It might not have been easy, but the Flin Flon Bombers came out on top against Humboldt Friday night.
In total, 1,120 people came to watch the Bombers and Broncos face off at the Whitney Forum for the first time this season.
Humboldt grabbed the momentum early, scoring on Bomber goalie Pierce Diamond with their first shot of the game. Michael Clarke was credited with the goal after getting around a faltering Bomber defence. Later in the first, the Broncos scored after a goalmouth scramble ended with Diamond laying on the ice and the puck in the net. Mitch Zambon was credited with the goal, but was assessed a goaltender interference penalty on the play.
Flin Flon's offence woke up in the second period, with Brandson Hein capitalizing on a chance in the slot, getting the Bombers on the board and initiating the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans tossed stuffed animals on the ice following the goal. Minutes later, Tyler Higgins scored his second goal in as many games with the Bombers, putting a shot through Bronco goalie Dane Dow's legs while spinning away from the net on his knees.
Dawson McKenzie got the Bombers the lead early in the first, sneaking away from the defence and beating Dow. A quick passing play led to Hein scoring his second goal of the game and 27th of the season minutes later. Bomber captain Nate Hooper got in on the act as well, popping another bouncing puck through Dow.
Humboldt got going again late, with Clarke scoring his second of the night and Owen Guenter adding a shorthanded goal with less than four minutes to go. However, the Bronco's comeback attempt came up short after Clarke was caught slashing Chrystopher Collin, following that by firing a puck in the direction of a linesman. Clarke was ejected and Humboldt finished the game a man short. The Bombers were able to hold off Humboldt late.
Diamond made 27 saves, while Dow stopped 45 pucks during a busy night.
The two teams will face each other again Saturday night at the Whitney Forum.
