Aleksi Heponiemi had a four-point night in his return from World Juniors as the Swift Current Broncos beat Red Deer 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.

Matteo Gennaro and Artyom Minulin each scored twice. Colby Sissons had three assists and Glenn Gawdin added two.

The Broncos took a 4-1 lead after the first period and really cruised the rest of the way.

“We took it to them early on in the game,” Sissons said. “It set the pace for a nice game where we could get our whole lineup throughout the night.”

Swift Current's power play was clicking in the game as they went 4 for 6 on the man advantage.

“Getting (Heponiemi) back is obviously a huge factor on our power play,” Sissons said. “He creates so much out there. I feel more comfortable.”

Heponiemi led the WHL in points before leaving for World Juniors. He's now tied for Gawdin with third after his four-point effort today.

“He creates space,” said Broncos associate coach Ryan Smith. “He sees holes that other guys don't. With him and (Artyom Minulin) coming back in the last couple days it really makes a difference to our team.”

Joel Hofer made 19 saves as the Broncos earned seven of a possible eight points while playing four games in five days.

Gennaro now has two goals in three straight games. He is picking up in January just as he did last season. Gennaro had 20 goals in January 2017 and 7 so far in January 2018.

Tyler Steenbergen was still out of the lineup for Swift Current as the Broncos gave him a break following Canada's gold medal win at World Juniors. The golden goal scorer had his 20th birthday on Sunday as well.

Swift Current now sits 29-10-2-0 and eight points back of Moose Jaw for the best record in the league.

They are off until they visit Prince Albert on Friday and then they are back in action on Saturday when they host Edmonton. 

Kids from around southwest Saskatchewan were welcomed to the ice post-game at the Innovation Credit Union iPlex to skate with the Broncos. Visit the photo gallery here.