- with files from Humboldt Broncos

The Humboldt Broncos wrapped up the pre-season with the narrowest of losses against the Melfort Mustangs in a pair of hotly contested games.  

On Friday, the teams exchanged goals and penalty minutes to land on a 3-all tie at the end of regulation. Ty McKay connected with Spencer Hughes to open the Broncos scoring. The Broncos faced penalty woes throughout the evening, and the opening power play for Melfort resulted in a Chase Freidt-More one timer to score.  

Following a scoreless second period, the teams tangled with penalties in the third. Melfort’s Hayden Prosofsky took an undisciplined 7-minute penalty, two minutes for instigating and five minutes for a one-manned fight, that gave all the momentum and the opportunity to the Broncos to put the game out of reach.  

The Broncos scored twice in the first three minutes of the extended man-advantage. Spencer Bell tipped home the go-ahead 2-1 goal and just 30 seconds later, Landon Stromme capped off a beautiful passing play for a 3-1 lead. d. 

However, more penalties plagued the Broncos with back-to-back minors that let Melfort back in the game and sent it into overtime. In overtime, Logan Belton was hauled down on a breakaway and awarded a penalty shot in which he buried to give the Mustangs their first preseason victory of the year. 

On Saturday at the EPA, fans witnessed another overtime thriller as both goalies put on outstanding performances. Connor Miller potted a pair for the Broncos, who settled on a 2-all tie when the final buzzer went. 

In a fast and exciting 3 on 3 overtime, both teams had chances, but a tick-tac-toe pass to Mustang David Coyle meant the victory fell again to Melfort.  

Get set for the season opener this Saturday night against the Notre Dame Hounds with the tailgate party starting at 5 pm. Stay tuned to 107.5 Bolt FM for more exciting news about the pre-party and the official opening of the SJHL season in Humboldt. 

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