Another fast paced, end-to-end effort for the Humboldt Broncos on Saturday with a strong outing against the La Ronge Ice Wolves resulting in a 6-3 Bronco victory.
The Ice Wolves struck first at 4:33 in the first. The Broncos returned the favour with a goal at the midway point as the two teams scored alternating goals throughout the first. Ice Wolves’ Cole Thomas took advantage of a power play situation, but Travis Bryson got great positioning over Wolves’ goalie Eric Kahl to tie it up.
Maddox Amaral put the Broncos ahead 3-2 at the end of the first, but La Ronge once again tied it up with a goal for Jacob Hufty, providing an opening night test for Broncos’ newcomer netminder Ty Matonovich. Matonovich led the AEHL U18 AAA League last season with a 2.09 GAA, and .928 SV% while backstopping the Calgary Buffaloes to a 15-2-2 record and winning Alberta Goalie of the Year.
At 13:35 of the third, the Broncos opened it up and never looked back as Spencer Bell scored his 40th of the season on a perfect screen. Cage Newans added some security with a goal in the third, and an empty netter, courtesy of Tristan Serrao in the final minute, sealed the 6-3 win on Emergency Services Appreciation Night.
Bit of a break in the Broncos schedule before the final half dozen games in the regular campaign. They return to the EPA on March 6 for a tilt with the Estevan Bruins.