The Humboldt Broncos split a pair of games last week, losing 6-3 in La Ronge before beating Melfort 4-1 at home.
In La Ronge on Sept. 25 the Broncos held a 2-1 lead after the first 20 minutes, but it was all downhill from there. Ice Wolves' forward Owen LaClare, who scored four goals, victimized them throughout, notching a hat trick in the final period alone.
"We didn't compete hard enough and didn't really show what we can do," said coach and general manager Dean Brockman. "It's a bit of a different rink to play in, it's smaller, but there's no excuses. The better team won that night."
It was a game to forget, but a return to the friendly confines of Elgar Petersen Arena on Sept. 28 made all the difference for Humboldt.
David Stumborg opened the scoring early for the home side against Melfort, finding the back of the net just over a minute into the game. Melfort responded less than five minutes later to tie it up before Matthew Audette scored to put the Broncos up 2-1 near the end of the first period.
The second period saw both teams have some genuine chances, including a shot from Melfort that beat goalie Cade Spencer but not the post. Neither team could develop a consistent offensive rhythm and the second period ended with the same 2-1 score.
After 16 more minutes of scoreless hockey the Broncos finally got their chance, a two-on-one break that ended with Stumborg scoring his second goal of the game, firing a shot past a diving Mitch Maraschiello that clinched the win.
Dylan Fluter added an empty net goal in the last minute to complete the 4-1 score.
Spencer was again solid in net, stopping 25 of 26 shots he saw and making only a few mistakes. With a record of 2-0, a goals against average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .940 it's been a strong start for Spencer, though Brockman is reluctant to anoint anyone his top goaltender until Ryland Pashovitz returns from his injury and he, Spencer and Tyler Ross can have a proper competition for the job.
"Until we see what everyone can do, it's unfair to name a top goalie," Brockman said.
Also of note has been the hot start of Stumborg. With two goals and three assists in the first four games, the 20-year-old defenceman is tied for the team lead in points with Fluter. It's a somewhat surprising development considering Stumborg only tallied 23 points in 54 games last season.
"As players get older you give them more responsibility," Brockman said of Stumborg. "When he's on his game he needs to be involved in the offence. He played a full year last year and has lots of natural ability."
Stumborg was one of 11 players the Broncos sent to the annual Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Showcase, held Sept. 30 - Oct. 1 in Warman. The event gives scouts from Canadian and American colleges a chance to see some of the best SJHL players on the ice at the same time. Once the players return from Warman they will dive right into a busy week.
The Broncos will play four of their next five games at home, beginning with a game against Nipawin on Oct. 4 at 7:30.
They will host Estevan on Oct. 6 at 6:00 before traveling to Yorkton for a game on Oct. 8 at 7:30. It will be the first time the Broncos have played Yorkton since the Terriers beat them in the Canalta Cup Final in April.
