Two fantastic games landed Tyler Steenbergen the WHL Player of the Week Award.

Steenbergen scored six times and had three assists in games against Regina and Brandon last week.

He combined with Glenn Gawdin and Aleksi Heponiemi for 24 points in those two games. The line picked up their chemistry where they left off after playing together last season.

“We took full advantage of it in these first three games building off of last year,” Steenbergen said. “We played together pretty much the whole second half. It was unbelievable getting (Gawdin) back. I thought he should have had a pro chance. It's awesome having him back and he's the juggernaut in our line and he's what gets us going. Heponiemi is an awesome playmaker. I can't thank them enough for getting me the puck and hopefully it keeps rolling this way.”

Steenbergen feels like that chemistry has transferred to much of the team as they've gotten off to a 3-0 start this season.

“The team mentality,” he noted. “All of us guys together are getting pretty close in the room. We're all tight knit. That's what happens in a small community like Swift I know in years past we've always been a tight group. I think it's shown it benefits us early in the season and hopefully we can keep things rolling.”

Steenbergen, Gawdin and Heponiemi have scored some highlight reel goals so far this season. It's something they have worked together on in a few different ways.

“Practice helps a lot,” Steenbergen said. “Getting a lot of line rushes in and just building off the chemistry off of last year. The three of us are always talking about plays we can make, drawing them up on the board and Manny is doing a great job setting up offensive plays in their end.”

The skilled plays stand out, but the line's main focus has been on quick puck retrieval.

“We all want to have the puck at all times,” Steenbergen said. “I think our pursuit of the puck is the biggest thing. The best way to play offence is to get it out of the defensive zone as quickly as possible. I worked on my strength a lot this system and going in those battles to get the puck out that's going to make a difference this year. We want to play defence first and the offence will provide for itself.”

Steenbergen, Gawdin and Heponiemi have combined with Colby Sissons and Artyom Minulin on a power play unit that is operating at 41.7% efficiency in the first three games of the season.

“Everyone on that unit is moving the puck well,” Steenbergen noted. “We're making bang/bang plays and trying to get the puck on net as quickly as possible. (Minulin and Sissons) are doing a great job finding room for (Heponiemi) when he has room on the wall. He's the guy that's going to be running our power play all year long. As long as we're giving him the room he's going to make plays.”

Steenbergen is coming off a 51 goal season that helped get him drafted by the Arizona Coyotes. He attended their development camp in the summer and main camp in in the fall.

“It was amazing getting drafted,” Steenbergen said. “Going to the camp and getting that experience with pro players it was unbelievable. Building into next year obviously that's where I want to make the job to pro. I'm going to have to prove myself this year.”

The strong start to his season could perhaps start conversations about Steenbergen making Team Canada for this year's World Junior Championship.

“That would be a goal of mine,” he said. “As long as I keep rolling and playing my game... I can't think of it too much. Whatever happens happens. I won't get frustrated by it. I've just got to play my game and things will work out for itself.”

Steenbergen follows Shaunavon's Kole Lind as the winner of the WHL Player of the Week Award this season. He will be nominated for the CHL Player of the Week.

The Broncos have a busy weekend ahead visiting Saskatoon on Friday, hosting Kootenay on Saturday and heading to Moose Jaw on Sunday. Saturday's game is Swift Current's home opener.