The Swift Current Broncos are a major junior ice hockey team based in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. They play in the Western Hockey League (WHL), one of Canada’s top junior leagues. Their games attract passionate fans and strong local support. Tickets to Broncos games at InnovationPlex are among the most requested in Saskatchewan junior hockey.
Team History
The Broncos were founded in 1967. They briefly moved to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1974 and played there as the Lethbridge Broncos. The franchise returned to Swift Current in 1986. That year is one of the most remembered in club history, due to a tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of four players in December 1986. The WHL honors that legacy with the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy each season. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Once reestablished in Swift Current, the Broncos grew into a championship contender. They won WHL Championships in 1989, 1993, and 2018. Their 1989 team finished with dominating regular season and playoff runs and then captured the Memorial Cup, a national title contested by top teams from Canada’s major junior leagues.
League and Competition
The Broncos compete in the East Division of the WHL’s Eastern Conference. The WHL is one of three leagues within the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), recognized as a pipeline to professional hockey, including the NHL. Players on the Broncos typically range from 16 to 20 years old, and many are drafted into the NHL or move on to top college programs.
Home Venue – InnovationPlex
The Broncos play home games at InnovationPlex in Swift Current. This arena brings fans close to the action and hosts regular-season contests against division rivals. The intimate environment gives every puck drop a charged atmosphere.
Championships and Honors
The Broncos have won three WHL Championships. Their 1989 club went undefeated in the WHL playoffs and then captured the Memorial Cup. The 1993 championship came with strong offensive performances and elite scoring from players like Jason Krywulak. The 2018 title added the most recent banner to the Broncos’ history.
Notable Alumni
Swift Current has been a stepping stone for future professional players. Joe Sakic, one of the NHL’s all-time greats, spent time with the Broncos early in his career. Other alumni include Bryan Trottier and Todd McLellan, both of whom went on to significant hockey careers as player and coach respectively.
Recent Performances and Schedule
The Broncos compete in a full WHL schedule each season. Home and away games pit them against division rivals like the Regina Pats, Moose Jaw Warriors, and Brandon Wheat Kings. GoodSeats tracks ticket availability and pricing for key matchups.
Fan experiences at games often include themed nights and giveaways, along with chances to engage with local hockey culture beyond the puck drop.
Why Fans Love Broncos Games
Broncos games combine developing talent with hometown pride. Fans get to see future stars before they reach bigger stages. The intensity of junior hockey, plus community events around home games, make Broncos nights a staple of Swift Current sports life.
Whether you’re seeking regular season action, rivalry battles, or championship chases, the Swift Current Broncos offer junior hockey that matters. InnovationPlex fills with fans ready to cheer on the Broncos every time they hit the ice.