BRONCOS USE SIX POWER PLAY GOALS TO BEAT ABBIES

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – Josh Podaima scored two of Humboldt’s six power play goals as the Broncos earned an 8-5 win over the host Charlottetown Abbies in 2003 Royal Bank Cup preliminary round play on Wednesday night.

Down 3-2 early in the second period, the Broncos rattled off five goals in a span of 10:33, four coming on the power play, to take a commanding lead. Humboldt (2-1) finished 6-for-9 with the man advantage, while the Abbies were 3-for-6.

Podaima added an assist for a three-point night, as did Brad Erickson, the Broncos’ Player of the Game, Colin Johnson, who had a goal and two assists each, and Jeremy Wray, who finished with three helpers. Keith Reade, Kris Kasper, Craig Olynick and Orrin Hergott had the other Humboldt goals.

Clement Arsenault and Troy Ilijow scored two goals each for Charlottetown (1-3), while Rob Chapman also put his named on the scoresheet. Andrew MacMillan and Francis Walker, Player of the Game for the Abbies, had two assists each.

Sean Connors improved his Royal Bank Cup record to 2-0 with 38 saves as the Broncos were outshot 43-37. Cory Roberts allowed seven goals on 31 shots for the Abbies before being replaced by Olivier Danner.

The win moves the Broncos into Saturday’s semifinals, while the Abbies can finish no higher than fifth, meaning they’ll be the first host team to miss out on the semifinals since the St. James Canadians in 1992.