Failed tricks and lack of treats for the Humboldt Broncos during their 7-4 loss to the La Ronge Ice Wolves, as self-inflicted wounds and a lack of energy throughout the first and third period led to a spooky outcome on Tuesday’s Halloween inspired night.
The opening period lacked the normal intensity we had been accustomed to seeing from the Broncos’ games over the past few weeks, while Mason Bueckert scored the lone goal to give La Ronge a 1-0 lead.
The second period was back to business for Humboldt. Needless to say, 20 minutes doesn’t win too many hockey games.
The Broncos outshot the Ice Wolves 25-8 in the middle frame and got goals from Tre Fouquette (4), Connor Miller (4) and Orin Olson, who scored his first career goal as a Bronco. La Ronge’s Cole Thomas scored one of his three goals on the night and the Broncos took a 3-2 lead into the third period.
A mentally unprepared start to the third period led to La Ronge scoring two goals just eight seconds apart, one from Thomas, and the other from Taite Donkin immediately off the ensuing faceoff. Both goals were scored in the opening minute of the final frame to restore a one-goal lead to La Ronge.
The Broncos fought back to tie the game with Rylan Hue’s third of the year. However, the Ice Wolves were impeccable at gassing any momentum the Broncos were trying to build, scoring within 30-seconds of two Broncos’ goals on the night.
Zane Normand restored the lead in the third, Thomas completed his hattrick, and Jacob Cossette found the back of the net for the final nail in the coffin.
It’s the second straight loss for the Broncos who will look to bounce back on Saturday when they welcome the Melville Millionaires for the first meeting of the season. The Broncos are undefeated at home on Saturday’s this season.