The Humboldt Broncos lost control in their pursuit of sixth place in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) standings, as they were defeated by the Weyburn Red Wings 3-2 on Tuesday night.
After a scoreless first period, Rylan Hue opened the scoring for Humboldt, as the Broncos had a slim 1-0 going into the final period.
But the Red Wings responded in the third, Blake Betson and Jerome Maharaj scored 90 seconds apart to give Weyburn the advantage.
Betson would add an insurance marker to put the game out of distance for the Broncos.
Maddox Amaral closed the gap, scoring with nine seconds remaining, but in the end, the Broncos fell short 3-2.
Both teams were unable to convert on the powerplay, the Broncos were 0/6 while the Red Wings were 0/5.
In his first game back in Weyburn as a member of the Broncos, Dazza Mitchell made 40 saves. Mitchell was honoured with a video tribute during the game and received an ovation both at the end of the game, and in the lobby afterwards when he was met with family, friends and fans.
With the victory, the Red Wings clinched the Viterra Division and the third seed throughout the SJHL playoffs.
Humboldt remains one point ahead of the Battlefords North Stars for sixth place. The Broncos only have one game left on their schedule while the North Stars have a pair of matchups this weekend against the Kindersley Klippers.
The Broncos will finish off the regular season on Friday night with a final matchup in the Cage in Nipawin.
Coverage on Bolt FM begins at 6:45, opening faceoff at 7:00.