It's gameday for the Swift Current Broncos, as they welcome the Kootenay Ice to the Innovation Credit Union iPlex tonight for their third game in four days.

The Broncos are coming off a weekend that saw two of their newest additions record their first points in the southwest.


Forward Tyler Smithies recorded an assist on Sunday in a win over Brandon, in just his second game with the Broncos after coming over in the Alec Zawatsky trade.

After getting demoted to the AJHL from the Moose Jaw Warriors earlier this season, Smithies says it's great to be back in the WHL and with a fresh start.

"Yeah definitely just itching to get back in the league," he admitted. "I was keeping a close eye on everything, seeing what was going to happen, and finally happened and came to Swift."

Joining a rival at the trade deadline wasn't exactly a scenario Smithies envisioned.

"No not really, but I'm excited. They're known for working hard, and outworking other people, and I'm excited to join that."

The product of Beaumont, AB is into his second season at the WHL level, after playing 36 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors last season.

The 18-year-old said now is the time to elevate his game, drawing on past experiences gained.

"I think it's just that mentality just to work hard, and you learn from those older guys, especially the last few years. The older guys teach you a lot, you've just got to watch them. I think they taught me to work hard, and keep my head down."

Though a self-proclaimed two-way forward, Smithies noted he wants to see his game sharpen up inside the opponent's blueline.

"I think I've just got to work on the offensive zone mostly. I need to be able to put that puck in, and set other people up in the offensive zone, hold the puck without throwing it away. All the things like that, making sure I make hard plays."

In his 19-game stint in Moose Jaw, Smithies had two goals and an assist - all those points came in a November 18 game against the Kootenay Ice, a team he's set to face tonight.


Meanwhile, rookie Kye Buchanan recorded his first WHL point on Saturday against Seattle in just his second game since a call up from the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League's St. Albert Raiders.

Now that Buchanan has been a Bronco for ten days, he says he wouldn't trade away the opportunity he's been given, but is just grateful a WHL club gave him a chance."

"It feels like a great honour - it's pretty special, and wouldn't want to play on any other team," said Buchanan, relishing the experience of playing Major Junior hockey.

"Honestly it wouldn't matter what team - if any team asked me to play in the WHL, I'd love to, so that's pretty much the big thing... just being here."

Buchanan had noted before his WHL debut on January 9 against Red Deer that though confident in his ability, it was a big moment in his hockey career.

"I'm pretty nervous, not going to lie," he said prior to last Wednesday's game. "A lot is going through my mind actually - need to play my best, and keep it simple."

Buchanan hasn't needed much of a feeling-out process to already look comfortable in the WHL.

Without hesitation, the 6-foot-3, 187-pound rookie squared up 6-foot-5, 254-pound Baron Thompson this past Sunday, laying a hard hit on the physical Brandon Wheat Kings forward.

Buchanan and the Broncos host the Kootenay Ice shortly after 7 p.m., with the Robertson Family Group Broncos Hockey pregame show starting at 6:30, live on The Eagle 94.1.