Logan Kurki cannot wait to be back in a Humboldt Broncos jersey.
The Maple Ridge, B.C. product will be back in the fall for his third and final Broncos season. Last season Kurki, who turns 20 in late November, helped Humboldt to a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League-best 5-1-0-0 record.
“I’m mostly looking forward to just playing again and against other guys,” he said. “Also looking forward to seeing the returning guys and meeting a lot of new ones.”
A 5-foot-11 174-pound forward, Kurki has been a force in his first two Broncos campaigns. As a rookie, in 2019-20, he led the SJHL in goals from Christmas on. Last season he paced the league in points before it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Logan Kurki could be the most gifted offensive forward in the SJHL,” Humboldt head coach Scott Barney said. “When he’s moving his feet, thinking about shooting first and being reliable defensively, the sky will be the limit for Logan.”
Last season Kurki recorded 12 points in six games. He was tied for second in the league in goals with five and tied for third in assists with seven. What allowed him to put up points?
“My teammates gave me chances to score and also put away all my passes,” Kurki said. “Coach Barney helped put me in situations to produce and I’m just glad I did.”
He was pleased to be able to help his team succeed in the COVID-shortened season.
“We had a very old and close-knit group last year and we all worked very hard,” Kurki said. “I enjoyed the mentality we had and the wins.”
He also enjoyed life last season off the ice in Humboldt. He billeted with the Koskis. He said they were “a great couple who treated me like one of their own since I got there, and I can’t thank them enough.”
This summer Kurki is living and working in Whistler. He is hitting the gym, doing sprints, and getting on the ice. He is working on his speed and acceleration. The Broncos are looking for a strong season from him.
“We expect Logan to take a leadership type approach this season by not only being one of the most offensive players but a guy who’s pushing his teammates to be better everyday in practice and in games,” Barney said. “If he can do that, I believe there will be a great opportunity for him to play NCAA D1. There will be many eyes on him with D1 schools this fall.”
