HUMBOLDT — December is a month of opportunities for the Humboldt Broncos.
The team is looking for a strong finish to the 2019 portion of their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season. In addition, individuals are seeking to take advantage of opportunities that have been presented.
After the recent trades of such veterans as Bryson Cecconi, Chase Felgueiras and Colin MacPherson, younger players will have the chance to play bigger roles. Newcomers will also take their shot at earning ice time and the coaches’ trust.
Standout rookie forward Karter McNarland will see how he stacks up against many of Western Canada’s top Junior A players. The 16-year-old is attending the Team Canada West selection camp in Calgary, Dec. 1 to 3. If he makes the team, McNarland will compete at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge against an Eastern Canada squad and international foes in Dawson Creek, B.C., Dec. 7 to 15.
While McNarland’s status with the team was unknown at press time, it is for certain that the Broncos will be represented at the event by head coach and general manager Scott Barney. The former National Hockey League player is serving as an assistant coach for Team Canada West.
“[I’m] really looking forward to the challenge and getting to know the other coaches involved in it and the players,” Barney said. “It is going to be some high-level talent from all over Canada and the world. Looking forward to just learning and bringing things that I can learn off the other coaches with the team and use with our team going forward.
“Obviously, the goal is to win the gold medal and hopefully [we] can bring one back to Humboldt.”
While Barney is helping guide Team Canada West, Broncos assistant coach Curtis Toneff has the opportunity to lead the Humboldt squad. He will be supported by volunteer assistant coach Rhett Blackmur, a former Broncos player, and athletic therapist Tyrol “Skip” Deeg. Toneff is in his first season with the Broncos after a couple campaigns of guiding his hometown Nanaimo Buccaneers in the Junior B ranks as its head coach and general manager.
“I have enjoyed watching the progress of the players over the past three months,” Toneff said of his time in Humboldt. “From day one to now, the players have worked hard everyday and in return gotten better. I hope to continue to see our guys work like they have been and exceed expectations around the league.
“From a pure coaching standpoint, it’s been very fun working with Scott Barney, Rhett and Skip. There are no bad days around the rink because I think we all love it that much.”
Toneff’s playing career included 33 games with the SJHL’s Battlefords North Stars in 2011-12. In his return to the league, Toneff said he’s been surprised by the parity of the league.
“Anyone can beat anyone on any given night,” he said. “The standings look to be tight until the very end. It speaks volumes to how hard staffs around the league work in the off season. I also think the league has done a very crisp job in the marketing and exposure for the SJHL. I started to take more notice at the showcase in September.”
