The Humboldt Broncos hosted the Kindersley Klippers in their final 2012-13 regular season game Tuesday, February 26. Originally scheduled for February 2, mechanical issues with the Klippers' bus saw the game moved to February 26.
The Broncos came out flying, registering the first shot on net only seconds into the game. But Klippers' goalie Warren Shymko who got the call over regular starter Tyrell King, would prove to be a puzzle, one Humboldt would not solve over the course of the game.
On one of Kindersley's few offensive rushes in the opening period, a scramble in front of Bronco goalie Matt Hrynkiw resulted in Bryce Perpilitz netting the one and only goal of the period with an assist going to Kyle Davies at the 11:46 mark.
At the end of the first, Humboldt had outplayed and outshot the Klippers by a margin of 17-12 but it was Kindersley who led 1-0 on the scoreboard.
The Broncos came out strong again in the second, ringing a shot off the Klippers' cross bar only 45 seconds in. That was Humboldt's luck all night long. The team could not buy a goal despite sustained pressure and numerous opportunities. Humboldt spent 90 per cent of the period in the Klippers' end.
At the end of two periods, despite Humboldt's 32-23 in shots on net, Kindersley continued to hold a 1-0 lead.
The final frame was more of the same, with the crowd audibly noting each and every single close call the Broncos had. But Shymko not only had the goalpost gods working to his advantage but also made some excellent stops on his own.
With just over a minute remaining in the game, Broncos' goalie Hrynkiw high-tailed it to the bench in favour of a sixth attacker. Despite the intense pressure, the Klippers got out of the defensive end and managed to miss the net on two occasions but with 9.5 seconds in the game, the third time was the charm as Brandon Lauder tickled the twine making it 2-0. Jared Pilet was given an assist.
In a rare event, the entire game was played at even strength as referee Chad Williams did not assess any penalties.
Humboldt, due to finishing first not only in the north division but also in the entire league, will enjoy approximately one week out of the trenches as they await the outcome of the best-of-five survivor series matchup between the Battlefords North Stars and the Melfort Mustangs.
The first three games of that series took place March 1 in North Battleford, March 2 in Melfort and March 4 back in North Battleford. Melfort swept the series by scores of 4-1, 7-4 and 4-3. The North semifinal will begin this weekend in Humboldt.
