Written by: Rory McGouran
Preparing for a new race, the Humboldt Broncos will structure their stable of hopeful horses during the 2024-25 Main Camp which is set to grace the Elgar Petersen Arena this weekend.
The Broncos captured their second Nutrien Division title in the last three seasons, finishing with a 37-15-3-1 record last year. After falling in overtime of Game 7 in the Semi Finals to their equestrian rival, and eventual SJHL Champions, the Melfort Mustangs, a new journey for an SJHL Championship now begins.
Here is everything you need to know prior to the starting gates.
Camp Schedule
Notable Departures:
The Humboldt Broncos had five graduating players finish their SJHL career following the 2023-24 season, as well as a few other key pieces who departed for other opportunities. In addition, Head Coach and GM, Scott Barney made the jump to the Major Junior level to become the Head Coach of the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. He was replaced by 3x SJHL Coach of the Year, 2x SJHL Champion, and Humboldt native, Brayden Klimosko.
Forwards:
Cage Newans, Spencer Bell, Patrick Lanthier, Matthew Van Blaricom, Travis Bryson
Defensemen:
Daylan Weigel, Chase Cooke, Ben Costantino, Connor Thue, Saxen Robertson
Goalies:
Ben Motew
In total, the departures combined for 158 goals and 281 assists for 439 points, 131 of which came on the powerplay.
In the net, the Broncos will also be without the NCAA DIV I committed goaltender, Ben Motew, who finished 3rd in the SJHL wins (27) and 4th in both GAA (2.74) and SV% (.915).
Returning Players:
There’s certainly a strong herd of familiar faces that look poised to lead the Broncos to another successful campaign. In the end, that all will depend on taking the next step in their development while flourishing in larger roles with those departed.
Forwards:
Maddox Amaral, Connor Miller, Marik Mamic, Landon Stromme, Boris Kofman, Jacob Strizzi, Jeter Korte, Brayden Skogstad, Dylan Nazareth
Defensemen:
Tristan Serrao, Ryder Knutson, Oakley McIlwain
Goalies:
Ty Matonovich
The returning players will bring back 569 games of SJHL experience, the longest tenure and title of the most experienced Bronco now belongs to Maddox Amaral who will play his 101st career regular season game in a Bronco jersey when the puck drops on September 21st.
New Additions and Roster Hopefuls:
Every season comes with its certainties and every season comes with its surprises. It’s now solely up to the players to catch the eyes of the coaching staff and win a job from someone else. Intensity breeds competition and whether its through trades, signings, or offseason commitments, players always have the final chance to prove themselves.
Those listed below are just some of the fresh faces set to appear at camp.
Forwards:
Gabriel Filion, Josh Sale, Aidan Bruce, Kye Benoche, Michael Dowdall, Keiran Keilly, Rylan Hue, Tyce Penrod.
Defensemen:
Tre Fouquette, Simon Garchinski, Teigan Semchyshen, Callum Desbrow, Karson Kerbes, Charlie Nameth, AJ Paulsen
Goalies:
Edouard Gauthier, Wyatt Fleischacker
The Green and Gold Top-40 game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 1st and is free for all fans to attend.
Following camp, the Broncos will refine their roster and prepare for the pre-season exhibition schedule slated to start in Kindersley on September 6th.
