2024 will be marked as a year of transition and a homecoming for the Humboldt Broncos.
The biggest story for the team off the ice occurred during the summer, when Scott Barney stepped down as the team’s head coach to become the head coach for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League.
In the beginning of July, the Broncos conducted a coaching search before settling on a familiar name, former player and assistant coach Brayden Klimosko. A move that was met with a positive reaction from the community.
“It was great seeing his resume come in and reading his cover letter was obviously kind of the turning point,” said Amanda Schlachter, President of the Humboldt Broncos. “We knew that he was appropriate for the job, and he really has his heart set on being the head coach here. Reading it really just knew that he would be perfect for the job, and I think he's leading by how he was taught and showing the guys what it means to be a Bronco.”
Klimosko’s familiarity with the team is invaluable—having played and coached for the Broncos in the past, along with his father, Tim previously serving as the team’s assistant coach, he embodies the spirit and tradition of the franchise. Schlachter emphasized, “You know, I mean, he's from here. Played here, coached here. So, for him, I think it has a special meaning for him to be behind the bench. And you know his dad being behind the bench, too, it's significant. It's a good meaning for his whole family.”
Beyond on-ice changes, the Broncos have placed a significant focus on deepening their ties with the Humboldt community. Throughout the year, the team has actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at giving back. Players regularly visit schools, meet with kids, and volunteer at the local soup kitchen, fostering connections with fans and inspiring the next generation of hockey enthusiasts. “Kids, they look up to them and they enjoy them, and they come to the games and cheer them on,” Schlachter noted. “It’s important to give back because the community is what supports the team. And that’s important.”
One of the Broncos' standout community events this year was their first-ever car bingo, which allowed fans and players to meet, interact, and share in a fun and unique experience. “Got the guys involved, and you know, kind of get out, meet and greet people and get to know the community and get to know new players,” Schlachter shared. The Broncos' commitment to staying involved in the community remains a core part of their identity, and the team looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact.
On the ice, the Broncos closed out the 2023-24 season, losing out in overtime of Game 7 in the semifinals against the Melfort Mustangs, who would go on to claim the Canterra Seeds Cup.
The 2024-25 season has been an up and down campaign with the Broncos hovering around the .500 mark. Before heading out for the Christmas break, Humboldt was on the edge of the playoff picture, holding down the 8th and final playoff spot.
Looking ahead, one of the most exciting events on the Broncos’ calendar is the inaugural alumni game on February 15, 2025. The event will bring together former Broncos players from the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s for an evening of friendly competition and nostalgia. Schlachter is excited about the event’s potential to draw in fans from all generations. “. It should be a lot of fun, and hopefully, we can get lots of fans out to cheer on some former alumni guys,” she said. “We have some from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, so it’ll be very interesting and fun. We have Kelly Taylor providing entertainment that evening, so it’s going to be a great event.”
The Humboldt Broncos are eager to continue their commitment to both the game of hockey and the community that supports them. As they transition under the leadership of Brayden Klimosko, the team is poised for future success, all while maintaining a strong connection to the people who have always been their greatest fans. The alumni game promises to be a fitting celebration of the team's history and its bright future.