Written by: Rory McGouran
The Humboldt Broncos and Battlefords North Stars clearly elevate each other’s game when the two Nutrien Division rivals square off.
In the home-and-home set this weekend, the two teams fought their way to identical 2-1 shootout stanzas, with the Broncos victorious on Friday and the North Stars stealing the extra point on Saturday.
Once again through 60 minutes of high paced, end-to end action, it was an absolute nailbiter for the crowd at the Elgar Petersen Arena in Humboldt. Once again, both netminders were the best players on the ice, and once again, it took a skills competition to separate the rivals.
The Broncos opened up the scoring on the powerplay in the first period with Maddox Amaral’s third goal of the season. Ryder Knutson and Jeter Korte added the assists. The Broncos powerplay finished 1/4 on the night.
In the second period, the North Stars tied the game on a left-wing wrist shot by Brad Blake and his fourth of the year.
Otherwise, its was the Broncos’ Ben Motew and the North Stars’ Justen Maric who stole the show between the pipes, stopping 25/26 and 40/41, respectfully.
For the second straight game the third period and overtime provided no goals. Leading the pair into a shootout.
The Broncos elected for the same three shooters that helped them win the game the night prior, Spencer Bell, Cage Newans, and Landon Stromme. However, this time all three were unsuccessful.
The North Stars rolled out Hunter Burgeson, Brad Blake, and Brayden Sinclair.
Brad Blake was the only one to score, providing the game tying goal, and the shootout game winner in the close-knit contest.
The rivals will play four more times this season, and you can be certain that both teams and their fanbases will be circling all four on the calendar.
The Broncos, although suffering the loss, have now secured at least a point in all 10 games played this season, with a record of 8-0-1-1.
The North Stars will improve their record to 6-5-0-1.
Humboldt will have a few days between games before welcoming in the Estevan Bruins to the EPA on Wednesday, October 25th.
