Written by: Rory McGouran
The Humboldt Broncos improved their undefeated road record to 5-0-0 thanks to a red-hot powerplay in their 6-3 victory over the Kindersley Klippers on Friday night.
It was the first meeting of the regular season between the two Nutrien Division rivals and the Broncos were looking to snap their first two-game losing streak of the year.
The Broncos powerplay was the story of the game at the Wet Central Events Centre in Kindersley.
Early in the first period, the Klippers were assessed a double minor for kneeing and the Broncos went to work scoring twice on the man-advantage.
The first, a beautiful four-way passing play that stretched back and forth across the surface of the offensive zone from Daylan Weigel to Cage Newans to Travis Bryson, then finally on the back doorstep to Spencer Bell who scored his 5th of the year.
1:30 later, and on the same double minor powerplay, Matthew Van Blaricom squeezed a snapshot by goaltender, Cody Jaman for his team leading 10th of the season.
Kindersley cut the lead in half off a faceoff won back to Kayden Ostrom who caught Ben Motew off guard with a quick shot above the blocker.
The Broncos took over the game in large regards in the second period. They added four consecutive goals and two more on the powerplay.
The line of Jeter Korte, Newans, and Spencer Hughes were exceptional, combining for 8 points on the night.
Kotre scored his 3rd of the season and second in as many games as the Broncos moved in transition with crisp passes through the neutral zone ended on Korte’s stick for the Broncos 3-1 lead.
Hughes then scored his second of the season, set up from behind the net from Korte for a 4-1 lead.
The Broncos continued to draw penalties thanks to their skating abilities, and the SJHL’s best powerplay continued to click.
Newans, on a 5-on-3 man-advantage, slipped his 8th goal through the five-hole of Jaman, and just 30-seconds later, Van Blaricom wristed home his 11th and second of the game. At this point the Broncos powerplay was a perfect 4/4.
If there was one takeaway on the adjustment side for the green and gold, it would be the third period.
The Broncos now leading 6-1, fell into some complacency allowing the Klippers to control most of the final frame and claw closer back into the game.
Goals from Zachary Anderson and Alex Mack cut the lead to 6-3, however, that was as close as the Klippers would get.
Ben Motew secured his 7th win of the year stopping 32 of 35 shots face.
The Broncos threw 37 shots on Jaman, now outshooting their opponent in all 12 games this season.
The Broncos will host the Klippers for a rematch back at home at the Elgar Petersen Arena on Saturday, October 28th.