The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer The Flin Flon Bombers are giving former player Brett Penner a second chance. Penner decided to leave the organization last year to pursue his education. The now-20-year-old asked head coach and GM Mike Reagan for a place back on the team this season. Reagan feels that Penner is more mature and ready to be a Bomber again. Though he was well-liked in the dressing room, the organization had some concerns with Penner. 'We all make mistakes, I know I've made mistakes, and (I) believe we all deserve a second chance,' said Reagan. 'That's what I'm going to provide Penner with, a second chance.' Penner left the Bombers and had attended school, giving him a taste of the real world. About two weeks ago, the forward asked a crucial question of Reagan: Do you believe in second chances? Through phone conversations, the coach says Penner sounds as though he's really matured. 'He sounded very mature and very serious about why he was coming back here,' said Reagan. As a 20-year-old, Penner will return to the lineup with the hopes of bringing home a championship. 'When I talked to him this summer he did a lot of soul searching of what (the priorities) in his life (were),' said Reagan. 'One of those things he told me was that he didn't want to give up an opportunity to go out on top.' Penner, along with the other 20-year-olds on the team, will age out of the SJHL this year. He hopes to be a part of a winning team that hoists the Canalta Cup. 'That's what we're hoping we can provide everyone with _ a chance to win a championship,' said Reagan. Knowing the forward has the right mindset this time around, Reagan looks forward to the contribution he will make to the team. Penner was a 50-point player and showed promise while with the Bombers, said the coach. 'We know what he can do when he's on his game. He's one of the best players in the league,' said the bench boss. Both Penner and Reagan have high hopes for the upcoming season. 'Hopefully he's learned from his mistakes. That's all you can ask for,' said the coach. Trades The Bombers recently made trades with the Melfort Mustangs and the Grand Prairie Storm (AJHL). 1992-born Logan Scevior was traded to the Mustangs on Oct. 4 for future considerations and a cash settlement. The same day, the Bombers acquired Spencer Mault from the Storm for future considerations. Mault was a big acquisition for the organization as Reagan had been trying to seal the deal for three years. 'So, we're really excited to get him,' he said. The 6'1' forward 'is going to add a little grit and toughness' to the lineup, Reagan said. The Bombers also traded Richard Dartnall to the MJHL's Waywayseecappo Wolverines for future considerations. '...we want to continue to get better,' said Reagan. 'That's why we've made these moves. 'We think this is going to make us a better hockey club than we already are.' The coach has an idea of what he wants his team to look like and is working to bring it to reality in order to win a championship. 'We're hoping that these...guys we're bringing in are going to be able to accomplish that,' Reagan said.
