play.

Sergei Alkhimov scored early in the second period to give the Pats a 2-0 lead.

Veteran MacKenzie Wight scored with 35 seconds left in the second period to get the Broncos on the board.

Carter Massier and Austin Pratt both scored for the Pats in the third period to clinch the win.

Jordan Fairlie made 32 saves in a losing cause for the Broncos. Carter Woodside and Matthew Pesenti each made 11 saves while sharing the win.

The Broncos failed to score on six power play opportunities, while the Pats were one-for-five with the man-advantage.

The Broncos will face the Saskatoon Blades on Saturday afternoon in Regina.