HUMBOLDT — After battling injuries for much of this season, Michael Harroch of the Humboldt Broncos is proving what kind of goaltender he really is.
For example, the 18-year-old was named the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 20 to 26. During that stretch, he had one of his best outings of the season as he made 32 saves on 33 shots in a 4-1 win over Notre Dame. That victory, on Jan. 26, was his first win since Dec. 6. Since his return, the Broncos have often turned to him to protect the crease.
“It is a lot of fun to be playing lots, especially because I've had so much time off,” Harroch said. “I am enjoying being back and it feels great to have the support of my teammates and coaches throughout this stretch.”
In his 17 games with the team, through Feb. 13, the 6-foot, 170-pound goalie had a .906 save percentage. Harroch had posted a 3.29 goal against average.
“Michael has been good here every game he has played,” Humboldt head coach Scott Barney said. “Obviously, he has been through some tough injuries and not ones that are easy to come back from. He has been great down the stretch for us.”
Harroch said he suffered back-to-back concussions. Those were followed by an ankle sprain. He has tried to stay positive and learn from the experience.
“The timing of it all was tough to deal with,” Harroch said. “It seemed that every time I got healthy again, something else happened almost immediately after. It definitely taught me some perseverance, and while being out for so long can have lots of downsides, it has kept me fresh and ready for the last stretch of the regular season and the postseason.”
Barney has expressed confidence in his netminding group. With Harroch injured, fellow 18-year-old Brendan Forman had earned a team-high 16 wins, as of Feb. 13. Acquired from Weyburn in early 2020, 19-year-old Noah Decottignies has played in four games and provided support and competition. Humboldt product Dawson Cochrane had seen action in six games as an affiliated player. Last week the Saskatoon Royals goalie was named a division all-star for Junior B Prairie Junior Hockey League. Standout 16-year-old Brett Mirwald of the midget AAA Saskatoon Blazers has also played well as an AP. Although they have depth, the Broncos are certainly glad to have Harroch back on the ice.
“Michael is going to be a great goalie in this league and I think he has a good future in hockey,” Barney sad. “He doesn’t let in goals that cost you games and just makes the saves and the big saves when you need them.”
Harroch grew up in Whistler and North Vancouver in British Columbia. Last season he was teammates on the midget AAA Vancouver Northeast Chiefs with fellow Broncos Cody Hough and Logan Kurki. With the Broncos, Harroch billets with Carla and Wes Clement.
“I enjoy everything about Humboldt and playing for the Broncos is a great privilege,” Harroch said. “Our fans, and our community are unbelievable, and I take great pride in being a Bronco.”
