The Swift Current Broncos put up a valiant effort, but lost 3-2 to the visiting Red Deer Rebels on Tuesday.
The Broncos took the lead 1:56 into regulation when Carter Chorney a puck into the open net for his 11th goal of the season.
Dawson Barteaux tied the game midway through the period with a screened point shot on the power play.
Brandon Hagel put the Rebels ahead with his 23rd goal midway through the second period as the Rebels fired another 14 shots on net in the middle stanza.
The Broncos tied the game midway through the third period when Joona Kiviniemi notched his 11th goal of the season. Zak Smith collected a rebound minutes later and knocked home the game winning goal for the Rebels.
Broncos rookie Isaac Poulter, who promises to have an increased role following the trade of starter Joel Hofer, made 34 saves to fall to 2–8-0-0 for the Broncos. Byron Fancy earned the win with 21 saves to improve to 3-4-0-1 for the Rebels.
The Broncos fell to 8-29-2-1, while Red Deer improved to 23-13-2-1, three points back of Lethbridge for top spot in the Central Division.
The Broncos will pass the midway point of a seven-game home stand on Saturday when they host the Settle Thunderbirds.
