Alex Morozoff, with help from fellow linemates and Broncos, earned his first SJHL hat trick during a hometown bout with the Battlefords North Stars. (Becky Zimmer/northeastNOW Staff)

By Becky Zimmer

Humboldt Broncos

McGrath, Morozoff, Koran contribute big as Broncos finish off 2021

Dec 19, 2021 | 10:30 AM

Three numbers making waves for the Humboldt Broncos are 39, 55, and 77.

The forward line of Alex Morozoff, Braiden Koran, and Connor McGrath have been chalking up the points as of late, including the Broncos’ last two games as they closed out 2021 still on top of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League standings.

In a trip to the Duncan McNeill Arena on Dec. 17 to take on the Notre Dame Hounds, Koran and McGrath would be responsible for three goals and one assist during the 5-3 win. Goals from Matthew Perkins and Lucas Ceccarelli also contributed to the road win.

That same line would play a big role the following night as the green and gold welcomed the Battlefords North Stars to the Elgar Petersen Arena.

Morozoff would see his first hat trick of his SJHL career that night; the first kicking off the 7-1 win with assists from both his linemates, followed by two in the second. McGrath picked up his 35th assist of the season, the most in the SJHL this season.

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Koran would add his 16th of the season, nine of which occurred in the last five games, while McGrath added his 19th, both in the second period.

Cage Newans and Ethan Zielke also lit up the board to dominate the North Stars.

In the last two games, the 39-55-77 line would total eight goals and five assists.

While Morozoff told northeastNOW he was happy with his first hat trick, his linemates got him the puck and a little bit of luck helped it reach the back of the net.

“My linemates have been awesome and it doesn’t matter if I’m playing with those guys or someone else, everyone’s been doing great, so it definitely helps.”

Head coach Scott Barney added all four of his forward lines are doing amazing work as they maintain first place in the SJHL.

Also included in the last two wins were goalies William Dyke and Rayce Ramsay as they collectively stopped 54 shots.

“Rayce made some big saves early in the game. Like I thought Battledford really came at us in the first 10 minutes, gave us a really good push,” added Barney. “The guys answered back with some big, big goals early.”

With 2021 now in the rearview, Barney said the players will be taking a much-needed 11-day break as they head home for the holidays to recharge.

The Broncos will be back at it on Dec. 30 to prepare for a trip to Melville on Jan. 4. The green and gold’s first home game of 2022 will be a Dec. 18 rematch as the Battlefords once again enter Bronco territory on Jan. 8 with Melville following suit on Jan. 9.

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becky.zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @bex_zim