2012-13 record: 36-29-3-4 (lost to Calgary in Conference quarterfinals)
For a team that scored a meager 206 goals in the 2012-13 season (only Kootenay fared worse of the Eastern Conference playoff teams), the Swift Current Broncos found an identity through hard work and a defense that was second best in the conference behind only Edmonton. However, their first playoff appearance in three years was brief, as the Calgary Hitmen eliminated them in five games. This season, they will be without Ryon Moser, Chance Lund, and Dalton Reum, who will be moving on due to graduation, and are likely going to start the season without Eetu Laurikainen (the Broncos used both CHL Import draft picks this year) and the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy winner Adam Lowry, who is likely to break camp with the Winnipeg Jets' affiliate in the AHL. Coda Gordon is the one leading scorer that is the surest option to return, and certainly, Dillon Heatherington is also a sure bet to return, which should help the defense in the event that the leading scorer from the blue line Reece Scarlett does not return. Replacing Laurikainen could be either Steven Myland or Landon Bow, and while Bow played fairly well in limited action, Myland could emerge as the starter, as he impressed in an eight game audition with the Broncos last season. Julius Honka and Igor Leonenko are new arrivals via the Import Draft.
Prediction: 6th in the East
The Broncos are not the most talented team, but they do play better than the sum of the parts. They do need to replace the leadership void that Lowry is leaving behind, but as long as they stick to their identity as a defensive minded team, they should make the playoffs with room to spare.
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