The Humboldt Broncos’ grit and determination were on full display Tuesday night. For the second straight game, they attempted to erase a three-goal deficit in the third period, but once again fell just short, dropping a 6–4 decision to the Weyburn Red Wings.
Former Bronco Josh Sale opened the scoring in the first period, deflecting a shot past Brady Holtvogt.
Weyburn added to its lead when Luke Schraeder’s shot deflected off a Bronco skate and into the net.
Humboldt responded early in the second period as Tyce Penrod tipped Ben Fofonoff’s point shot to cut the deficit to 2–1. The assist marked Fofonoff’s first point as a Bronco.
Just 25 seconds later, the Red Wings restored their two-goal cushion as Drew Molde scored to make it 3–1.
Gabriel Kaminski answered back for Humboldt, creating a turnover with a strong forecheck and capitalizing to bring the green and gold back within one.
Just over two minutes later, Weyburn regained a two-goal advantage when Dion Schraeder found the back of the net. The Broncos’ penalty troubles then came back to haunt them late in the period, as Weyburn capitalized on an extended 5-on-3 power play. Lucas Schmid blasted a one-timer to give the Red Wings a 5–2 lead heading into the third.
Much like Sunday, the Broncos mounted another rally. Avery Lowe netted his seventh goal of the season, finishing a pass from Kristian Lacelle to start the comeback attempt.
Later in the period, Morgan Hackman recorded his first point as a Bronco, setting up Kaminski for his second goal of the game to make it a one-goal contest.
Humboldt pressed for the equalizer, but couldn’t find the tying goal. With the extra attacker on the ice, Schmid gained possession and sealed the game with an empty-net goal as Weyburn earned a 6–4 victory at Elgar Petersen Arena.
Holtvogt was busy once again, turning aside 43 shots. Owen Chapman chipped in offensively with a pair of assists.
Weyburn finished 1-for-5 on the power play, while the Broncos went 0-for-2.
After the game, associate coach Carter Hansen highlighted the team’s strong third-period performance.
“When we play like we did in the third period, we can play with anyone in this league,” Hansen said. “We’re going to surprise a lot of people when we get that going.”
The Broncos’ physicality was also evident, led by Rylan Hue and Kristian Lacelle delivering some thundering hits, along with an aggressive forecheck from players like Kaminski—an effort Hansen was pleased to see.
“If we play that hard, heavy game and sustain it, these guys can play fast,” Hansen said. “We just have to do it more consistently.”
With no points in their last three games, the Broncos remain tied with the Melville Millionaires for the final playoff spot. That sets the stage for a crucial matchup Saturday in Melville when the two teams will meet.
Coverage on Bolt FM begins at 6:45 p.m., with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Blaine Weyland – Discover Humboldt
Photo: Marla Possberg
