The puck does not officially drop for the 2015-2016 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League campaign until the Sept. 18-19 weekend.
That does not mean that things are not happening with the local Humboldt Broncos. In the last couple of weeks, the team has made a trade and announced the signing of a promising prospect as well as the post-secondary commitment of a veteran.
Even in the offseason, Ryan Smith, Broncos head coach and general manager, and his staff are working at improving the squad. Last season, the Broncos finished eighth in the league and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
“That is not acceptable,” Smith said. “We want to get back into the upper echelon of the league.”
With a solid returning group, recruitment, and acquisitions, Smith expects healthy competition on the Broncos for spots and ice time.
“The competition in team will be very high this year,” Smith said. “That only benefits us … Once you get to the game, you want to play and hold your spot.”
Trade Made
The Broncos have acquired the Junior A rights to 19-year-old forward Tim Vanstone and a draft pick from the Kindersley Klippers for 20-year-olds Austin Duzan, Rylie McNeil and 19-year-old Gage Joel.
“I think it works out for them and works out for us,” Smith said.
The Broncos receive what could become a valuable draft pick as well as a potential veteran in Vanstone. The Swift Current native has played the last three seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Prince Albert Raiders. The 6-foot, 205-pound forward posted career-highs with 11 goals, 25 points, and 67 penalty minutes last season.
“He is a really nasty player to play against … He is an aggressive player who has played at a higher level,” Smith said.
Vanstone could remain in the WHL, but Smith said the organization felt it was worth the risk to take a chance on him.
“If it doesn’t work out in the Western League … we certainly like adding him to our group,” said Smith, noting that he brings the size and physical play the team wanted up front.
The head coach said that Duzan (16 points), McNeil (10), and Joel (nine) were good Broncos and the team appreciates their contributions. With a new head coach in Kindersley, Smith said they will get an opportunity to contribute.
Roberts Added
The Broncos have announced they have signed Star City’s Josh Roberts for next season. Two seasons ago, Roberts helped Prince Albert win the Telus Cup, Canada’s national midget AAA championship. Last season, the 6-foot, 165-pound forward had 11 goals and 23 points in 43 games.
“He is just a solid, solid person and a solid hockey player,” said Smith, who also noted, “He has that size up front … and his speed is second to none.”
With his abilities and style of play, Smith believes Roberts could be a better player at the Junior A level. He saw action last winter with the Broncos as an affiliated player.
Brumwell Joins Falcons
Broncos 20-year-old forward Jon Brumwell has decided to play for the University of Wisconsin-Concordia.
“We as an organization thank him for his time and wish him all the best,” Smith said. “He is a character guy that played hard for us and we will be following his career as it progresses.”
There will be at least one familiar face in Mequon, Wisc. for Brumwell. Earlier this year, Humboldt goalie Jack Romanuik also committed to the NCAA Division III school.
Brumwel, who is from Calgary, split has season between Humboldt and Weyburn. After picking up a goal in 23 games for the Red Wings, he had 21 points, with nine goals, in 30 games for the Broncos. As well, Brumwell provided veteran leadership and helped the team make the playoffs.
Schedule
A complete schedule has not yet been unveiled, but it is known that the Broncos will open the season on Sept. 18 against the Notre Dame Hounds in the friendly confines of the Elgar Petersen Arena.
The SJHL announced that the league’s annual showcase will be held Oct. 4-7 in Warman using a different format. The past couple of years players were selected from their teams and participated on age-group specific squads. This season SJHL teams will bring their full rosters and play two games.
