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.
Mike Reagan loved his time as both an NCAA hockey player and Junior A Bomber. While playing with the Sacred Heart University Pioneers, Reagan recalls playing in big schools in front of crowds of 7,000 people. "They have their chants," Reagan said, which were incredible to listen to. When it came to the style of game, it's totally different from the junior level. "It's such a skating game," he explained. "The speed is unbelievable. There is more hitting and you don't have a third line checking line. There is so much skill." The coaching staff at Sacred Heart University had recruited Reagan for their top two lines and that's where he played. "Recruiting is more structured," he explained. "They recruit players for specific roles." He put up 49 goals, 46 assists for 95 points in 112 games while only having one poor season his third year when he recorded seven goals, nine assists for 16 points because of personal problems. The jump from Junior A hockey to the collegiate level was big, he said, but what he wasn't ready for was playing on the top two lines. Reagan said everything is so competitive especially with getting playing time. There were players watching from the stands every game and games were only played on the weekends. In his first season, Reagan led all rookies on the team in scoring with 11 goals, nine assists for 20 points in 30 games. "I had a really good freshman year," he said. For guys to improve and have a chance to play at a higher level, there is no hand holding. "It's up to you how well you do," Reagan added. During his final season in 2003-04, his team lost in the finals to reach the "tournament" as it's called for the 16 participating teams. That leads to the NCAA Frozen Four. Once his collegiate career ended, he had a brief stint in Asheville of the SPHL but more recently played for the Amqui Aces in Quebec. Next year Reagan plans to play in the Central Hockey League in either Arizona or New Mexico though he believes Europe is the best route for him. "This year I want to train pretty hard," he said. While he tries to continue his career, Reagan wants to help continue the tradition of hockey in Flin Flon. Even though he was born in Brandon, he tells everyone that he was born in Flin Flon. During the summer, he runs the Flin Flon Xtreme Hockey School that is held in August in the Whitney Forum. "I want to give kids here a chance to go further," he explained. "I want kids to have the opportunities I had. Hockey has done so much for me. It's a way of life. I'm happy with everything that's happened." That great experience started when he donned the maroon and white jersey as a 17-year-old. In 239 games, which is a Bomber record, he scored 81 goals, 125 assists for 206 points. He also owns the record for most goals in a game with five against Melfort during the 1998-99 season. "It was always my dream to play for the Bombers," the 27-year-old said proudly. "It's the best experience a local guy could ask for. The Whitney Forum has so much character and to play at home is awesome. "It's a hard place to play in," Reagan added, as the fans are passionate. "You can be a hero or the goat. Sometimes that riding can make it worse."
