There will be a lot of learning for 11 WHL rookies on the Swift Current Broncos roster this season.
Making the team was a special moment for the young Broncos.
"Opening day it's just an honor," said local product Parker Rondeau. "I've dreamed about this since I was a little kid and heard my dad play on this team. It's awesome. My name called on that team... it's just a great feeling."
Parker's father Jeremy Rondeau played 249 games for Swift Current from 1995-1999. Growing up in this community he knows how the InnovationPlex can feel in big moments.
"I mean, even in 2018 when they won, there was just a great feel," Rondeau said. "(It was) so cool looking at everyone in there, but you know, I think we got to work our hardest every day. Can't take days off and we could be there this year."
Rondeau joins a large collection of rookies like 16-year-old Sawyer Dingman.
"First WHL game in the Broncos arena," Dingman said. "It just felt very exciting and awesome. It was a cool experience."
Both rookies have a point in their first four games of the season. They also both know they have to work hard to earn a spot in the lineup.
"Getting faster, stronger, all of it," Dingman said. "Physicality, taking pucks to the net, basically playing the hard way."
With so many rookies still on the roster this year there is some chemistry within a group that has developed together.
"It's really nice," Rondeau said. "We've been together for like the last two years, hanging out in training camp and stuff, so it's really nice to see all the boys make it to the big roster now."
Rondeau spent the previous two seasons with the Swift Current Home Hardware Legionnaires in U18 AAA. He had 54 points in 44 games last season.
Dingman brings size to the table at 6'4" and 225lbs. He produced 18 points in 29 games with Northern Alberta Xtreme's U18 AAA team.
They are two of the four rookie forwards. The Broncos have also rostered six rookie defenceman and a rookie goaltender.
Swift Current hosts the Saskatoon Blades tomorrow. They visit Brandon on Saturday.