The Humboldt Broncos scored in the final minute of the second period and the opening minute of the third in a 4-1 victory over the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins Friday night at Affinity Place.
Humboldt now leads the best-of-seven SJHL quarter-final series 1-0.
Bryce Platt opened the scoring for Estevan 4:11 into the first period. The Bruins outshot Humboldt 10-3 in that frame.
Estevan continued to lead until Josh Patrician scored to tie the game with 25 seconds remaining in the middle frame. Then Bryson Cecconi tallied 40 seconds into the third to give Humboldt a 2-1 advantage.
The Bruins had chances to tie the game, but couldn’t put one past Humboldt goaltender Rayce Ramsay, who finished with 29 saves on the night.
Reid Arnold scored a short-handed goal 8:31 into the third to put Humboldt up by two.
Drew Warkentine’s empty net goal with 1:46 remaining in the third finished the scoring.
Grant Boldt made 21 saves in the loss.
Platt said the Bruins failed to convert on a lot of chances Friday night.
“I think I probably had a couple, and lots of guys had a couple. Their goalie played really well – so did ours – but he made some big saves, and we didn’t capitalize,” said Platt.
Platt said he believes the Bruins match up well with Humboldt, even though the Broncos have now won five straight over the Black and Gold in the regular season and playoffs.
“We didn’t play as good as we could have. There were lots of execution errors. They wanted it more than us … and it showed in the score.”
Game 2 will be Saturday night at Affinity Place, starting at 7:30 p.m.
