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Hawks grounded in Humboldt

Apr 4, 2018 | 1:56 AM

Home ice continued to be an advantage as the Humboldt Broncos clipped Nipawin 2-1 in game three of their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League semi-final.

The Hawks still lead the best-of-seven series two games to one after winning both games over the weekend at the Centennial Arena. Captain Carter Doerksen said the team knew the Broncos would fight back in their own rink.

“They are a good team, they are going to give us a battle,” Doerksen told northeastNOW. “They aren’t just going to roll over. They want it as much as we do. That’s what playoff hockey is.”

After a scoreless first period, the Hawks opened the scoring when Christian Bosa scored his first goal of the playoffs from Daven Smith and Wayde Johannesson. The lead lasted just over two minutes though, as Conner Lukan scored on a power-play for Humboldt, tying the contest at 1-1. Logan Boulet beat Declan Hobbs with just under five minutes left in the second period, giving the Broncos the lead. That stood as the game-winning goal, also coming on a Humboldt man advantage. Doerksen said the club needs to show better discipline during the rest of the series.

“Special teams are always crucial. Humboldt has a good power-play with skilled players. If we’re going to take bad penalties, they are going to make us pay,” Doerksen said.

The Broncos were 2/6 on the power-play, while Nipawin didn’t score with the man advantage in three chances.

Hobbs made 32 stops in the loss; Jacob Wassermann turned aside 29 of 30 Nipawin shots for the victory.

Game four is Wednesday in Humboldt. With the Broncos victory, the Hawks will host game five Friday at 7:30 p.m.

 

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork