Walking into the arena for the first hockey game in Swift Current since the Humboldt Broncos bus accident, the setting was hushed and the people were somber. The lights went down, the crowd quieted, and the in-house PA system solemnly announced the tribute to the Humboldt Broncos as the players stood on their blue lines.
It was a tough moment, remembering back to 1986 when the Swift Current Broncos went through their own bus crash that took the lives of four of their players. For those who were there in 1986, it was especially hard. They went through the loss, the heartache, and the emptiness, so they have a good idea as to what the families, staff, players, and everyone else affected by this tragedy are currently going through. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the tragedy at this tough time.
But, just as in 1986, the Swift Current Broncos played on in memory of those who stayed in their minds and hearts throughout this ordeal.
Moose Jaw came on strong early in the first period, capitalizing on every tiny mistake Swift Current made. And there weren’t many mistakes made by either team. The Warriors absorbed every hit thrown by the Broncos and they won plenty of puck battles against the boards. A boarding penalty on Josh Brook would give the home team an early man-advantage. With Glenn Gawdin planted in front of the Moose Jaw net, Giorgio Estephan passed to Aleksi Heponiemi who threw it out front to Gawdin. Swift Current was up 1-0 midway through the period. After an interesting non-call on a hit-from-behind call by the visitors, Moose Jaw would get their chance. Brayden Burke buried the puck against Stuart Skinner to tie the game 1-1. Cross-checking calls against Tanner Jeannot and Colby Sissons in front of Skinner would end the period with one minute remaining in the penalties.
Swift Current opened the middle frame with some pressure on the Moose Jaw net at the tail end of the 4-on-4, however when the penalties ended, the Warriors pushed back. Sahvan Khaira took a cross-checking penalty and Moose Jaw’s Brett Howden would capitalize on the ensuing power play opportunity. The Warriors had a 2-1 lead. When Kale Clague took a holding penalty, Swift Current would tie the game with a goal from Matteo Gennaro on a pass from Beck Malenstyn. But the Broncos didn’t stop there. After a great play by Sissons, Artyom Minulin would get his stick on the puck and bury it, giving Swift Current a 3-2 advantage. A scary moment at the end of the period sent Brett Howden to the bench after being hurt behind his net and taking a moment to carry himself off the ice. He didn’t leave the game, but the trainer attended to him for the rest of the second. The score was 3-2 in favour of Swift Current heading into the final 20 minutes.
Brett Howden returned to the ice in the third period. Swift Current tested Brody Willms early as Beck Malenstyn would get an good chance on net, but it didn’t amount to anything. That would be the only shot for the home team until much later in the period. Kale Clague would pressure Stuart Skinner in the Broncos end and it paid off. Clague took a shot that was tipped in by Brayden Burke. The score was tied 3-3. In spite of power plays for both teams, this game would not be solved in regulation and was sent to overtime. It was not to be on home ice for the Swift Current Broncos as Brett Howden would find retribution at the back of the Broncos net after a nifty pass from Tanner Jeannot. Moose Jaw Warriors took Game 3 in Swift Current, 4-3 in overtime. Brody Willms made 20 saves on 23 shots while Stuart Skinner saved 27 of 31 shots.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kale Clague and Jett Woo were easily the strongest defensive pairing for Moose Jaw in this game, while the Broncos Artyom Minulin had his best game of the playoffs. Kaden Elder, again, was a solid, consistent player who impacted this game with his forechecking and big hits. These two teams are so evenly matched that it would be surprising of this did not go a full seven games. Their board battles, hits, face-offs, depth, and goaltending set the stage for aremarkable and lengthy matchup.
The Moose Jaw Warriors now lead this series 2-1 against the Swift Current Broncos. And the next game will take place on Wednesday, April 11 in Swift Current.
