Local Sports
Broncos sweep weekend set with Melville with 4-3 OT win at home
Connor Miller was the hero for the Humboldt Broncos on Saturday night at the Elgar Petersen Arena, as the home team defeated the Melville Millionaires 4-3 in overtime. The scoring started in the first period when Jacob Strizzi tipped in a shot from the point into the back of the net. Easton Adrian and Oakley McIlwain were credited with assists on the goal. The Millionaires tied it thanks to a goal from Edward Knittig at the 14:16 mark of the first, assisted by Ty Janz and Wesley Olson. Melville then took the lead about 90 seconds later, thanks to a goal from Matthew Edwards, assisted by Yibin Yoo. The score remained 2-1 for Melville until there was :57 seconds left in the second period. Ryder Knutson fired a wrist shot from the blueline, beating the Melville goaltender on the blocker side. Jeter Korte and Zach Bansley were credited with assists in the tying goal. Early in the third period, Kristian Lacelle found the back of the net for his first as a Humboldt Bronco, thanks to a quick face-off win from Connor Miller. The Broncos took the lead for much of the third period, until Wesley Golden tied it at the 16:10 mark of the third period, Brayden Gourley getting credit for an assist. The score remained tied, and for a second straight night, Humboldt and Melville played in overtime. However, there was no shootout needed on Saturday night. Connor Miller caught a pass from the left-wing corner from Jacob Strizzi, walked in, and scored the game-clinching goal, leading to a celebration at centre-ice for the Broncos, and a massive 4-3 win. Broncos goaltender Charlie Tritt made 32 saves in the win, while Millionaires goaltender Noah Sinagowitz made 43 saves in the loss. Associate Coach for the Humboldt Broncos Carter Hansen gave Melville credit for a hard fought game. "That's a Doug Johnson coached team right there, they're going to keep themselves in the game and give themselves a chance to win," Hansen said. "They scored that late one to tie it up and go to overtime, but for them to get two points out of this weekend, I think they can call that a win." Hansen says discipline continues to be an issue for the green and gold, as they took 29 minutes in penalties on Saturday night. "Kindersley is probably one of the best teams in the league at getting under your skin, trying to take you to the box, trying to get a lot of 4-on-4 stuff," Hansen said. "Honestly, playing these two games against Melville really helped set us up well, because it's going to be another hard-fought battle; it's always a battle when Humboldt plays Kindersley." The Broncos are back in action on Monday night when they visit their division rivals, the Kindersley Klippers. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m., the pre-game show begins at 7:15 on 107.5 Bolt FM.