Friday recap
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Broncos’ vs Mustangs: It just means more.
It doesn’t matter if its game 7 in the finals or game 47 of the regular season. It just means more when the Broncos and Mustangs, two teams not even in the same division, go head-to-head.
The closet geographical opponent has been the league’s premium presence from wire to wire, boasting a 39-7-0 overall record, while somehow even more daunting at home, losing only once in 22 games.
The Humboldt Broncos, who were only dressing 11 forwards to start the game, with just 3 centremen, were hampered to a meager nine after Boris Kofman and Zac Bansely left the game in the first period due to separate freak accident cuts to their lower body. Jacob Strizzi even left the ice for an extended period of time due to equipment issues. Thus, leaving Brayden Klimosko and Carter Hansen to only 8 forwards against the leagues top team.
However, when the Broncos and Mustangs meet, it just means more, and the remaining Broncos who were able to step onto the ice exemplified that.
But it certainly did not start that way.
Melfort opened up a 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Ashton Paul and Reilley Kotai, meanwhile bullying the Broncos in their own zone, and at one-point, outshooting Humboldt 14-2. Credit to the Mustangs who were also without some key bodies including Nicholas Andrusiak among others.
The Broncos staved off the early onslaught, enough to remain in somewhat striking distance, even if this was against a Mustangs team who had a 29-1-0-0 record when scoring the first goal and were undefeated this season (27-0-0) when leading after the first period.
Humboldt found a catalyst in their captain.
Landon Stromme beat Madden Mulawka once in the first period to transfer a bit of momentum into the second, then scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game in the middle frame.
Tre Fouquette, who sparked the Broncos energy change with a thunderous open-ice hit midway through the first period, also sparked his own offensive turnaround, giving the Broncos their first lead of the game with his 8th goal of the year, snapping a nine-game pointless drought in the process. Fouquette, along with his D-partner, Oakley McIlwain, logged upwards of 35+ minutes in an exceptional display of attrition and will to win.
Another performance that rallied the Broncos to victory was 17-year-old netminder Brady Holtvogt. Starting his 4th straight between the pipes following an injury to starter Dazza Mitchell, Holtvogt turned aside 42 of 45 and both shooters in the shootout
In games where it so clearly elevates the desperation, Melfort still proved why they are the defending champs, scoring the game tying goal with just 25 second left in regulation and the goalie pulled. Logan Belton was credited with the equalizer on a low-slot scramble for his 25th of the season
After overtime settled nothing, the Broncos entered a shootout for the second straight game.
Kye Benoche scored first for the Broncos, while Jacob Strizzi was unsuccessful on his attempt. Holtvogt made two consecutive saves to set up the game winner on the stick of Stromme.
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Saturday recap
Two thrilling games against the leagues top team, but one of the most painful possible endings.
The Broncos and Melfort Mustangs wrapped up their season series on Saturday at the Elgar Petersen Arena, with the Mustangs defeating Humboldt 4-3.
Two of a possible four points, and back-to-back one-goal games against the SJHL’s first place team, should be advertised as a pretty successful weekend. However, losing the second game at home with 4.8 seconds left in regulation after tying the game 15 seconds earlier left a bitter taste to what otherwise was 120 minutes of some of the best hockey on display this season.
Oakley McIlwain opened the scoring in the first period, deflecting home his 10th goal of the season moving him into a second-place tie for goals and points by a defenseman. The Broncos took the 1-0 lead into the second frame while outshooting Melfort 14-8.
Both teams entered the game once again feeling the rigors of late February hockey with depleted lineups due to injuries. A total of four AP callups were thrust into the lineup, two aside.
Melfort returned to their advantageous ways in the second period filling the net for three straight goals. Tristan Ziola added a pair, and Noland Roberts built a 3-1 lead heading into the third period.
Melfort was 29-0-0 with a lead entering the third period this season,
Another painful aspect the Broncos have to stomach, was special teams. The game probably shouldn’t have ever been in Melfort’s favour. Humboldt has been on the wrong side of 85% of games when it come to powerplay opportunities this season. Only 8 times prior have the Broncos had more powerplays than their opponent through 60 minutes. 41 times its either been tied, or their opponent has had more calls go their way.
Saturday’s game was not the case. The Broncos had eight powerplay opportunities, which included two separate 5-on-3 situations, Melfort had three. The Broncos were unable to score until the eighth and final one.
Kye Benoche was almost the hero of the night scoring his 15th and 16th goal of the season to tie the game. His first came on that final powerplay with 6:30 left in regulation. The Broncos then did exactly what the Mustangs did to them the night before, scoring with under 30 seconds left and the goaltender pulled to tie the game 3-3 and force overtime.
However, overtime was not to be.
Melfort took the opening faceoff, broke into the Broncos zone, took a shot from the blue line and crashed the front of the net. The puck went off of McIlwain and behind Brady Holtvogt with 4.8 seconds left to exhaust the jubilation throughout the EPA and secure a 4-3 regulation win.
Overall, Humboldt should be proud of the effort they put forth in two of the best hockey games this season. But with a lack of powerplay effectiveness and the agony of the way they were defeated, this one will sting for a bit.
The Broncos will need to stay mentally sharp when they host the Weyburn Red Wings on Wednesday, February 26th.