Broncos Defeat Blades

A 43-save performance by netminder Eetu Laurikainen led the Broncos to a 2-1 victory over the Memorial Cup hosts Saskatoon Blades Friday night.

Lukas Sutter would open the scoring under the five minute mark of the opening frame to give the Blades an early lead.  But, Levi Bews would retaliate seconds later on his fifth of the season to tie the game up at one.  

The game would remain tied until roughly the six minute mark of the final frame as Graham Black would give the Broncos their first lead of the night at a crucial point in the game.  The Blades would pull netminder Andrey Makarov with under two minutes to go in regulation in hopes of evening the score, but the Broncos continued their full team effort denying the Blades any scoring chances and resulting in a 2-1 final.

The Broncos were outshot 44-28 and went 0 for 3 on the man advantage.

UP NEXT:  The Swift Current Broncos host the Tri-City Americans Saturday night.  Then, the Broncos travel to Prince Albert,SK to battle the Raiders on Sunday evening.

BRONCO BANTER:

Richard Nedomlel played his 150th game of his WHL career.

Brent Benson played his first WHL game as a Bronco.

Eetu Laurikainen stopped 43 of 44 shots for the win, improving his record to 5-2-2-1.

3 STARS:

3) Lukas Sutter (SAS)

2) Chance Lund (SC)

1) Eetu Laurikainen (SC)

Hardest Working Bronco: Brent Benson 

WHL OFFICIAL SCORING SUMMARY