The Humboldt Broncos will try shake off a loss earlier this week to the Estevan Bruins as they renew acquaintances with a Nutrien Division rival in the Battlefords North Stars.
On Friday, the two teams will meet in North Battleford for the first time in the 2024-25 regular season and will face off on Saturday night for a rematch at the Elgar Petersen Arena.
Tonight’s contest will also mark the first time Humboldt Broncos Head Coach Brayden Klimosko will return to Battlefords as an opposing head coach after spending the past six seasons with the North Stars. During his time with Battlefords, Klimosko guided the team to a pair of Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) championships (2019,2023).
Humboldt suffered their second regulation loss of the season on Wednesday against the Bruins. Penalties were a major cause for their downfall on the night, with Estevan capitalizing with three power play goals.
Forward Jacob Strizzi has been enjoying a strong start with goals over the last four games. With six goals this season, he has already surpassed last year's total (4).
Battlefords enters Friday’s matchup two points back of the Broncos (3-2-1). They are coming off a 6-5 overtime loss on home ice at the hands of the Notre Dame Hounds on Tuesday night.
The North Stars are led by Anthony Campbell and Rylan Williams with each player registering eight points (3G-5A) in the early stages of the season.
Assistant Head Coach Carter Hansen said the Broncos will have to earn a victory against Battlefords
“They’ve had a little bit of turbulence to start the year, but they have a team that’s going to work, they’re not going to give up for 60 minutes a night, they’ve been playing way better hockey lately.”
Coverage for tonight’s game on Bolt FM/Discover Humboldt begins with the pre-game show at 7:15 and the opening faceoff at 7:30.
Saturday’s coverage starts with the pre-game show at 6:45, opening faceoff at 7:00.