Broncos kick into higher gear in win over Ice Wolves
After a slow start the Humboldt Broncos got their legs under them and were able to run away with a 7-3 win over the La Ronge Ice Wolves in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action from La Ronge.
The Feb. 23 contest saw the Broncos give up two of the games first three goals, before rattling off four straight to take the lead.
Nick Shumlanski gave the Broncos the lead with his 19th of the year just 1:10 into the contest but goals from Conner Smith and former Bronco Antonio DiPaolo quickly gave the Ice Wolves a 2-1 lead.
The Smith goal seemed to serve as a bit of a wake-up call for the Broncos as Conner Lukan, Bryce Fiske, and Ryan Straschnitzki all found the back of the net in a span of 3:15, giving the Broncos a 4-2 after the first period.
Broncos head coach Darcy Haugan noted part of the offensive explosion came from a greater desire from the club.
“It was led by our big guys, our 20 year olds, and that’s why we have them. They really led the way and just got the ball going… it was just a matter of let’s get going, and let’s wake up and this isn’t going to happen to us so that’s the part that I’m the most proud of. I think good teams and your best players don’t allow you to lose games that you should be winning (against teams lower in the standings).”
The green and gold rode that momentum into the second as Brayden Camrud scored his 15th of the year just 1:22 into the period, giving the Broncos a 5-2 lead.
Unfortunately the visitors could not hold the three-goal edge as Zach Bannister notched his fifth goal of the year, sending the game into the third period with the Broncos in front 5-3.
The green and gold put the game away for good in the third as Shumlanski and Logan Hunter both found the back of the net, with the Broncos outshooting the Ice Wolves 14-6 in the period.
Haugan was pleased with how his team was able to finish, noting the club seemed to turn it into another gear after La Ronge made it 2-1.
“Obviously it was a predicament we didn’t want to have happen but we did kick it up another gear and were able to get the desired result.”
Parker Tobin picked up the win in the Broncos goal turning aside 26 of the 29 shots he faced as the Broncos outshot the Ice Wolves 43-29.
