By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter @BlackAndGold277
In the high-stakes world of junior hockey, every season unearths new talents poised to make their mark, and Reid Dyck is no exception. The goaltending prospect for the Boston Bruins has had an exceptional 2023-24 season with the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League, setting the stage for a highly anticipated playoff debut.
Swift Current ended the 2023-24 regular season as WHL Central Division Champions with a record of 40-22-4-2, good for 86 points in a 68-game season and second place in the Eastern Conference. The Broncos will face the seventh-seeded Lethbridge Hurricanes in the first round, set to kick off on Friday night, March 28th. Swift Current played the Hurricanes eight times this past season, with the Canes leading with a 4-3-1 record.
During the 2023-24 season (second year as a starter), Dyck emerged as a cornerstone for the Swift Current Broncos even though he battled through two lower-body injuries. His impressive performances between the pipes included numerous highlight-reel saves that turned games in the Broncos’ favor. With statistics that placed him among the top goaltenders in the league, Dyck’s contributions were critical to the Broncos’ success.
In 35 games played, Reid posted a regular season record of 25-7-2, along with a 2.70 goals-against-average and .911 save percentage. His efforts this year did not go unnoticed, either by the WHL league or the Boston Bruins, who selected the 6′-4″ 195-pound netminder in the sixth round of the National Hockey League Entry Draft in 2022.
The second half of the 2023-24 Swift Current Broncos season was the best of Dyck’s career, getting league recognition as February’s Goaltender of the Month. Reid went 9-0-1 and posted a 1.81 GAA and an impressive .931 Save% in that duration. Per an article on the official CHL.ca website by author Cami Kepke, in the eight games the Broncos played Hurricanes this season, Dyck only dressed in two contests, going a perfect 2-0-0. In the first game, he faced Lethbridge; Reid got the win by stopping 28 shots for this first of two shutouts on the year, and in the second game of the season versus the Canes, he gave up on goal, stopping 21 for the second victory.
As the playoffs loom, Dyck’s preparation has intensified, both on and off the ice. His routine includes rigorous training sessions, detailed video analysis, and strategic discussions with Broncos goaltending coach Dave Rathjen. Bruins Goaltender Development Coach Mike Dunham has visited Dyck several times since joining the B’s organization, the most recent visit just a few weeks ago as the Broncos season winded down.
History has shown that a hot goaltender can be the difference-maker in the playoffs. Legendary figures in WHL history have etched their names into lore with performances that propelled their teams to victory. Dyck stands on the threshold of joining such ranks, potentially carrying the Broncos deep into the postseason. His ability to perform under pressure will be crucial, as playoff hockey often hinges on razor-thin margins.
Despite the excitement surrounding his playoff debut, Dyck faces significant challenges. The intensity and speed of playoff hockey represent a step up from the regular season, testing the mettle of even the most seasoned players. Expectations are high from the Broncos, their fans, and the Bruins organization, who are keenly watching Dyck’s development.
How he handles the heightened competition and pressure will provide valuable insights into his readiness for professional hockey, which could happen as soon as next season. Despite how far Swift Current goes in the 2024 WHL postseason, the 20-year-old Manitoba, Canada native is now eligible to sign an entry-level contract and join the American Hockey League Providence Bruins, finishing the year on an amateur tryout agreement.
Reid Dyck’s journey to his WHL playoff debut is a testament to his dedication and skills as a goaltender. As he prepares to backstop the Swift Current Broncos in their championship quest, all eyes will be on him to see if he can rise to the occasion. This playoff run is more than just a series of games for Dyck; it is a continued opportunity to showcase his talent, resilience, and potential to become a key player in the Bruins’ future.
This is the first time the Swift Current Broncos are back in the WHL Playoffs, with their last appearance going back to 2018 when the team won the franchise’s third Ed Chynoweth Cup. Fans of the game are encouraged to witness the emergence of this promising goaltender as he takes his first steps into the high-stakes arena of playoff hockey. If you’d like an opportunity to stream the Swift Current Broncos and keep track of Bruins prospect Reid Dyck’s progress in these WHL playoffs, CLICK HERE for streaming packages.
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