Written by: Rory McGouran
The Humboldt Broncos grounded all flights of the Weyburn Red Wings on Thursday night.
In the first leg of a 3-game in 3-night road trip for the Broncos, coming off the heels of a 3-game losing streak, the Broncos put forth a solid 60-minute, hard-working effort and defeated the Weyburn Red Wings 3-2 at Cresent Point Place in Weyburn.
The first two periods were fast paced, but rather low scoring. The Broncos came out with multiple aggressive opening shifts, something that was lacking throughout their 3-game slide prior.
However, after Humboldt was unsuccessful on their first two powerplays early in the game, it was the Red Wings who broke through on their opening man-advantage with Cade Meiklejohn’s 14th of the season for a 1-0 lead.
The Broncos penalty kill had fallen off quite a bit the last three games, and giving up a powerplay goal on the first attempt was not the sign Humboldt fans was hoping to see. However, their faith was restored with a brilliant effort by every member of the PK the rest of the way, and it was gravely needed.
After Cage Newans tied the game later in the first period on a breakaway for his 18th goal of the season, the Red Wings were awarded 6-straight additional powerplays, without the Broncos getting one. Humboldt killed all six. Finishing 6/7 on the night. This was also the 10th straight game Humboldt has not had more powerplay opportunities than their opponent.
Humboldt took their first lead off the game from their most potent goal scorer. Spencer Bell, who is having a career year, scored his 28th of the season, stretching his goal streak to 7-games and moving into sole position of 2nd in the SJHL’s goal scoring race, two behind Flin Flon’s Justin Lies for the league lead.
Pat Lanthier (9) added the insurance marker in the third period, which would be needed later in the game, off a one-timer pass from Maddox Amaral.
Weyburn pulled the goalie in the final minutes, and somehow, off a bouncing puck that looked as if it was thrown in the back of the net from the stands, cut the lead to 3-2. Not even Broncos’ netminder, Ben Motew seemed sure how the puck ended up behind him with his shocked-looking display of body language.
The Broncos though, buckled down when Weyburn pulled the goalie a second time, and fought through the final 45 seconds for a 3-2 victory.
Motew stopped 35/37 for his 16th win of the season.
The Broncos will continue to embark on their final extended road trip of the regular season starting on Friday, with back-to-back games in Estevan against the Bruins.
