HUMBOLDT — The Humboldt Broncos can be frequently found out and about in the community.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team’s players regularly participate in community events, volunteer, and interact with area youth. These are some of the ways the squad gives back to the people who cheer them on.
“I find it’s very important for us to give back to the community,” Broncos assistant captain Reid Arnold said. “The community is always supporting our team. They come out to every game and cheer us on. People in the community will stop and talk to us and see how we are doing and ask questions about the team. We are lucky to have a great community that will support us through ups and downs during the season.”
One of the second-year forward’s favourite activities is helping out serving hot lunches at the local elementary schools.
“It gets us away from the rink and we just get to be with kids,” Arnold said. “When they see us at their school, they are the happiest and most excited kids. They see us as NHL hockey players and it puts a smile on your face because they look up to us as role models.”
The Bronco run rec hockey for kids on Sunday nights. All of the team turns out for it.
“I really enjoy getting out there with the kids; seeing how excited and happy they are to play hockey,” said assistant captain Colin MacPherson. “It makes it lots of fun for us and that’s what the game is all about.”
MacPherson also cited hot lunches as another one of his favourite activities. Of it and rec hockey, he said, “Both are a great time. To be around the kids and have some fun with them is enjoyable for me.”
Fellow defenceman Chase Felgueiras also likes participating in the youth rec hockey night as well as bagging groceries at Sobeys and competing annually against local gymnasts. Regarding the team’s activities focused on the youth, Felgueiras said he enjoys “Being able to interact with the kids and have a positive influence on them whether it’s just saying ‘hi’ or playing floor hockey with them.”
The Broncos Last Week
Tuesday, Nov. 5 in North Battleford
Battlefords 3, Humboldt 0
North Stars Scorers: Quintin Loon-Stewardson (2), Matthais Urbanski
Goalies: Michael Harroch, Humboldt, 2 saves on 2 shots; Brendan Forman, Humboldt, 30 on 32; Rey Parker, Battlefords, 34 on 34
Attendance: 824
Notes: Harroch was injured about two minutes into the game. The league-leading North Stars (22-1-0-0) scored twice on the powerplay.
Friday, Nov. 8 in Humboldt
Humboldt 4, Nipawin 1
Broncos Scorers: Loagn Foster, Reid Arnold, Eric Nicksha, Jackson Bohan
Hawks Scorer: Carson Erhardt
Goalies: Brendan Forman, Humboldt, 28 saves on 29 shots; Dalton Dosch, Nipawin, 41 on 45
Attendance: 875
Notes: With two goals in both the first and third periods, the Broncos downed the Hawks. Nipawin got its goal in the second session to trail 2-1. Zach McIntyre had two assists. “We played a great team game with high energy and pace,” Broncos head coach Scott Barney said. “Great to get a win on our home ice. Our penalty kill was very good as well.”
Saturday, Nov. 9 in Humboldt
Melfort 5, Humboldt 4 OT
Broncos Scorers: Zach McIntyre, Tristan Shewchuk, Logan Foster, Jackson Bohan
Mustangs Scorers: Kenzie Arnold (2), Alex Rondeau, Adam Nobes, Jake Hobson
Goalies: Brendan Forman, Humboldt, 30 saves on 36 shots; Shawn Parkinson, Melfort, 26 on 30
Attendance: 997
Notes: After a 1-1 first period, the Broncos outscored the visiting Mustangs 3-1 in the second to take a 4-2 lead. The Mustangs had two third period goals to tie the game. Arnold had the winning goal in overtime. With Harroch injured, former Humboldt midget AA goalie Dawson Cochrane served as the backup goalie on Friday and Saturday. “It was tough to see the game tied up late after entering the third with a two-goal lead,” Barney said. “But overall happy to take away three points out of four on the weekend and build off the positives from both games.”
This Week
The Broncos (12-8-2-1) play three games in as many days this week. The team is Flin Flon on Thursday to take on the Bombers (13-5-3-0, as of Sunday). On Friday and Saturday, they play the La Ronge Ice Wolves (11-11-2-0) on the road
