It's becoming fair to wonder if 2014 just isn't the Humboldt Broncos' year.
Since Jan. 1 the Broncos have lost seven of nine games and have had an incredibly hard time finding the back of the net, scoring an average of one goal per game in those losses.
Head coach and general manager Dean Brockman isn't one to panic or overreact, but he, like his team, is searching for some answers.
"It's not as if we're not trying," Brockman said. "We're trying very hard and all the guys want to score. Maybe they have to do a little more soul-searching, I'm not sure."
Last week was no different, as the Broncos went 1-3 during a busy stretch of the schedule, playing four games in five nights. It began with a 3-1 loss in the Battlefords and ended with a 4-2 defeat in Melfort; sandwiched in between was the lone win, a 2-1 decision in Kindersley, and a 1-0 loss at home to Yorkton.
Each game takes on a life of its own and there are reasons for each loss that are often particular to that one night, but the absence of scoring does loom over this Broncos season like some sort of dark cloud.
Most nights it's not a question of shots or chances; the Broncos often get more shots on net than their opponents and there has been no real shortage of opportunities. More than anything, it's been a matter of finishing, turning that potential chance into a real, tangible return.
On the goal-scoring front, it was a relief for Brockman to welcome forward Justin Lund back to the lineup. Lund, who seriously injured his knee in the offseason and has played in only 13 games this season, scored both goals against Melfort and added another against Kindersley.
"I'm just happy he's playing the game again," Brockman said. "He's been an injury-plagued young man throughout his career. For him to be playing and scoring is a reward for all of the hard work he put in during his rehab."
Beyond the physical challenges, Lund has also had to deal with the mental anguish of watching his team from the stands, wearing a suit instead of a jersey. Fortunately for Brockman and his teammates Lund is back and was able to provide an offensive spark in Melfort, the last of the brutal four-games-in-five-nights stretch.
"In a game like that you're not sure what to expect, or how tired the guys will be," Brockman said. "Four games in five nights might not sound like much, but it can be a real challenge."
The Broncos have 11 games left in a regular season that has been steadily slipping from "outstanding" to "just OK" over the past few weeks. With three games left on a five-game road trip, they have a chance to lift themselves out of their own self-created hole, but it won't be easy. Once comfortably atop the Kramer Division and eyeing the top spot overall in the SJHL, the Broncos now find themselves in third place in the division, six points behind the Battlefords and seven behind Kindersley. It's not where they expected to find themselves when they looked at the standings a month ago but, like any good coach, Brockman can find the positive floating along in a sea of negativity.
"We've been desperate for wins and playing with great intensity lately," he said. "Maybe that will help us come the playoffs."
Notes:
In addition to Lund, the Broncos welcomed back forward Brandon Long to the lineup on Jan. 21 against the North Stars. Long missed two games with an upper body injury.
Forward Jackson Michelenko skated with the team on Jan. 27 and Brockman sounded hopeful that Michelenko would not be lost for the season, as was initially feared. "It depends on how he feels tomorrow," Brockman said as to whether Michelenko would play soon.
The news was less positive on defenceman Jeffrey Ness, who will more than likely miss the rest of the season due to injury. The Humboldt native hasn't appeared in a game since late October.
