Listen Live
Listen Live
HomeSportsAnderson, Broncos looking to avoid 0-2 start at Memorial Cup against Bulldogs

Anderson, Broncos looking to avoid 0-2 start at Memorial Cup against Bulldogs

It might not be a must win game for the Swift Current Broncos, but I’m sure it feels like it for the WHL Champions at the 2018 Mastercard Memorial Cup in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Saturday’s opener against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan resulted in a 4-3 loss despite the Broncos holding onto to a one-goal lead after the first two periods.

One of the players looking to step up is 19-year-old defenceman and former Prince George Cougar Josh Anderson who says the team needs to get back to what they do best when the faceoff against the OHL Champion Hamilton Bulldogs tonight.

“It’s not the outcome we wanted (on Saturday) and obviously it wasn’t our best hockey and it definitely showed a couple of times as we had a lead against them (Titan) and we just couldn’t lock it down.”

- Advertisement -

Monday’s game features a pair of 0-1 teams who are looking to avoid another costly defeat in the week-long tournament.

For Anderson, it’s the latest step in what’s been a roller-coaster journey since he was acquired at the WHL Trade Deadline in January from the Prince George Cougars for a pair of 1st round draft picks.

The magical run the 19-year-old has been on to this point almost feels overdue since the Cougars were expected to go on a deep-run in the 2017 WHL Playoffs when they acquired marquee players like Brendan Guhle.

“It’s been a grind playing 26 playoff games this year and quite a few of them in overtime as well and getting the proper rest and nutrition in your body has been key.”

“PG’s goal was to go far last season and it didn’t work out but I’m happy and grateful to get the opportunity to come out here.”

Another big factor for Anderson since being acquired has been his clean bill of health as he has not missed a game in a Bronco uniform since his arrival in the prairies.

It wasn’t always that way as he struggled with injuries during his time with the Cougars over the past three seasons.

The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche seem to have also noticed the change of scenery signing Anderson during the Broncos run to the Memorial Cup, less than two years after selecting him in the third round 71st overall in the 2016 Entry Draft.

- Advertisement -

For the time being, the pro club has kept its communication limited so Anderson can fully focus on the task at hand.

“They have left me alone for the most part, that’s what agents do is all of the behind the scenes stuff.”

Swift Current defeated arch-rivals the Moose Jaw Warriors and Regina Pats in seven games before dispatching the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Everett Silvertips to claim their first league championship in a quarter-century – a feat Anderson hasn’t taken for granted.

“It’s every kids dream to win a WHL title and then come to the Memorial Cup so it’s a huge honor.”

On Sunday, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan defeated the Regina Pats 8-6 to improve to 2-0 and clinched a semi-final berth ahead of their game versus the Hamilton Bulldogs on Tuesday.

The host Pats drop to 1-1 and will faceoff against the Broncos in the final round-robin game on Wednesday.

Former Prince George Cougars Jesse Gabrielle and Jonas Harkins did not suit up for Regina.

- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

Continue Reading