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Bomber forward Shumlanski aims for success

Competing while wearing the Flin Flon Bombers’ maroon and white is an important part of Nick Shumlanski’s identity. “Being a Bomber means a lot to me,” Shumlanski said.
Bombers
Dylan Burton, right, of the Bombers skates the puck towards the Melfort Mustangs’ zone during the away game Nov. 2. - PHOTO BY DEVAN C. TASA/TISDALE RECORDER

Competing while wearing the Flin Flon Bombers’ maroon and white is an important part of Nick Shumlanski’s identity.

“Being a Bomber means a lot to me,” Shumlanski said. “It’s a club with a very rich history and lots of very good players have gone through this program. I take pride in being a Bomber.” 

The Tisdale product has been associated with the team since he was 15, head coach Mike Reagan said, and suited up for six games as an affiliated player at 17. Now the 20-year-old forward is in his third and final season with the Bombers. He missed last week’s two games, which Flin Flon split with Melfort, due to the mumps. Reagan emphasized that Shumlanski believes in being a Bomber.

“Nick is a very competitive kid. He plays one way only – that is 100 per cent night in and night out,” said Reagan, who also stated that Shumlanski plays the way you want every one of your players to play.

Through 17 games this season, the speedy Shumlanski had 17 points. That put him second on the team behind Chrystopher Collin’s 20 in 19 games. Shumlanski was tied for third on the Bombers in goals with five. He is counted on to quarterback the Flin Flon
power play.

In addition to points production, the Bombers also rely on the assistant captain for leadership.

“Nick is an extremely passionate player,” Reagan said. “He wears his emotions on his sleeve...His compete level is through the roof.”

Shumlanski is listed at 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds. He is one of the smaller players on the team’s roster, but Reagan said he plays like one of the biggest.

“He is not afraid of anyone,” the head coach said. “He is going into the corner with a 6-foot-4 guy. That is not a problem with him.”

As a rookie, Shumlanski posted 25 points. He more than doubled that with 56 points last season.

“Flin Flon has definitely helped my on-ice play,” he said. “I’ve been given lots of opportunity here and for the most part took advantage of it. Off the ice, its helped me grow up, being away from home, made me take on more responsibilities.”

Shumlanski has been part of two very successful Bombers teams. The last two seasons the squad made it all the way to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League finals.

“The last two playoff runs were something special,” Shumlanski said. “Our team really came together and rallied and played very good hockey. It was amazing to see how the community supported us as we almost filled the rink every home game.”

Next season Shumlanski hopes to follow in the footsteps of such former teammates as Brandon Switzer, Alex Smith, Greyson Reitmeier, and Eric Sinclair and to play at the NCAA Division I level in the United States. He is unsure of what he’d pursue in school, but has thought about studying business. However, that is the future. For now, Shumlanski is enjoying being a Bomber and trying to make his last season as successful as possible.

“Winning a championship has been a goal of mine since my rookie year and now that it’s my final year I really want one,” he said. “It’s really important to me to have a successful team and a successful year for me personally.” 

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