It was a fitting end for Brayden Skogstad’s time with the Humboldt Broncos. In the final moments of Saturday’s season-ending win over the Warman Wolverines, he sacrificed his body one last time, blocking a shot to help secure the victory.
Although he didn’t score in his final game, he still made his mark on the scoresheet, feathering a perfect pass to Teigan Semchyshen for a third-period power-play goal that tied the game.
That kind of selfless play defining meaningful impact perfectly sums up Skogstad’s tenure with the Broncos.
In a season marked by constant change, he remained a steady presence. After Ryder Knutson was dealt to the Flin Flon Bombers ahead of the January 10 trade deadline, Skogstad was named team captain shortly afterward.
He described the moment as a significant milestone.
“It’s a pretty fulfilling moment where it feels kind of full circle. I’ve always seen myself as a leader on the team, but to officially step into that role as captain is really special and something I’ll remember forever.”
Having previously worn an “A,” the Kelowna, B.C. product said the transition didn’t alter his approach.
“Nothing really changed other than the letter itself.”
Following the departure of several veterans at the deadline, Skogstad took on the responsibility of helping guide a younger roster through the final two months of the season, part of a broader effort to reshape the team’s culture with an eye toward a championship push in 2027.
He believed setting the right example was key.
“I think it’s about showing the guys what it means to be a Bronco and building that culture within the team.
“You’ve seen so many changes over the past three months, especially with the younger players. Everyone’s had the chance to step into bigger roles, and I think that’s healthy. It challenges you to get uncomfortable and learn how to be comfortable in those situations.”
Associate coach Carter Hansen said after Saturday’s game that Skogstad’s influence will be felt long after his departure.
“He basically started a whole new routine of guys coming to the rink early to work on their game,” Hansen said. “That wasn’t happening before. Now you’ve got players coming in every morning focused on improving.”
Hansen referred to that influence as the “Brayden Skogstad effect,” pointing to his commitment both on and off the ice.
“He’s at the rink all the time trying to improve, to be a professional, to represent what it means to be a Humboldt Bronco.”
Despite finishing one point shy of the playoffs, Skogstad saw clear progress in the Broncos down the stretch.
“I think you can really tell we’ve become a much harder-working team,” he said.
“We’re a group of hard-nosed players pushing toward a common goal, and if they carry that into next season, they’ll be tough to beat.”
While it may have been a difficult decision to stay as the team shifted its focus toward the future, Skogstad felt there was no better place to finish his junior career.
“I think this is the way it was meant to be. Brayden (Klimosko) always talks about leaving the jersey in a better place than you found it, and that’s the mindset we’ve tried to bring.”
On February 20, when the Broncos faced the Yorkton Terriers, Skogstad played his 150th career junior game—all with Humboldt. Though he grew up in British Columbia, he quickly found a home with the organization.
“From the day I got here, it just felt like home—a place I could stay and play for a long time. I don’t think there was ever a scenario where I would have left the Broncos.”
Throughout the season, Skogstad filled nearly every role imaginable—everything except goaltender. He played centre, wing, contributed on both special teams, and even stepped in on defence for a few games in November, something he embraced.
“That was a lot of fun,” he said. “I probably would’ve done it again if I’d had the chance. I really enjoyed it.”
He even recalled a lighthearted moment from that stint.
“I played with Cameron Grande—it was his first game here—and he didn’t even know I was actually a forward until midway through the first period. I told him, ‘You’re going to have to help me out here, I don’t really know what I’m doing back there.’”
When reflecting on his time in Humboldt, his teammates is what stood out most.
“I think Humboldt does a great job of bringing in like-minded individuals who just enjoy being around each other, having fun, and making hockey enjoyable.”
According to Hansen, Skogstad led through his actions.
“He showed it every day—how to get pucks out of your zone, doing the hard, gritty work that a lot of players shy away from. And he did it all with a smile. He took a lot of pride in his role and gave everything he had.”
When the team held their player awards on Sunday, Skogstad was called up a few times, including winning the team’s Most Valuable Player Award, Coach’s Award for Best Team Player and Team’s Leadership Award.
During his three seasons with the Broncos, Skogstad ended up playing in 158 games, with 60 points (23G-37A), including 28 points (6G-22A) in 55 games this season.
While his playing days in Humboldt have come to an end, there’s no doubt Skogstad left a lasting imprint. His role in shaping the Broncos’ culture will be felt for years to come.
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