Respecting your opponent and being wary of their strengths is the foundation for competitive success, and when it comes to their opponents, the Flin Flon Bombers, Coach Scott Barney and the Broncos have that respect. The Bombers have stood toe to toe with the Broncos this season, splitting their four games at two a piece. That respect doesn’t mean the Broncos are shying away from their opposition. In fact, Game 1 tonight at the EPA is likely to set up an exceptional series. 

“The Bombers have a strong team and they’re well coached,” Barney says. “At Christmas time, we pretty much had equivalent records. I think they went through some injury trouble, but they’re all healed up, and ready to go. They’re a big team that skates well, and they come at you with four lines. They’re pretty deep on the back end, and obviously they have a veteran goalie there with Cal Schell.”

Add to that the fact that the Bombers found their footing after dropping the first two games of their opening round series to the Battlefords North Stars. The Bombers stormed back with four straight games giving them a strong degree of momentum heading forward. 

“They’re on a bit of a roll, won four straight, and they are a team that’s resilient after being down 2-0 to Battlefords. So we’re looking forward to a great contest. They always have a great club up there, and they’re used to doing the travel.”

It’s the Bombers who will be doing the travelling to start off the series with a pair of games at the EPA Friday and Saturday, and the club knows how important it is to leverage the home ice advantage.

“Obviously, you want to win your games at home, and those are the first two here. We’re looking forward to having a packed barn here. It’s been great so far during the playoffs and looking forward to filling it up again.” 

As for the Broncos, they upshifted in their La Ronge series to polish off the Ice Wolves in six games. With a few days off for the Yorkton Terriers to decide Melfort’s fate, the SJHL is heading into round two and the Broncos are prepared, says Barney.

“We’re all healed up here. We’ve got a resilient bunch and our depth in the lineup helps us, especially in that last series and hopefully throughout the playoffs. Everybody’s anxious to get going against the Bombers.”

Barney says the team has appreciated the support and especially the large and raucous crowds during the opening series. The team is looking forward to that same level of support through the remainder of their playoff run. Puck drop on Friday and Saturday at the EPA is 7:30, and as always, the play by play is on 107.5 Bolt FM.