The Humboldt Broncos secured a statement ending to the 2021/22 regular season and are heading into the playoffs in style with a 6-game winning streak and an 8-1 win over the Kindersley Klippers.
The Broncos, who cemented themselves as the Global Ag Risk Division Champions way back in Mid February, picked up yet another win inside their division. The victory improved their divisional record to 22-4.
Friday night’s game against the Klippers had no real weight towards the playoff picture. The Broncos were already confirmed to finish in second, while the Klippers were had already fallen short of their playoff hope. However, it was a game that the Broncos wanted to use to keep their habits at a high standard heading into the playoff dance.
Mission accomplished.
The Broncos came out fast and relentless, outshooting the Klippers 23-3 in the first period. Goals from Cage Newans (15), Matthew Perkins (23), Alec Saretzky (29), and Ethan Zielke (9) led the Broncos into the second period with a commanding 4-0 lead.
They continued to corral scoring opportunities throughout the middle frame and capitalizing on them. Jerzy Orchard notched the lone powerplay goal of the game for his 9th of the season. The Broncos man-advantage went 1/3 on the night. Connor McGrath got in on the goal-scoring party for his team-leading 34th of the year. At the end of 40 minutes, Humboldt had a 6-0 lead and were leading the shot total 46-9.
Two more goals in the third period culminated the Broncos dominating victory. McGrath scored his second goal of the game (35), and Noah Barlage fired home his 8th just 40 second later for an 8-0 lead.
Rayce Ramsay was held away from his 6th shutout of the season as Tylin Hilbig tucked home the lone Klippers’ goal with just 1:09 remaining. Overall, Ramsay stopped 17 of 18 for his 41st victory of the season.
The Humboldt Broncos will now turn their attention towards the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 45-13-0-0 record, just one point shy of the first place Estevan Bruins. Their opponent is yet to be determined. However, with their second-place finish, the Broncos have guaranteed themselves home-ice advantage throughout at least the first two rounds.
Games one and two are scheduled for March 18th and 19th.
