Written by: Rory McGouran
The Humboldt Broncos had to patiently wait nine days for an attempt to continue their season-starting winning streak, but it was all worth it on Tuesday night.
The Broncos put forth a dominating performance, defeating the La Ronge Ice Wolves at the Elgar Petersen Arena 6-2, while outshooting them 53-24
Although the Broncos controlling most of the opening frame, using overwhelming pressure and structure, while outshooting la Ronge 23-8, both teams were unable to find the back of the net taking a 0-0 tie in to the second.
In the second period, the Broncos’ top line generated the offensive boost needed to break the tie. Matthew Van Blaricom scored his third and fourth goals of the season to build a 2-0 lead. The first on a beautiful tic-tac-toe play through Travis Bryson and Patrick Lanthier. The second, assisted by the same pair, but finished with a highlight reel backhand shot under the bar.
Connor Miller followed with his first of the season, finding a soft spot in the low slot and beating Topher Chirico to lift the Broncos up 3-0.
The Ice Wolves countered with a late powerplay goal from Rylan Silzer to cut the lead to 3-1 heading into the third.
In the final frame, a dirty and dangerous knee on knee hit from Bronson Babyak on Van Blaricom resulted in a 5-minute major powerplay for Humboldt. Van Blaricom was injured and never returned to the game. Tristan Serrao stood up for his teammate resulting in a one-sided fight with Serrao the victor, but most importantly, the Broncos made the Ice Wolves pay with three unanswered powerplay goals during the major penalty.
Spencer Bell scored his first two goals of the season, both while making his net-front presence felt. Travis Bryson added the additional powerplay goal, while also picking up three assists for a four-point night.
Ben Motew started his third straight game and stopped 22 of 24 for his third win on the year.
The Broncos Powerplay went 3/4 while their penalty kill allowed two goals on five attempts.
The Broncos will face a familiar foe next when they welcome the Notre Dame Hounds to the EPA on Sunday for the third meeting already this season in the first four games.