The Humboldt Broncos are squaring off against the Nipawin Hawks in round one of SJHL playoff action. It’s been an exciting regular season, building in intensity to the point fans have been waiting for. Broncos Coach Scott Barney says that the team is set on all fronts.

“The team is feeling great, and they had a great week of practice,” Barney affirms. “The guys are feeling confident, and the team is looking healthy, so that’s a big part of it. We’re going up against a tough Hawks team - we split a couple of weeks ago. So it should be a great series for the fans in both cities.”

A couple of keys to the Broncos regular season success has been to strike early, strike often and pull energy from the fans. The team is counting on that raucous level of fan support, both at the EPA and in Nipawin.

“With our great fan support, that’s a big key. When the guys come out for warm ups and the fans are already there, it gives us that extra 15-20 percent boost. Hopefully we can strike early and often - that’d be a key for us.”

There’s been a strong showing on defense into the home stretch and Barney is pleased with the performance between the pipes.

“Both goalies are playing great. We can put either of them in at any time, and they both know that. The players are confident in both goalies - to have that “1A - 1B option” is a good problem to have as a team.” 

The front office team has worked hard to produce a second-to-none game day experience in the arena, and that beat will go on into the playoffs, says Barney.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the game and hopefully it's a packed rink.”

Puck drop for the Friday and Saturday home games at the EPA is 7:30. You can hear the play call with Rory McGouran at 107.5 Bolt FM. For details on the fan bus heading to Nipawin for games 3 and 4, check the Humboldt Broncos Facebook page.