A big night for the southwest at Game 1 of the 2017 CIBC Canada-Russia Series at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, and with Hockey Canada's head scout of their World Junior program, Brad McEwen - former head coach and general manager of the Swift Current Broncos - in attendance.

In a 7-0 Team WHL win over the Russian side, Shaunavon native and Kelowna Rockets forward Kole Lind scored two goals, including the opener in the top right corner over Russian goaltender Vladislav Sukhachev.

The 2017 2nd-round NHL draft selection of the Vancouver Canucks (33rd overall) also added an assist for a three-point night, while fellow 2017 draft selection (5th-round, 128th overall) and Swift Current Broncos forward Tyler Steenbergen scored in the final minute of the second period in the win. 

"I thought we came out with a lot of energy, obviously we'll take a 7-0 win any day, and I thought the guys played well," said Steenbergen, who added the short time-frame trying to build a connection was a hurdle that was easily leapt over. "We don't have a lot of time to get to know each other, but I think we did a really good job of building some chemistry out there tonight."

Of course, according to Steenbergen, playing on Team WHL's top line with Regina Pats captain Sam Steel and Kelowna Rockets captain Dillon Dube aided in his own productive night.

"I thought I played pretty well. My linemates were great out there tonight, and I give a lot of credit to them," he said. "I thought I managed my speed well and got into good positions for scoring chances, and I thought overall our team played a really good game."

Despite the comfortable win, it was actually the Russians who came out with the best set of chances early in the first period, but their relentless pace perhaps was playing right into the Canadians' hands.

"I think they want to be a little bit more of a run-and-gun team so I think that's kind of how we wanted it because we're definitely a really fast team too, and it definitely showed tonight," Lind said.

Shortly after a few near misses by the Russians, Lind scored 6:30 into the game - the eventual game-winning goal.

Everett Silvertips goalie Carter Hart shone in the win, stopping all 20 shots for the shutout.

Ahead of tonight's game in Swift Current, the Shaunavon-born forward says he expects a strong response from the Russians.

"We tried in the third period to try and get some momentum to carry on into tomorrow night, but it's a new hockey game tomorrow and there are new challenges so we'll see how that goes," Lind said.

It may be a bit more of a home-ice advantage for Steenbergen, however, as Lind hasn't played hockey for a southwest-based team since the 2012-13 season where he was selected by Kelowna in the WHL Bantam draft.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," Steenbergen said. "Playing in my home team's barn in Swift Current is going to be loud and it's going to be a great atmosphere there, I know the fans really well and it's going to be a lot of fun tomorrow night."

Nonetheless, expect a loud and passionate Shaunavon contingent, including family and friends, cheering on the lone Saskatchewan-born player on Team WHL tonight at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex.

Puck drop in the second and final game between Team WHL and Team Russia, including Broncos' defenceman Artyom Minulin, is 7 p.m.