VIGR RECAP: BRONCOS 2 PATS 1 (S.C. LEADS SERIES 2-1)

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SWIFT CURRENT – Swift Current Broncos defenceman Colby Sissons slapped home the game-winning goal at 1:46 of overtime Monday night to send the crowd of 2,890 at the Innovation Credit Union I-plex into an absolute mad house of excitement as the Broncos downed the Regina Pats 2-1.

The victory gave the Broncos a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Semifinal with Regina.

The opening frame Monday night had everything hockey fans could ask for including scoring chances, physical play and terrific saves as the Pats and Broncos demonstrated what it takes to play at this level. Shots on goal were 14-12 in favour of Regina but both the Broncos Jordan Papirny and the Pats Tyler Brown were brick walls in their respective creases.

Period number two saw the clubs trade goals just 2:07 apart. First, it was Dawson Leedahl that potted in a sweeping rebound off an offensive zone faceoff to give the Pats a 1-0 lead.

Conner Chaulk quickly responded for the Broncos to immediately tie this game up at 1-1. The product of Regina, SK skated hard to the net and got a shot off by the Pats Brown while getting hooked at the same time, drawing a penalty as the Broncos were already on a man advantage.

In the third period, the Broncos had two more power play chances as Connor Hobbs and Austin Wagner each drew minor penalties but Swift Current could not capitalize. The game was very much evenly played and overtime was needed to determine a winner in what became a classic hockey game.

In overtime, New Jersey Devils prospect Colby Sissons went end-to-end and fired a hard slap shot from the blue line through the five hole of Brown to send the Broncos to the incredible 2-1 win.

Papirny was spectacular once again, backstopping 33 shots while Brown played well with 31 saves for the Pats.

The Pats were playing without captain Adam Brooks who was injured in Friday’s Game 2 and has yet to return to the series.

Shots on goal were 34-33 in favour of Regina. Swift Current capitalized once on four power play tries while fending off Regina on both of their man advantages.

Game 4 is slated for Tuesday, April 11th at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm MT on 620 CKRM and Access 7/Shaw.

(With files from Brad Trojan/SCBroncos.com)