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Broncos keeping up the SJHL pace

In order for the Humboldt Broncos to earn success on the ice this season, they need a strong team off of it. “It takes a lot people rowing together,” Humboldt head coach and general manager Darcy Haugan said.
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In order for the Humboldt Broncos to earn success on the ice this season, they need a strong team off of it.

“It takes a lot people rowing together,” Humboldt head coach and general manager Darcy Haugan said.

After a big win at home last week, the new Broncos bench boss has led his team to a 3-2-1 record and second place behind Battlefords in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Finning Division. Since he arrived in Humboldt in August, Haugan has praised the people around the team.

Former Broncos player Brayden Klimosko has served as an assistant coach to Dean Brockman, Ryan Smith, and now Haugan. At training camp, Haugan said he was impressed with the players Smith and Klimosko brought in. Returning to the Junior A ranks after a dozen years in Junior B, Haugan said it is great to have Klimosko, who knows the league and the players.

“It is huge. … To have someone who has been through it and it is old hat,” Haugan said. “That is a valuable resource to lean on.”

The Broncos also have volunteer assistant coach Blair Wourms, a former Broncos defenceman, on staff. Haugan said he values both Klimosko’s and Wourm’s opinions. Klimosko and Wourms grew up together and are former Broncos teammates.

Klimosko praised Wourms’ sense of humour. As well, he said because Wourms is not with the team as much he can notice things, such as players improving, that might be tougher to see.

“He also brings his expertise to us in handling players into certain situations,” Klimosko wrote in an email interview. “The coaching aspect has more to it than Xs and Os.  With him being a teacher as his career, his everyday dealing with kids is very similar to how we should deal with our players. So we lean on him for that support.”

Haugan emphasized that others such as head scout Luke Strueby and strength coach Mike Barlage also play key roles. Neal Demmans is the team’s athletic therapist and trainer, while Kim Brockman is the office manager and marketing director.

Haugan leads the way for the Broncos’ hockey operations. Klimosko said there are lots of things he has enjoyed about working with Haugan.

“But I think the big one for me is he wants the team and himself to be in the community more,” Klimosko wrote. “I think in this day and age you have to seen amongst the community if you want their support. There are some many things you could be doing at home (TV, Internet, etc.)  that you have to give people a reason to come out and support the club. And he has really noticed that and has embraced the challenge of that.”  

Broncos 5, Estevan 1
The Broncos capitalized on their chances at the Elgar Petersen Arena on Oct. 2 as they dropped the Estevan Bruins, 5-1. Humboldt only outshot Estevan 34-32, but they made the most of their opportunities.

Five different players scored for Humboldt. Lighting the lamp were Trevor Posch, Connor Kortko, Daniel McKitrick, Josh Roberts, and Corey Dambrauskas. Kortko and McKitrick each picked up their third goals of the season, while the others scored their first ones.

The Broncos led 5-0 before Owen LaClare scored the Buins’ lone goal on a power-play in the third period. Brett Clark was strong in net for Humboldt as he turned away 31 shots. Tyler Gutenberg started and allowed two goals on 12 shots before Tyler Fuhr came in and made 19 saves while allowing three goals.

Home This Friday
The Broncos are at the SJHL Showcase in Warman early this week. The event provides scouts from various levels the opportunity to see the league’s 12 teams all in one place. Humboldt was slated to play Kindersley on Oct. 6 and Battlefords on Oct. 7.

The Broncos return home to host the Nipawin Hawks on Oct. 9. They then wrap up the week with an Oct. 10 road rematch with the Hawks.

Catching Up With
Tom Gehlen (1970-1973) is the owner of the Resource Management International Inc., which is based in Lashburn, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. The company is a successful civil engineering consulting firm.

Gehlen, a professional engineer, has great memories of his time with the Broncos. When asked what he enjoyed most, Gehlen wrote in an email interview:

“The people I met; especially my billets (Bob and Cheryl Perry) and of course, the most important person affecting junior hockey players in Humboldt during the early years was Dr. Terry Henning. We all carry some of his attributes to this day.”