The fighting spirit of the Humboldt Broncos was on full display over the final two months of the season. With a young roster, the team battled for a playoff spot in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), a race that went down to the final weekend of the regular season.
In many ways, the heart of that determination was Marik Mamic, who returned to the lineup in January after suffering two devastating injuries last summer.
Although he wasn’t 100 percent upon his return, Mamic brought leadership to the Broncos in the second half of the season. He helped guide the younger players with a relentless work ethic and a positive attitude that contributed to shaping the team’s culture for years to come.
Much like Brayden Skogstad, Mamic’s time with the Broncos had a fitting conclusion, even if it didn’t come in the final seconds of a game.
In the regular-season finale against Warman, the Broncos were trailing in the second period when the 20-year-old stepped up for his team, dropping the gloves with the Wolverines’ Oliver Nottingham. The moment sparked the Broncos, who went on to mount a comeback and secure a win in their final game of the 2025-26 campaign.
Just before that contest, Mamic expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the organization for a third season, crediting the coaching staff for believing in him.
“I’m so grateful to even be in this position,” Mamic said.
“Not too many teams would have a guy who broke his femur twice. I don’t think many would bring a player like that back— Most teams I think would say go kick rocks.”
When he rejoined the lineup, results didn’t come right away. However, his first goal of the season—a short-handed empty-netter against Estevan—proved to be an important one, as it stood as the game-winner.
Mamic’s determination was further evident in February during a key matchup against the Melfort Mustangs. He beat out an icing call to retrieve the puck and delivered a perfect pass to Morgan Hackman, who put the Broncos on the board that night.
While the goal didn’t lead to a comeback, Mamic was proud to contribute in a meaningful way against Humboldt’s biggest rival.
Heading into the final weekend of the season, with the Broncos still in the playoff hunt, Mamic delivered his strongest performance at a crucial moment.
On March 13 in Warman, he scored just 30 seconds into the game, burying a loose rebound to give the Broncos an early lead they never relinquished in a 4-1 victory. Although the team was eliminated later that night, Mamic felt he left everything on the ice.
“It goes back to just playing the right way,” Mamic said when reflecting on his second-last game in green and gold.
“My focus was getting to the net, driving hard, because that’s where goals are scored.”
“It was the first shift, so it felt great. It gave me a boost of energy.”
This year, the graduating Bronco ended up 8 points (3G-5A) in 22 games. He ended up playing in 119 games with the Broncos over three seasons, finishing with 70 points (38G-32A) and added 5 points in a pair of playoff runs.
During his time in Humboldt, the Quesnel, B.C., product formed strong bonds with his teammates.
“I think in my first, second, and third years, I can call every guy on this team my brother,” he said.
“These are some of the best relationships you’ll ever have in life. It’s not often you get to go to the rink every day and play the game you love.”
After rejoining the team in January, Mamic felt the young group made significant progress over the final stretch of the season.
“Insane,” he said. “We really came together as a team.”
“I don’t think many teams have gone through what we have. I’m incredibly grateful for every single guy in that locker room.”
After everything he endured over the past year, Mamic made a point of appreciating every moment on the ice with the Broncos.
“It’s definitely a shame it ended earlier than expected, but I think that’s what makes it special. You learn to take every day in stride and not take anything for granted. I’m so grateful for everything this organization has done for me—I couldn’t be more thankful.”
Blaine Weyland - Discover Humboldt
