Tyler Steenbergen nets hat trick in Broncos Game 5 win over Pats

With the series tied 2-2, the Swift Current Broncos and the Regina Pats were in Swift Current for Game 5.

In spite of the loss on Wednesday in Regina, March 29th was a good day for the Broncos defenseman, Josh Anderson as he was officially signed to an entry-level contract by the Colorado Avalanche. He joins the talented group of Tyler Steenbergen (Arizona Coyotes), Glenn Gawdin (Calgary Flames), Beck Malenstyn (Washington Capitals), and Colby Sissons (New Jersey Devils) who have already signed with their NHL teams. That is tied for the most by any teams in the league (Portland).

Artyom Minulin returned to the lineup for the Broncos while Libor Hajek and Jesse Gabrielle sat this one out for the Pats. It seemed that neither of the teams wanted to ruin a good thing so Stuart Skinner returned to net for Swift Current while Ryan Kubic got the nod again for Regina. MaxPaddock- who started a majority of games for Regina as the season wound down – continues to be scratched.

Andrew Fyten (Andy Devlin)

It was quite clear that both teams came to win this game. Both Swift Current and Regina put all their effort on the ice to start the game. There were plenty of chances, and the patience by both teams proved fruitful at the end of 20 minutes. But it was the parade to the penalty boxes that stifled some plays for the penalized team. Matteo Gennaro took an early hooking penalty, but Stuart Skinner’s diving save kept the Broncos alive. Beck Malenstyn had a short-handed chance, but couldn’t hit the net. When the Pats’ Robbie Holmes got called for high-sticking, the Broncos spent most of their time in the Regina zone, but just couldn’t set themselves up in front of the Pats defence to get many shots on net.

During a penalty to Andrew Fyten for holding, the Pats capitalized after the puck deflected off a Broncos stick. Nick Henry notched the first goal of the game to give Regina a 1-0 lead. Swift Current would get that one back though after Regina took a too-many-men penalty that has seemed to plague them during this first round of playoffs. Colby Sissons took a shot, but it was Tyler Steenbergen that picked up the rebound and put Swift Current on the board to tie the game 1-1.

Another too-many-men penalty to Regina would put the nail in the coffin during the first 20 minutes. Tyler Steenbergen passed to Glenn Gawdin who buried it and gave the home team a 2-1 lead to end the first period. With shots on goal being 17-13 in favour of Regina, both teams had plenty of chances.

Tyler Steenbergen

Big hits and missed calls didn’t deter Swift Current from dominating the second period. For a full 20 minutes they put pressure on Regina and rarely let their foot off the gas. During another Pats penalty – this time for delay of game – Glenn Gawdin took a shot. Giorgio Estephan tried to pick up the rebound, but it was Tyler Steenbergen who was left alone in front of the net to slap it home, giving the Broncos a 3-1 lead. Not long after, Matteo Gennaro, from behind the Pats net, passed to Sahvan Khaira at the blue line. Khaira took his shot and the Broncos had a 4-1 lead.

There were plenty more chances for Swift Current including an Aleksi Heponiemi breakaway chance, and a shot by Beck Malenstyn but both wouldn’t hit the back of the net. It was deja vu for the home team as the Golden Boy from the World Juniors pulled out the Steenbergen magic again on a breakaway to earn a hat trick. The score was 5-1 for Swift Current after 40 minutes.

With a 5-1 Swift Current lead, the Pats put on some pressure. That pressure would pay off during a penalty to Swift Current’s Glenn Gawdin for charging and Regina would get back on the board again. Cameron Hebig took a shot that went off Nick Henry’s hand and into the Broncos net. With a score of 5-2 and Regina pressuring the home team, the Broncos were on the defensive again for the third period. Even though Swift Current had a few chances on the Regina net, nothing would come of it.

Josh Anderson (Andy Devlin)

In spite of Kubic making huge saves for Regina during Swift Current’s few chances, their power play ended and Kubic was switched out for Kyle Dumba. It was clear soon afterwards that Regina had a strategy. Dumba was a late add to the Regina playoff roster after playing two games with Everett and one with Kamloops earlier this year. The 19-year-old Dumba has now played for four teams in his WHL career, as he broke in with the Calgary Hitmen.

When Jake Leschyshyn drew a penalty against Matteo Gennaro for cross checking, the Pats went into action. Not only did they get a 5-on-4 advantage, but they sent Dumba to the bench for a 6-on-4. With about seven minutes left in the game, Regina pushed back against Swift Current but it wouldn’t be enough. The final score was 5-2 for Swift Current in Game 5.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Tyler Steenbergen is back on track. He got back to basics, bringing his magic to the ice again. During this entire series, he’s made good plays, right place at right time, taking shots on net.

Just when you think Regina is down and out, they dig deep and find some pressure to throw back in their opponent’s zone. They have a never-quit attitude that lends a hand to their skilled players and helps them win games.

This really is anyone’s series. It’s been back and forth through five games so far and now the teams will head back to Regina for Game 6 on Saturday, March 31st.