The Humboldt Broncos are off to a 2-0 start in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) after sweeping a home-and-home series over the weekend against the Notre Dame Hounds.
In their home opener on Sept. 22, the Broncos beat the Hounds 4-1 in front of 514 fans at the Elgar Petersen Arena.
After a scoreless first period the Broncos scored twice in the second on goals by Cody Pettapiece and Cody Pongracz. The third period saw Humboldt find the net twice more courtesy of Ryan Aubertin and Rhett Blackmur. Tyler Ross stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced as the Broncos began the season without an obvious starter in net after losing star Matt Hrynkiw to the University of North Dakota.
On Sept. 23 the Broncos traveled to Wilcox for their first road game of the season, a 3-2 win. Veteran David Miazga opened the scoring in the first period, with Aubertin making it 2-0 less than a minute into the second. Notre Dame responded with two quick goals to tie it up, but Miazga struck again, scoring what turned out to be the game winning goal with just over six minutes left in the second period. In goal, Cade Spencer stopped 22 of 24 shots.
Head coach and general manager Dean Brockman was happy with the results, but emphasized there's always things to work on, including the team's zero for 11 performance with the man advantage over the two games.
"We didn't score a power play goal in either game and that has to be a lot better," Brockman said. "That will come with time and familiarity."
Through the first two games, it has been familiar faces that are pacing the Broncos on the offensive end. Returning players accounted for all seven goals the team scored over the weekend.
"They've been excellent through the first two games," Brockman said. They've led the way and been responsible from the beginning. It would have been tough to have non scorers coming back because we wouldn't have scored a goal in that case."
Mixing and matching new and returning players will be a challenge in the early going and, according to Brockman, led to some instances of over passing.
"We passed up on some chances to shoot the puck, but that will happen when you're randomly throwing guys together. They need to figure out their roles - who's the shooter, who's the passer."
As for the many young players, Brockman is happy with their early performance, though there have been some expected jitters.
"It can be a bigger jump for young guys than they think," Brockman said of moving up to the junior level. "You can start gripping that stick a little tight when you're trying to make a team."
The team's biggest question mark remains in net, though Brockman seemed confident in Ross, Spencer and third goalie Ryland Pashovitz, currently sidelined with an injury.
"We knew that was going to be a question all summer, but we feel confident in all of the guys we have," Brockman said.
The team will travel to La Ronge for a game tonight at 7:30 before playing five of their next six games at home. The home-heavy schedule could give the team a great chance for a fast start, provided they can protect home ice.
"Other teams need to have a little doubt in their minds when they come to our rink," Brockman said.
The first chance to put that to the test will come on Sept. 28, when the Broncos host the Melfort Mustangs at 7:30.
