Penalty problems persist in game two loss

The Broncos dug themselves out of a three-goal hole Saturday night but in the end four Nipawin power-play goals allowed the Hawks to skate away with a 5-3 win and a 2-0 lead in their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) semi-final series.

Brandan Arnold, Tyler Adams, and Brett Harasymuk all scored in the first 16 minutes of the first period staking the home side to a 3-0 lead chasing starting netminder Parker Tobin in the process.

The Broncos responded in the middle frame with three goals of their own. Jaxon Joseph scored his seventh of the postseason from Conner Lukan and Bryce Fiske. Lukan added his second of the series and playoffs from Brayden Camrud and Fiske slapped his second of the weekend past Declan Hobbs tying the contest at 3-3. Logan Schatz and Jaxon Joseph each picked up points on Fiske’s power-play tally.

Logan Casavant beat Jacob Wassermann on a rebound late in the second period restoring the Nipawin lead. Grant Baetsen also scored with the man advantage in the third to round out the scoring. Fiske said the opening 20 minutes was not acceptable.

“After losing a heartbreaker in overtime Friday night we thought we’d have a better start. We didn’t help out Tobin in net and we have to be better,” he said.

The Broncos held the Hawks to one power-play goal on seven chances in game one, Nipawin exploded in Saturday’s contest scoring on 80 percent of their chances with a Bronco in the penalty box. Fiske said discipline cost them the game.

“Friday night they didn’t have the power-play they wanted. Tonight, they capitalized, we took stupid penalties and we paid for it,” Fiske said.

Tobin allowed three goals on 11 shots, Wassermann was good in relief seeing his first action since game two of the first round. The 17-year-old allowed a pair of goals on 20 Nipawin offerings. Hobbs was forced to make 20 stops on 23 Humboldt shots.

The Broncos’ power-play was 2/6.

The series now shifts to the Elgar Petersen Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fiske said the club is still confident heading home for two games.

“The series is far from over, it’s a best of seven. We know we can play with them, we just have to put a full 60 minutes together and stay out of the box,” he said.

Faceoff is 7:30 p.m. both nights. The Broncos ticket office will be open at 9 a.m. Monday.