Fiske firing on all cylinders

The Humboldt Broncos are climbing the standings into the elite of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League thanks in large part to the play of veteran rearguard Bryce Fiske.

The 20 year-old La Ronge product was named the SJHL defenseman of the week Monday after scoring a goal and adding two assists in three games, two of those victories at the Elgar Petersen Arena. Fiske said he didn’t pick up a pile of points but the team contributed in wins which is more important.

“In our two games versus La Ronge and Flin Flon we played well. That was our goal after losing in Kindersley that’s what we wanted. It was exciting to get the award too,” Fiske said.

Overall Fiske has four goals and 22 assists in 41 games played this year, 19 of those coming with the Broncos after a late November trade from his hometown Ice Wolves. Outside of a season of AAA midget in Tisdale with the Trojans, Fiske has been at home so the trade opened doors for him both in hockey and life.

“Since I was 16 years-old I’ve never lived away from home so it’s nice to go to a contender. I’m making the best of it and hope we can go on a run,” Fiske said.

He brings seven games of post season experience to the young Broncos’ blue line group. He admits that’s not a large amount of exposure but Fiske said he still has plenty to offer Humboldt’s green defense core.

“It’s nice I can still help the young guys because we have an inexperienced core still despite where we are in the standings,” he said.

The Broncos have climbed to fourth overall in the standings points wise, the playoff format has them in fifth position. They have won two straight and are 6-4 in their last ten contests. The club’s next three games are crucial to the playoff race. Estevan, a potential first round opponent visits Humboldt both Tuesday night and again Saturday. Notre Dame will host Humboldt Friday night. The Bruins travel to North Battleford and Kindersley in between their stops at the EPA. Fiske said they need to take advantage and have another strong five days.

“They have tough week coming up so we need to hop all over them tonight, wear them down and get a win before they meet those other teams because we need these points right now,” Fiske said.

Face-off is 7:30 p.m.