Dean Brockman's first move at the helm of the Swift Current Broncos saw him dip back into the Finnish pool.

The Broncos picked forward Joona Kiviniemi and defenceman Roope Pynnonen in the CHL Import Draft.

"It was a bit rushed," Brockman noted on his second day on the job. "Jamie Porter did an excellent job in helping and muddling our way through it. We're extremely happy to get the two guys we got today."



Getting two players from Finland is perhaps no surprise after recent success with the likes Aleksi Heponiemi, Julius Honka and Eetu Laurikinainen. 

"The success and the track record of Swift Current's imports has been outstanding," Brockman noted. "Where we were picking later in the draft we just felt really comfortable with the two kids we were getting. We hope to get a commitment from them coming over here. It sounds really positive and we're excited to get them."

With players entering their 17-year-old seaons the Broncos will be able to develop both players over time.

"Both players are younger players so they're going to grow with us," Brockman said. "They're actually three-year eligible guys. (Kiviniemi) can play down the left side or down the middle. He brings a skill-set we are going to need going forward. He plays more of a physical game than most Finns. Reports are that he's a well-rounded kid."

In the second round Swift Current got a defenceman who plays a modern style.

"(Pynnonen) is the kind of kid who can work your power play and play in a lot of different situations," Brockman said. "He's kind of the new generation of defenceman smaller in stature, but move the puck really well and can jump into the play."

Brockman is confident they have a good chance at bringing the two players in after chatting with their agents.

Picking two players doesn't mean the Broncos are closing the book on veteran defenceman Artyom Minulin who underwent shoulder surgery after the Memorial Cup. Minulin would be an overage player this season. If he's healthy and ready to return to Swift Current the Broncos are certainly interested in having him back as well.

"He is in the mix," Brockan noted. "When you've got the opportunity to pick two players and now some of the rules have traded where you can trade your first pick after December 15th you're crazy not to take the two. Minny is a big part of the team and a great defenceman. We've just got to wait for him and see what happens."

While Minulin may still return, Heponiemi has signed in Finland and won't be back in the WHL this fall.

Click here for Kiviniemi's Elite Hockey Prospects profile

Click here for Pynnonen's Elite Hockey Prospects profile