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 have said goodbye to their second-leading scorer after agreeing to Andrew Johnston's request for a trade to Humboldt. The forward was moved to the RBC Cup host team on Monday in exchange for defenceman Gabe Minville and future considerations. The trade wasn't easy for head coach and GM Mike Reagan. "I hope our fans understand the position we were in with his request and we did what we thought was best with our team moving forward," Reagan said in an SJHL news release. "This was one of the hardest thing we have had to do as an organization." Johnston was moved after it was determined he was likely to head to the United States Hockey League (USHL), where the Omaha Lancers offered him a roster spot. That would give the Bombers just a small amount of cash in return. Agreeing to Johnston's trade request ensured they would receive at least one player back. "Andrew's wish was to go to Humboldt and Humboldt only so he can be closer to home and have an opportunity to finish his junior career with a national championship," Reagan told the Bombers website. Added the SJHL news release: "By being sent to the Broncos, the Bombers receive tangible assets, Johnston stays home and the Broncos get a first line forward." During his 2009-10 rookie season with the Bombers, Johnston scored 43 points in 56 games. He followed that up last season with 34 goals and 66 points in 57 games. He was the team's second-leading scorer behind Ryan Fox, who had 27 goals and 68 points in 51 games. For his part, Minville has WHL experience with the Everett Silvertips. He had eight points in 38 games, along with 66 penalty minutes, for the Broncos last season. "The Bomber organization has been great to me, helping me accomplish my goals and achieve a scholarship to Union (College in New York State)," Johnston said in the SJHL release. Letter to the fans A fan favourite, Johnston also wrote a letter to the fans of Flin Flon. Posted on the Bombers website, it reads as follows: I would like to thank Flin Flon for their time and support and granting me my wish to play in Humboldt for my final year of junior. The organization has been great to me, helping me accomplish my goals and achieve a scholarship to Union. A new challenge was something I wanted this year and that was going to be playing in the USHL after I was offered a spot in Omaha. I didn't want to hurt the Bombers substantially by them only receiving a small amount of money in return, so I asked for a trade to Humboldt so they could get players in return. I have nothing but great things to say about Flin Flon, the Bombers and my time there. Mike stressed how much he did not want to trade me, but in the end I felt that the USHL would be the best option for me to prepare for my career in college. We came to an agreement that I would help out the Bombers by staying in the SJHL and try and help Humboldt win the RBC Cup. I believe in the SJHL and did not want to hurt the Bombers' future. It was a good deal for both parties. I hope the Bomber fans will understand that this was my decision and nothing to do with the town, organization or Mike. Thanks you to all the fans, the community, the organization and Mike. I will miss playing for all of you. Sincerely, Andrew Johnston The Bombers are looking to ice a young team this coming season with their main camp underway at the Whitney Forum and preseason games just around the corner.
