Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo by: Marla Possberg
After one of the most exciting and emotional games of the season, the Broncos, unfortunately, came out flat in the follow-up, but still managed to secure a single point.
With 58 games in the regular season, you can bet that there will be a few where the effort level is nowhere to be found. That was the case in the opening period between the Broncos and Kindersley Klippers on Tuesday, February 4th.
The Broncos were held to 3 shots over the first 17 minutes, while the Klippers controlled the play deep in Humboldt’s end, resulting in a 2-0 Klippers lead after 20 minutes.
Enter the second period, and for the opening 5 minutes, it was looking like more of the same, as the Klippers stretched their lead to 3-0. Halfway through the middle frame, the Broncos woke up and tried to salvage what time was left. Thanks to their special teams, they were able to do so.
Luckily for the Broncos, back in the first period, their penalty kill was one of the positive notes, killing five straight 2-minute penalties. Eventually, you’d expect it would start to even up, and when it did, the Broncos struck. Three straight powerplays led to three straight powerplay goals by Logan Kurki, Reid Arnold, and Tristan Shewchuk, and seemingly out of nowhere, the game was once again tied.
The game remained locked at 3-3 though the third period, and for the second straight meeting between these two clubs, the game needed overtime.
In overtime, it was once again the Klippers who came away with the extra point, as Kindersley’s Scott McKenzie snuck behind the defence and beat Michael Harroch for the game-winner.
The Broncos may have been lucky to secure the single point, which now moves them within two points of 5th place Melfort and 6th place La Ronge.
The Klippers who are fighting for the 8th and final playoff spot gained a huge two points, and are now just three points back of the playoff line and the Estevan Bruins.
The Broncos will play 7 of their final 8 games on home ice starting on Saturday, February 8th when they host the Weyburn Red Wings.