THE BRONCOS ARE ONE VICTORY AWAY FROM MOVING ONTO THE SJHL QUARTER-FINALS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2014. PHOTO COURTESY MARLA POSSBERG.
The Broncos thrilled almost 1,100 fans at the Elgar Petersen Arena Wednesday scoring late to force overtime and early in sudden death to push the Melfort Mustangs to the brink of elimination from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) playoffs.
Nick Shumlanski scored his third goal of the series in the first period giving the Broncos a 1-0 lead after one period. The Mustangs tied the score 1-1 late in the second period off the stick of Colin Schmidt. Schmidt scored again early in the third period giving the Mustangs a 2-1 lead. Stephan Wack beat Evan Plotnik with just under two-and-a-half minutes to play in regulation forcing overtime.
Brayden Camrud scored just 98 seconds into period four giving the Broncos a 3-2 win and a three games to one lead in the “Bourgault Cup” best-of-seven series. Camrud said the win was massive for the club.
“It’s big, getting both wins at home and going up 3-1 is huge. Team morale is high, we’ve played a great series so far,” the second-year centreman said after the game.
Camrud took a slashing penalty at the second period buzzer putting the club down a man to start the third, Schmidt scored on the ensuing power-play. Camrud said the retribution felt great.
“I feel the pressure lots and I let it get to me tonight, taking that penalty wasn’t good. I didn’t feel like I needed to put the puck in the net but getting the winner felt amazing,” he said.
Parker Tobin won for the second straight night making 27 saves, Plotnik allowed three goals on 38 Humboldt chances. ‘
The Broncos can eliminate the Mustangs and win their first playoff series since 2014 on Saturday in Melfort. Camrud said the club will be ready to punch their ticket to the semi-finals.
“We’re going to stick to our systems and outwork them. I don’t see this as an upset, we’re the better team.”
Face-off is 7:00 p.m.
