BHP Recap: Broncos Open Preseason with Win Over Klippers

Written by: Rory McGouran

They wont count as two points in the standings, but a win is a win for the Humboldt Broncos.

The Broncos opened the 2023 preseason with a 6-4 victory over the Kindersley Klippers on Friday night at the EPA.

After the Klippers opened the scoring courtesy of Carter Cole in the first period, the Broncos rattled off three straight goals to build a 3-1 lead. Newcomers, Dylan Nazareth and Travis Bryson scored their first goals in front of the Humboldt crowd and Matthew Van Blaricom fired home his first of two goals on the night.

One thing the Broncos will want to clean up was finishing periods strong as Kindersley scored in the final minute of both the first and second frame. Logan Cox brought the Klippers back within one heading into the first intermission.

20-year-old veteran, Tylin Hilbig evened up the scoring at 3-3 early in the second period, and as the back-and-forth game continued, it was highly touted rookie defenseman, Connor Thue who regained the Broncos , jumping into the offensive rush at the perfect time and firing home a one-timer past Klipper’ netminder, Cody Jaman for a 4-3 lead.

As mentioned, the Broncos let the lead slip away late in the second when Alex Mack got behind the defense and beat ben Motew, sending a 4-4 tie into the third.

In the third, which was the Broncos’ best period last season, they took control of the game, outshooting the Klippers 15-10 and getting the game winning goal off a brilliant breakaway move from rookie, Connor Miller.

Van Blaricom added the empty net insurance goal to secure the 6-4 victory.

Ben Motew stopped 29 of 33 in net.

The Broncos PK went a perfect 6/6 with their powerplay going 0/3.

Next up is their second of five preseason games, when they travel to Kindersley on Saturday for a rematch at West Central Events Centre.