WHL suspends Broncos coach for five games
The Western Hockey League announced on Thursday that Swift Current Broncos Head Coach Devan Praught had been suspended for five games.
The Broncos organization had previously announced that Praught was suspended indefinitely for an on-ice incident during practice on Nov. 13.
The Broncos were led by assistant coach Taras Mcewen for the first four games, winning three games and losing once.
Praught was eligible to return behind the bench on Nov. 29 when the Broncos hosted the Medicine Hat Tigers.
The Broncos released a statement the same day that the club accepted the sanctions and that they were still conducting their own review of hockey operations within the organization.
“The Broncos are committed to holding players and staff to the highest standards of conduct both on and off the ice,” concluded the statement.
Friday, the Broncos got goals from five different players in a 6-3 win over the host Moose Jaw Warriors.
The two teams combined for five goals in the opening frame, beginning with a Martin Rysavy goal for the Warriors at the 9:28 mark. The Broncos responded with goals from Brady Birnie, Josh Filmon, and Clarke Caswell to grab a 3-1 lead. Atley Calvert replied with a late goal to make it a one-goal game.
Calvert tied the game with his 12th goal of the season 3:07 into the middle stanza. Luke Mistelbacher
restored the Broncos lead 52 seconds later with his third goal of the season. Defensemen Ryan Mccleary doubled the lead later in the period with his fourth goal for his hometown team.
The Broncos added an empty net goal from Filmon as he finished with three points on the night.
Joey Rocha made 41 saves to improve to 4-61-0 for the Broncos. Jackson Unger made 42 saves for Moose Jaw.
The Broncos finished one-for-two on the power play, while the Warriors scored twice on four man-advantages.
The Broncos improved to 12-10-1-0 with their fourth road win of season, while Moose Jaw fell to 13–10-0-1.
The Broncos will host the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday. Each team has won once at home in the season series so far.
They also visit the Regina Pats on Saturday. The Broncos have won both previous meetings in the season series.
The Broncos will also visit the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday.