Swift Current learns from the past

The Swift Current Broncos had a lot of time to contemplate how close they came to reaching last year’s Eastern Conference final.

After going the full seven games in a second-round WHL playoff loss to the Regina Pats, Swift Current’s road to redemption began this year with a first-round triumph over the Pats, who lost 3-2 in Game 7.

That experience served the Broncos well Monday when they pounded the Moose Jaw Warriors 6-0 in Game 7 of their secondround series, advancing to the conference final for the first time since 2001.

“Most of the guys in that room have been in a Game 7 (before this year),” said Broncos captain Glenn Gawdin, whose team has gone the distance in four straight playoff series dating back to last year’s firstround win over Moose Jaw.

“For the guys who were on the team last year, we knew both sides — obviously winning one and losing one. That was motivation for us, just to kind of bounce back because we did lose in Game 7 of the second round.”

Swift Current’s determination showed against the Warriors, who presented a different challenge than Regina.

“Every series has its own story,” said Broncos head coach Manny Viveiros. “We knew it was going to be a hard-fought series against a (Moose Jaw) team that can score. But from a physical point of view, I thought that first series against Regina was a lot more physical compared to this one.”

The next challenge is the Lethbridge Hurricanes, who advanced through a weaker Central Division.

The Broncos expect to stack up well, “especially going through the two teams that we went through,” said goalie Stuart Skinner. “Obviously Regina is an unbelievable team. It was nice to beat those guys and obviously Moose Jaw, who’s ranked second in all of Canada.”

gharder@postmedia.com