By Robin Wark
Sports Writer
This preseason has been all about the process for the Humboldt Broncos and new head coach Ryan Smith.
Smith, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year with the Selkirk Steelers, has been focused on finding out who can do what, which lines have chemistry, and the answers to other questions that will pay dividends during the season. The head coach and general manager has taken over for Dean Brockman, who is now an assistant coach with the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades. Smith will make his regular season debut as the Broncos' bench boss on Sept. 20 at home against Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. at the Elgar Petersen Arena. The next day, the two teams tangle in Wilcox. On Sept. 23, the Broncos host Melville.
Smith, who played professionally overseas for more than decade before joining the coaching ranks, has been impressed with what he has seen from his team.
"Their work ethic is good," he said. "They want to be here. They care."
The Broncos had an extremely packed preseason schedule. From Sept. 9 to Sept. 15, the squad played six games. That stint included four games in as many nights.
"It has given us a chance to get a look at all the players we have in camp and give them ample opportunity and ample ice time," Smith said.
While the Broncos are still working through the process, Smith said team defence looks to be a strength.
"I don't see us giving up many goals," he said. "I think we have a will to play in our own end."
As of Sept. 15, the Broncos had four goalies battling for spots, Smith said. In front of them, the blue line corps has been solid with second-year players Anthony Kapelke, Ryley McNeil, Greg Moro and Connor Swystun stepping forward.
Up front, Humboldt returns leading scorer Jarrett Fontaine. The hometown forward paced the Broncos with 36 points last season. The 19-year-old has proven to be a leader in the preseason, Smith said. Veterans, such as the 20-year-old trio of Dylan Fluter, Justin Lund, and Ryan Aubertin, will also be counted on. Smith said the team also has talented young players such as Michael Korol (Battlefords Stars midget AAA last season) and Logan Schatz (Beardy's Blackhawks midget AAA). Both saw time in the playoffs last season with the Broncos.
Exhibition
North Stars 5, Broncos 0
The Broncos were unable to get on the board at home Sept. 10 against the Battlefords North Stars. Humboldt netminder Brandon Holtby had 20 saves, while teammate Marc Audet made 14.
Battlefords' Ryan Rewerts stopped 13 shots. Scoring for the North Stars were Brenden Heinrich (two goals), Otto Mitchell, Jake Erikson, and Brady O'Sullivan.
Hawks 3, Broncos 2 (SO)
On Sept. 12 in Nipawin, the Broncos and Nipawin Hawks battled to a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation. In the shootout, Humboldt was able to score once while the Hawks netted two. Ryan Aubertin and Morgan Grieve had Humboldt's regulation markers. Audet made 27 saves, while Brock Hamm had 20.
Carter Danczak and Garret Lockeridge scored for Nipawin in regulation. Joe O'Brien made 29 saves.
Mustangs 3, Broncos 1
Kapelke scored for the Broncos in Melfort on Sept. 13. Nathan Hargreaves stopped 17 shots for Humboldt with backup Holtby recording 18 saves.
Dakota Booth, Nik Hermary, and Teal Sobkowicz had Melfort's goals. Zack Debraves made 18 saves, while Richard Palmer stopped 16 shots.
Broncos 4, Mustangs 3 (SO)
Fontaine's shootout goal gave Humboldt a 4-3 victory at home Sept. 14. Aubertin, Kapelke, and Korol had Humboldt's goals. Hamm had 14 saves with Audet stopping 12 shots.
David Heath, Eric Sinclari and Tristen Frei scored for Melfort. Jack Romanuik made 33 saves in regulation.
