BHP Recap: Broncos Win Nutrien Division Title, Host Weyburn in Round 1
Photo: Marla Possberg Photography No favors were given.
The Humboldt Broncos needed all six points in the final week of the regular season in order to clinch a Nutiren Division title and finish 3rd in the SJHL standings. They culminated the 56 games schedule on a three-game winning streak, finishing with back-to-back victories over the top-seed Flin Flon Bombers this weekend.
The Playoffs and quest for the Canterra Seeds cup is next on the agenda, where the Humboldt Broncos will start their journey against the 6th seed Weyburn Red Wings.
This is the first playoff matchup between the two teams since 2015.
Humboldt is riding strong into the postseason with a 12-3 record in their last 15 games. The hardest strength of schedule since the holiday break in the SJHL, the Broncos have played 24 of 29 games against playoff teams.
In the final game of the season, which had playoff style action, the Broncos trailed 1-0 until five minutes left in the second period. Connor Miller tied the game with his 12th of the year.
For the second straight game the Broncos took over tin the third period. After scoring four unanswered goals on Friday night in the third to defeat the Bombers 6-2, Humboldt scored three-straight to take a 4-1 victory.
Maddox Amaral scored shorthanded for his 16th. This was just the second shorthanded goal given up by Flin Flon all season. Matthew Van Blaricom added his 27th only one minute later, and Chase Cooke found the back of the empty net for his 4th to complete the scoring.
Ben Motew started his 6th straight game and 14th in the last 15 games, stopping 35 of 36. He has a .965 save percentage in his last three games.
This is the Broncos second division title in the last three seasons.
The Humboldt Broncos will host the Weyburn Red Wings for Game 1 and 2 of the opening round on March 22nd and 23rd.