The Broncos lost some traction in the what will likely be a long battle among three teams for one playoff spot in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

On Tuesday night the Broncos were set back 2-1 by the Melville Millionaires who closed the gap on Humboldt for 11th in the SJHL standings to a point, the Mils have played one less game. Meanwhile that's happening in Melville, 20 minutes away the Yorkton Terriers were doubling the Weyburn Red Wings 4-2 opening another three point lead on the green and gold for the coveted 10th spot.

Assistant Coach Brayden Klimosko said on the post-game show that it's disappointing to see this type of effort in a game of such importance.

"We had some effort from some guys but there just wasn't enough from a lot of guys really at the end of the day. You really hope in games that mean so much at this time of year, you hope for more, you really do. We didn't get that from some guys and that's really disappointing and frustrating as a hockey club."

Logan Schatz scored the Broncos' goal. The 18 year-old Allen product has six on the season, this one was unassisted.

Humboldt's goal was sandwiched between Cole Filler scoring in the opening minute then again in the later stage of the second to put the Mils up 2-1.

Ryan Larochelle started in goal for the Broncos but he had to come out of the game after being ran into by Filler who was pushed by a back-checking Connor Swystun. He allowed the first Melville goal. Carter Seminuk was solid in relief making his Bronco debut, he turned aside 32/33 shots.

Brandon Wells made 26 saves in the win for the Millionaires.

Goaltending was not the Broncos' demise on this night, it was their offense including not generating anything on a half dozen power-plays. That includes the three they had in the final 20 minutes.

"0/6 isn't good enough," Klimosko vented. "Anytime you are 0/6 you are probably losing a hockey game and you know what, it really starts in practice. We had a tough week on the power-play and it goes from there."

Melville was unsuccessful on three less chances with the man advantage.

With this loss away from the Elgar Petersen Arena Humboldt has stretched their road winless streak to 18 games. Their last victory away from the EPA, September 25th in Flin Flon. Their next chance is Friday night when they visit Jarrett Fontaine and the Weyburn Red Wings. Face-off is 7:30, KMK Sales Broncos' hockey begins with the pre-game show at 7:15.

You can hear Klimosko's complete post-game comments below.

In the other pair of games Tuesday, Notre Dame blanked Estevan 3-0 and Flin Flon slipped past Nipawin 4-3 in a shoot-out.