The Swift Current Broncos dropped their second straight game to open the 2018 Western Hockey League preseason with a 3-1 loss to the Saskatoon Blades on Saturday afternoon.
The Broncos were outshot 37-21, but got 34 saves from veteran Joel Hofer to stay in the contest.
Veteran Ethan Regnier scored the only goal while shorthanded in the second period in a losing cause.
The Blades scored in each period with goals from Josh Paterson, Eric Florchuk, and Emil Malysjev.
The Blades finished one-for-seven on the power play, while the Broncos were unable to capitalize on any of their six man-advantages.
The Broncos are now off for almost two weeks until they visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Sept. 14. They will conclude the preseason the following day when they host the Hurricanes.
