Each day Humboldt Broncos head coach Darcy Haugan sees his team putting in the effort. Unfortunately he has not lately witnessed his team being rewarded in the win column for that effort.
Last week the Broncos were unable to pick up a victory in three games, which included an overtime loss. As of Nov. 30, the squad had lost six straight and were 7-17-3-1 on the season.
“We are finding how hard it is to win. … I really feel that we are progressing,” Haugan said.
The Humboldt bench boss said he has been pleased with the effort of his squad. He said the Broncos need to continue to focus on the process, get over the hump and find ways to win hockey games.
The look of the Broncos has changed a bit recently. Three new players joined the squad last week. Dec. 1 is the date Junior A teams must cut down to 25 carded players. Reducing past that number can help with flexibility for possible trades before the national Jan. 10 trade deadline. Details of any Broncos moves were unavailable at the Humboldt Journal deadline.
Rosetown’s Brayden Uhrich scored in his Broncos debut. The 18-year-old forward, who was acquired from the Calgary Mustangs, looked like he was already developing chemistry with linemates Daniel McKitrick and Jarrett Fontaine.
Haugan said Uhrich can shoot, skate, and has a high-end skill set.
The squad added 19-year-old goaltender Bill Gorn. The Edmonton product has experience in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and at the Junior B level.
“He has given us a chance to win every night,” Haugan said.
With captain Anthony Kapelke, a defenceman, out with a lower body injury, the Broncos added versatile Jack Lofroth from the AJHL’s Grade Prairie Storm. Haugan said the 18-year-old is very responsible and can play both forward and defence.
Fontaine, a 20-year-old from Humboldt, has been wearing the “C” in Kapelke’s absence. The forward is known for his strong work ethic and brings experience from his Western Hockey League stints. Haugan praised Fontaine’s leadership.
This Week
It is a busy week for the Broncos with four games. The squad is in Nipawin on Dec. 1 and then Humboldt plays host for three games. Kindersley is in town on Dec. 2. On Dec. 4, Yorkton visits and then Weyburn is here on Dec. 6.
Last Week
On Nov. 25, the Broncos picked up a valuable point in the standings with a 4-3 overtime loss to Kindersley. Humboldt led 2-1 after the first and second periods but things were all tied up 4-4 at the end of regulation. In overtime, Landon Gross scored his third goal of the night to end the game.
McKitrick, Fontaine, and defenceman Greg Moro had Humboldt’s markers. In his first game as a Bronco, Gorn made 31 saves.
Branden Bilodeau had 26 saves for the Klippers. Derrick Morrell had Kindersley’s other goal.
On Nov. 27, Battlefords got by Humboldt, 4-2, at the Elgar Petersen Arena. The Broncos trailed 1-0 and 2-0 at the intermissions but surged back in the third to put the pressure on the league-leading North Stars. Uhrich picked up his first goal as a Bronco, while Tristan Hermanson lit the lamp for the first time this season. Gorn made 25 saves.
Igor Leonenko scored twice for Battlefords, while Dustin Gorgi and Kendall Fransoo also scored. Taryn Kotchorek had 19 saves for the North Stars.
Weyburn scored twice in the first period on Nov. 28 and hung on for a 3-1 win over Humboldt at home. Daniel McKitrick had Humboldt’s goal. Gorn recorded 30 saves for the Broncos.
Ian Parker, Cole Woodliffee, and Jacob Jeske scored for the Red Wings. Jack Burgart had 25 saves.
Catching Up With
Logan Sproule (2010-2014) has quickly become a key player for the University of Alberta – Augustana men’s hockey team. Last season, as a rookie, the defenceman was an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference First Team All-Conference pick and his school’s Male Rookie Athlete of the Year. He has three assists in nine games so far this season.
“He is a solid two-way defenseman who can quarterback a power-play and match up against other teams’ top forwards,” Augustana head coach Blaine Gusdal wrote in an email interview.
“He has just recently returned after missing nine games due to a shoulder injury and he’s been a welcome addition heading into the Christmas Break.”
