The Humboldt Broncos split a pair of games over the weekend, losing 4-2 in Nipawin on Oct. 18 before coming home for a 4-3 win over the Battlefords North Stars on Oct. 20.
The Broncos fell behind Nipawin 3-0 after two periods and were unable to make up the difference despite a strong final 20 minutes.
"By the time we played decent enough to win, we were down three goals," said coach Dean Brockman. "In the third period I thought we dominated them but we didn't start to play well until the second half of the game."
Broncos' goals came from Ryan Aubertin and Jarrett Fontaine, both in the third period.
Two days later the Broncos came home to the Elgar Petersen Arena to host the North Stars for the first time this season.
Humboldt jumped out to an early lead after Aubertin scored a shorthanded goal nine minutes in. The Stars tied it up in the second with a shorthanded goal of their own, only to see David Stumborg reestablish a lead for the home side.
The game was tied at two heading into the third period, where Humboldt got goals from Stuart Symenuk and Aubertin to close out the win.
Effort and intensity, things that Brockman has been harping on all season, were finally in evidence against Battlefords.
"The thing that I liked the most was that we finally competed hard and won battles along the boards," Brockman said.
Struggles with consistency may have something to do with the Broncos' youth. Recent teams have been full of veterans but this year's outfit features many young players.
"We've got a ways to go," Brockman said. "We're dressing eight, sometimes nine rookies, so hopefully our progression gets better."
As a coach Brockman has had to slightly adjust his style based on the relative youth of his team.
"It's a lot more teaching with the young guys, it's a lot of fun," he said. "You hope what you're telling them sinks in and that they buy in."
As of this writing the Broncos sit in second place in the Kramer Division with a record of 5-6 and 10 points. They are seven points behind the division-leading Kindersley Klippers, who they will visit on Oct. 25 followed by a trip to the Battlefords the following night. Their next home game is Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. against the Flin Flon Bombers.
