By Mike Stackhouse
The Humboldt Broncos have enjoyed a resurgence towards the top of the standings so far in the 2016-17 season and their speedy forwards are, justifiably, receiving a bulk of the attention and deserve a lot of the credit for the turnaround.
However, no team can be successful without steady play from the blueline and the Broncos have been getting that from their regular starters; but maybe their most significant performer has been 1996 D Parker Wakaruk (Whitecourt AB).
Wakaruk was acquired by second year Coach/General Manager Darcy Haugen over the offseason to bring stability and a steadiness for a young team in need of a minutes eater.
Going back into his Midget career, Wakaruk hasn’t been known for being a huge stat sheet filler. He had only 9 points in 110 games in the AJHL with Grande Prairie, but he has picked up 4-goals and 6-assists in 23-games with the Broncos as he has been put in more situations to contribute on that end of the spectrum.
Haugen says, “Parker brought us a wealth of experience and leadership on and off the ice. He always maintains a positive attitude and has already proven to be an emotional leader for our hockey team.”
The 6’1” 200 lbs RHD has an SAT score of 1320 and is hoping to continue his hockey career beyond this season when his junior eligibility runs out.
The Broncos are beginning a three game home stand on Thursday night when they host Estevan. Flin Flon will be in town on Saturday and then the Battlefords North Stars bring their league leading record to town next Wednesday before the Broncos venture north for games in Flin Flon and La Ronge.
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