Generating some chances in front of Harmon Laser-Hume and the Flin Flon Bombers net is going to be essential for the Humboldt Broncos, including Quinn Myles (pictured), as they head into round two of the SJHL playoffs. (Submitted photo/Becky Zimmer)

By Becky Zimmer

Round 2 ready

Broncos brace for battle against Bombers

Mar 30, 2023 | 9:47 AM

After a five-game round one, the Humboldt Broncos will now be facing the Flin Flon Bombers in round two of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs.

The second-place Broncos faced off with the third-place Bombers six times during the regular season, each scoring 15 goals and practically matching each other shot for shot with the Bombers outshooting the Broncos 187-183.

Head coach Scott Barney knows how evenly matched they have been all season with the Bombers and he is expecting some high-calibre hockey when the puck drops on Friday, he said.

Finishing the first series outscoring the Nipawin Hawks 25-10, the Broncos have a week of rest before heading into the next series.

The Bombers on the other hand finished up game seven in their series against the Estevan Bruins on Mar. 28 and will have two days to rest up before hitting the road for the Elgar Petersen Arena.

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Both coaches see two possibilities in how this will impact the outcome of the first few games.

Bombers head coach Mike Reagan told northeastNOW he sees it as a good thing since his team is playoff ready and still hot from round one. Barney told northeastNOW there will be no excuses either way.

“We can’t use the excuse that we’ve been sitting around, and I’m sure they can’t use the one that they had just finished playing. It’s next game up, and then go period by period to see where we’re at.”

This will be the third year in a row that the Broncos and Bombers will face each other in the playoffs with the Bombers being fortunate enough to have previously dominated the green and gold, said Reagan.

However, it is a new year, new team, and the Bombers just want to continue the success they’ve had in the past while still respecting the great team that Humboldt has.

One obstacle for the Broncos will be Harmon Laser-Hume, who has been a staple in the Bombers net with 44 regular season and seven playoff games already under his belt.

Barney said they will have to score early and often to take some pressure off and will need to create some opportunities in the traffic in front of the net.

Ever since they first put him in net, Reagan said Laser-Hume has been a great asset and has handled the growing pains and the pressure really well.

“Last year, we had Cal Shell who was arguably the top goaltender in the league, and a lot of credit for our success last year. For (Laser-Hume) to fill in those states is a difficult one, and he’s just grown as an individual.”

The Broncos’ own goalie situation has been complicated due to recent events with former Bronco Jared Picklyk. Picklyk has been suspended indefinitely after allegedly crashing his truck into a Humboldt residence on March 25.

Added to the roster in his place has been Humboldt’s own, 15-year-old affiliated player Brady Holtvogt. According to Barney, goalie Benjamin Motew will now have more opportunities to get the Broncos some wins.

Playoffs are now down to the four best teams of the season, with the Battlefords North Stars facing off against the Melfort Mustangs. With the path to the Canterra Seeds Cup one step closer to deciding a winner, Barney said the Broncos are ready for round two.

“There’s four great teams left, and we got to put our best foot forward and all the guys believe in each other in that room there. That’s the biggest thing is having them be ready and focused.”

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becky.zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @bex_zim