Playoff excitement in the SJHL is mounting as round one for the Humboldt Broncos kicks off this weekend. The Broncos wrapped up the season with a decisive win over the Kindersley Klippers. The Broncos finished at the top of the Global Ag Risk Division and second in the league, just one point back of the Estevan Bruins. That pits the horsemen against a nemesis from the north, the seventh place La Ronge Ice Wolves. 

Broncos Coach Scott Barney isn’t putting any weight on their league standing, knowing that they are a team to be reckoned with. 

“La Ronge is a great club,” Barney affirms. “Probably if you look back at their record for the second half of the year, they’re in the top two teams in the SJHL. They play a hard brand of hockey under Kevin Kaminski. They’re going to finish every check.”

Along with the dual goaltending presence of Xavier Cannon and Dawson Smith, Barney expects a great series. He notes the tight facility up in La Ronge will be cause for some Bronco adjustments for the away games.

Looking at the challenge ahead, Barney is satisfied with the evolution of the team this year after the challenges of the pandemic. He’s more than pleased with the way the team has gelled through the regular season.

“It’s been really good. We’ve had a lot of turnover from last season to this one - probably only three or four players remained. But it’s been great all year, the chemistry these guys have had, the camaraderie. We feed off the fans at home, and it’s been just a great regular season.”

The team's chemistry and its resolve has solidified into a range of talent that goes deep into the roster with breakout performances happening on a nightly basis. 

“I think for us, it’s the depth of four lines and with Ramsay, who’s been outstanding in net, we’ll just continue to build on what we have here and not change too much. We’ll let other teams adapt to the way we play.”

Broncos and fans alike are excited for the playoffs. Everyone is invited to share the excitement by sporting Broncos gear, breaking out the banners and posters, and lighting the town up green and gold in anticipation of a stellar playoff season. 

“We always appreciate the fan support and can’t wait to get the EPA rocking.”

Tickets are on sale now at the Broncos office. Game 1 goes Friday night at 7:30 with the play by play call on 107.5 Bolt FM. 

Here's the full pre-playoff interview with Coach Barney: