Russia scored four unanswered goals to erase a 3-0 deficit and beat Team WHL in the second game of the CIBC Canada/Russia series in front of a sold out crowd in Swift Current tonight.

The teams split a two game set this week after Team WHL beat Russia 7-0 on Monday.

“I didn't think we had the same jump we had last night,” said Swift Current Broncos head coach and Team WHL assistant coach Manny Viveiros. “We got off to a 3-0 lead which was maybe misconstrued as far as the way the game was going. Probably we got a little bit comfortable and they came hard. We knew they were going to come harder and they were very good tonight. They came with pressure and forced us into mistakes. Obviously it's unfortunate we lost tonight, but a lot of positives in these two games.”

It was a fun night for Broncos defenceman Artyom Minulin who suited up for Team Russia.

“I'm so excited,” Minulin said. “Second game we played much better than the first game. We worked on some details last night and watched some video clips of the WHL game. I think we were way better today and wanted to beat them more than they did.”

All three WHL goals came on the power play and Minulin felt the Russians significantly improved their 5 on 5 defensive play.

“I think we just played tight in d-zone,” Minulin said. “Stronger and physical today.”

Team WHL struck quickly on an early power play when Dillon Dube scored 1:27 into the game. The tone of the period changed quickly thanks to several WHL penalties including a Tanner Kaspick game misconduct for a check to the head.”

“They kind of took it to us in the first period even though we had the lead,” said Kelowna Rockets forward and Shaunavon native Kole Lind. “Then they got a couple bounces and just like that they had a lead. I think we took our lead a little for granted there and we couldn't get anything going on their goalie.”

The WHL extended their lead with two David Quenneville power play goals in the second period. Swift Current Broncos forward Tyler Steenbergen was on the ice for all three WHL goals despite not factoring in with any points. He felt good about how their man advantage was moving the puck.

“I think we just had good puck movement,” Steenbergen said. “We didn't do as well in the first game. We made some adjustments and we knew what they were going to do. We wanted to get pucks to the net and that's what we did.”

It was a special night for the 19-year-old sniper despite the loss.

“It was unbelievable,” Steenbergen said. “Playing in front of the home crowd is always a ton of a fun. Obviously it's too bad we couldn't get a win for them, but overall it was a great atmosphere and a great experience for myself. When I'm playing I don't hear much out there but obviously I knew they were behind me the whole time... right from when my name was announced and there was a pretty loud cheer and it was nice to hear that.”

New Jersey Devils prospect Mikhail Maltsev scored his first of two goals on the night beating WHL goaltender Stuart Skinner late in the second period to give the Russians their first goal of the series and some life in the game.

Skinner made 29 saves on 33 Russian shots, while Mikhail Berdin made 29 saves to earn the win.

Russia kept building in the third period as Artyom Maltsev and Andrey Altybaramakyan scored at even strength to tie the game. Mikhail Maltsev's second of the game came on a wicked bounce while Team WHL was on the power play to give Russia their first lead.

“Lots of guys have played a lot of games the last few days around the league,” said Broncos and Team WHL defenceman Colby Sissons. “They got us on our heels and they got some momentum. We had some chances late, but I think we let off a little too long.”

Sissons was a late addition to the roster after an injury to Regina Pats defenceman Josh Mahura in the first game of the series.

“I got the nod last night to maybe be ready to play and found out early this morning,” Sissons said. “Obviously it was just an honour to be on the ice with those guys at the same time and being here at home it was really nice.. I tried to get my feet wet just to start. Maybe a little bit of a rough start, but I worked my way into it.”

The Russian victory gives Minulin some bragging rights against his Broncos teammates.

“It's a good feeling to play against your teammates and kind of fun,” Minulin said. “We'll be talking about these games maybe a long time after.”

It was the second straight year for Minulin playing on Team Russia in the CIBC Canada/Russia series. He felt the second game was a good rebound for him as he tries to win a spot on their World Junior roster. He had four shots on net and an even plus/minus.

“I can't say anything about the first game,” Minulin said. “But I think I played pretty good the second game. The whole team played good and we won.”

Everyone on the ice in the games was gunning to make an impression with their respective countries.

“I think it went pretty well,” Steenbergen said. “I thought I moved my feet pretty decently. It would have been nice to get a couple more tonight, but I can't do anything about it now. It's in their hands. I thought I did my best and we'll see what happens.”

For Lind it was a chance to make that push while also playing in front of friends and family from Shaunavon who made it to the rink.

“It meant a lot,” Lind said. “I had a lot of fun it just didn't turn out the way we wanted... they're just little steps towards my goal this year and that's obviously at Christmas time I want to be playing for Canada.”

Lind did himself a big favour with two goals and an assist in the first game on Monday with all the Hockey Canada brass watching on. He was held pointless in the second game and got denied on a penalty shot.

“I thought Lind was really good last night,” said Program of Excellence Head Scout Brad McEwan. “Tonight was a little bit of a different game and probably not as productive, but Kole has real skill and everyone is looking for skill. Steenbergen I thought was pretty consistent both nights. When we go back and assess these two games we'll look at what his skill set is at this level and see if it's something that we could use.”

Whether Steenbergen, Sissons or Minulin make their World Junior rosters or not this game is still an learning tool they can take with them.

“Great experience for them to have an opportunity to play at an even higher level,” Viveiros said. “I thought Colby played very well tonight and I thought Tyler played very well also again tonight. It was a chance for both those kids to showcase themselves with Hockey Canada and hopefully get an opportunity get invited back to main camp.”

(Minulin) was an enemy for a couple days here but I thought he played very well too. I hope the kids coming back this week can bring that level and that tempo and speed from these last couple games here. I thought he was very good.”

It wasn't a bad learning experience for the coach either coaching beside Moose Jaw Warriors coach Tim Hunter and Regina Pats coach John Paddock on the Team WHL bench.

“A lot of fun having an opportunity to work with a couple rivals that you are trying to compete against on a weekly basis,” Viveiros noted. “They are really fine gentlemen and really smart hockey men. The experience I will take from this is nothing but positive and also an opportunity to learn.”

Swift Current's coach was impressed by both the fans and the presentation of the game as well.

“It was real special tonight seeing our rink was full,” Viveiros said. “Our fans, the WHL and the CHL were working together for a long time and they put on a great show tonight.”

“It was outstanding,” added McEwan, a former Broncos coach and GM. “The crowd was good, it was good energy and it was a real good event here. The community and the Broncos should be proud of the hosting. It was outstanding.”

Perhaps no one was enjoying it all as much as Minulin who got to enjoy the home atmosphere and the win.

“I love Swift Current,” Minulin said. “Unbelievable city and unbelievable crowd.”

The Broncos are back to regular season WHL action on Friday in Saskatoon before hosting Lethbridge on Saturday.

The CIBC Canada/Russia series continues with Russia vs. Team OHL on Thursday in Owen Sound, Ontario.

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