1988/89 Memorial Cup Team
Hall of Fame Program
1989 Team
For the first time, the Swift Current Broncos will add an entire team to the distinguished Hall of Fame, achieving the highest Bronco honour. The 1988-89 Team reached the pinnacle of junior hockey winning the 1989 Memorial Cup. It is one of the most elusive trophies in sports, being the best team out of 50 Canadian Hockey League organizations.
The Civic Centre was buzzing with pride after the Broncos returned to their original home in Swift Current in 1986. It was members of that core group that matured together. After the tragic crash in 1986, the players persevered to become one of the greatest teams in the history of major junior hockey. The team won 33 of 36 home games, still a WHL record, as is the 180 power-play goals in a season. The team had five 100 point scorers, led by Tim Tisdale’s 139 points which was 3rd best in the WHL. Peter Kasowski was also in the top ten in scoring with 131 points.
Trevor Kruger’s 47 wins by a goalie is 3rd best all time. The Broncos finished the regular season with a 55-16-1 record, good for 111 points. The next best team that year was Portland who finished 27 points behind the Broncos.
Trevor Kruger’s 47 wins by a goalie is 3rd best all time. The Broncos finished the regular season with a 55-16-1 record, good for 111 points. The next best team that year was Portland who finished 27 points behind the Broncos.
In the playoffs, the team went a perfect 12-0 defeating Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Portland en route to a berth in the Memorial Cup. In the Memorial Cup the team faced Peterborough winning the opening game 6-4. The next opponent was Laval and the Broncos defeated the Titan 6-5. Despite being a perfect 4-0 over Saskatoon in the playoffs, the Broncos dropped their first game to the host Blades 5-4. With that loss Swift Current had to take on the Petes in the semi-final. The Broncos defeated Peterborough 6-4 en route to a rematch with the Blades. In the final the game went to overtime with Tim Tisdale tipping the puck into the back of the net and securing the championship for the Broncos with the 4-3 overtime win. Dan Lambert was named tournament MVP. Along with Lambert, Tim Tisdale and Sheldon Kennedy were named tournament all-stars.
The members of the 1989 Memorial Cup team are: #1 Don Blishen, #3 Dan Lambert, #4 Kevin Knopp, #5 Jeff Knight, #7 Geoff Sanderson, #12 Sheldon Kennedy, #13 Tim Tisdale, #14 Trevor Sim, #15 Blake Knox, #16 Peter Soberlak, #17 Kyle Reeves, #18 Mark MacFarlane, #19 Kimbi Daniels, #20 Kevin Barrett, #21 Darren Kruger, #23 Peter Kasowski, #24 Bob Wilkie, #25 Wade Smith, #26 Brian Sakic #27 Chris Larkin and #30 Trevor Kruger. We also welcome back members of the staff: Lorne Frey, Grant Farquhar, Gord Hahn, John Foster, John Rittinger and Bruce Franklin.
1989 Memorial Cup Team, welcome to the Broncos Hall of Fame.
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