With a very hectic schedule to close out the regular season schedule, the Swift Current Broncos have called up some younger players to help take some of the load off their veterans before playoffs.

Forward Quinton Waitzner and goaltender Bailey Brkin joined the team last week after their seasons had ended on their other teams. This week the Broncos signed and called up forward Ethan Regnier who had led the Swift Current Midget AAA Home Hardware Legionnaires in scoring this season.

The Broncos signed Brkin in the fall after he had a strong training camp. Now he's looking forward to getting comfortable in the dressing room.

“I just hope to get to know the guys,” Brkin said. “Fit in, find my spot and get to know the junior routine in Swift Current. Maybe get some action.”

Brkin spent the season with the Calgary Mustangs of the AJHL. The Junior A club struggled throughout the year only winning eight games. That was taxing, but also ensured Brkin would see a lot of shots.

“Was a different type of experience than for most junior players,” Brkin said. “Only winning eight games was a bit rough, but it was a great group of guys and then just the on-ice development was insane compared to getting eighteen shots a game.”

Brkin's numbers steadily improved throughout the season and he finished with an 0.890 save percentage despite facing an average of well over 40 shots per game.

“The longer the season went there was more development,” Brkin said. “Just that led in to better play and better stats. (Improved) spacial awareness on the ice and just stopping the puck in general.”

Waitzner spent the season Saanich Braves of the Vancouver Island Junior League.

“It's been a good year,” Waitzner said. “I had a good development year and I'm just excited to be back.”

The VIJHL features mostly older players and gave the 16-year-old a chance to learn how to play against men.

“It's nice to play against older people,” Waitzner said. “There's nine 20-year-olds allowed on each team. There's a lot of older talent an some big bodies out there. It was nice to play against some tougher guys and I think it helped me develop a lot this year.”

At 6'4 and nearly 200lbs Waitzer can bring a physical game. He also feels like his skills improved throughout this season. He had 9 points and 90 penalty minutes in 39 games.

“I think I'm smarter with the puck,” Waitzner said. “I can move around a little better. My stick skills have improved a little bit. It's made my confidence grow.”

Swift Current's 9th round draft pick in the 2015 bantam draft has now played a couple WHL games and is enjoying the experience with the Broncos.

“It's a learning curve,” Waitzer said. “I'm coming here trying to make an impression and show who I am. I realize I won't get much ice, but it's mainly the learning I'm coming here to do.”

Regnier had 54 points in 44 games for the Legionnaires this season under former Broncos associate coach Darren Evjen. He was Swift Current's 11th round draft pick in 2015.

“Regnier had an outstanding season for the Legionnaires and we’re excited to see what he can bring our hockey club into the future,” said Broncos Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Manny Viveiros to scbroncos.com. “He will likely receive playing time these last few games down the stretch so we can get an early look at his skill set.”

The Broncos had also called up forward MacKenzie Wight from the BCHL a few weeks ago.

Swift Current visits Brandon tonight, Regina tomorrow and then plays a home-and-home with Moose Jaw on the weekend. They will then face the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

Tickets are now on sale for playoff games at the Stable.

You can listen to tonight's game on The Eagle 94.1 FM with Robertson Family Group Broncos Hockey at 5:30pm.