Blades collapse facing Broncos in Swift Current

The way the Saskatoon Blades started the game, it looked like they were going to roll right over the host Swift Current Broncos.

The Broncos had other ideas, coming back from 3-0 and 4-1 deficits to defeat the Blades 6-5 on a late goal.

Saskatoon was up 2-0 just 1: 18 into the game after markers by Ryan Graham and Graham Millar. Graham added to their lead with a goal midway through the first that chased Bronco starting goaltender Eetu Laurikainen, who had made five saves on eight shots.

Former Blade Nathan Burns got the Broncos to within two in the first but the Blades started the second with another quick goal. MacKenzie Johnston lit the lamp just 24 seconds into the frame.

Lapses the rest of the way in the second period cost the Blades the game. Within a seven-minute stretch, Swift Current scored four goals. Jay Merkley, Glenn Gawdin, Graham Black and Jake DeBrusk all had markers for the Broncos, who led 5-4 after two.

Following their pattern at the start of every period, the Blades again scored quickly to tie it. Cory Millette put one away just 10 seconds into the third. However Jordan Thomson took a holding penalty for the Blades late in the third and the Broncos made them pay with a Colby Cave goal with just 21 seconds remaining.

Landon Bow picked up the win, making 17 saves in 48:31 of action while 16-year-old Brandon Kegler had 39 saves in his first start and third game overall for the Blades.

The win for the Broncos moves them up to 81 points and keeps them within striking distance of the Regina Pats (84) for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pats defeated the Prince Albert Raiders 7-1 on Wednesday. The Blades have 37 points.

Saskatoon plays its final road game of the season against the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday and then returns home to host Prince Albert in the Blades’ final home game on Saturday at CUC. The Blades are starting the 50-50 draw on Saturday at $50,000.