The results were not there for the Humboldt Broncos in the pre-season as they managed just a 1-2-1 record, but the pre-season is about more than wins and losses.
For Broncos head coach and general manager Darcy Haugan he saw some good and some bad over their four game pre-season schedule.
“Some guys played their way on and some guys played their way off and some guys we’re still waiting to see if they can play at the junior A level.”
The Broncos kicked off their pre-season slate with a home-and-home split against the Battlefords North Stars, losing 5-4 in overtime in Battleford on Sept. 5, before winning 8-2 in Humboldt the following night.
The Broncos then wrapped up their pre-season by getting swept by the Melfort Mustangs losing 6-5 at home on Sept. 8, and 6-3 in Melfort the following evening.
Injuries took a toll on the Broncos during the pre-season as well, with as many as eight guys being banged up, which certainly affected their ability to fully benefit from the pre-season admits Haugan, who says they just missed out on that evaluation period.
Despite nursing eight injuries, a number of those injuries are expected to be shorter term problems, says Haugan.
“We’ve just got to manage these injuries here right now and then get evaluations on them once they’re back from injury and then go from there.”
The injuries do provide opportunity though, Haugan notes, and says there are a number of players who should be looking at this as a great opportunity to prove they belong.
“Everyday is an evaluation, if they don’t bring it everyday then there’s somebody else willing to take their job because right now there’s lots of guys that are on the outside looking in that are looking for a place.”
Looking ahead, the Broncos kick off their regular season schedule with a home-and-home against the Notre Dame Hounds, beginning in Humboldt on Sept. 16.
Heading into that contest the Broncos enjoy a week of practice and Haugan notes his biggest focus will be on working on systems starting from the net out.
“You’re just trying to get guys ready and trying to get some line combinations and trying to get a little bit of system stuff down. But more so just how to play without the puck is really what we’re touching on and obviously try and limit our mistakes.”
The Broncos are also set to unveil their new home jerseys at their home opener barbecue on Sept. 15 in Civic Park from 5 to 7 p.m.
With this year being the tenth anniversary of the last Royal Bank Cup championship team, the Broncos elected to pay tribute to that team with this year’s jerseys resembling those from the 2007-2008 team.
“This season and this is one way to recognize their success,” says Haugan in a press released issued by the team.
Also as a tribute to the 2007-2008 team, the Broncos will be doing a player feature in their programs throughout the season with players from that squad.
The barbecue will include an autograph session with the players.
*UPDATE* Due to concerns with the weather the Broncos have moved the barbecue to the Uniplex.
