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.
For the second time in as many games, the Flin Flon Bombers scored a last-minute goal to tie the Battlefords North Stars. Blake Rolston had a pair of goals, including the tying goal in a 5-5 draw on Wednesday night. Riley Lang opened the scoring with a goal at 4:50 of the first period, and Darryl Lambert made it 2-0 for the Stars at 14:59. Rolston put the Bombers on the board with a power-play goal at 6:25 of the second frame, assisted by Andrew Skrabek and Rylan Zakreski. Fraser Allan's power-play goal at 9:47 restored Battlefords' two-goal lead, but Tyler Beachell got a break and scored unassisted at 10:17 to make it a 3-2 game. Jared Mohr scored a power-play goal at 11:28 to make it 4-2 for the Stars, but Andrew Skrabek's power-play marker at 12:55 brought the Bombers to within a single goal once again. The goal was assisted by Rolston and Beachell. Mike McKinna's goal at 7:51, assisted by Andrew Leslie, tied the game, but a goal at 16:53 from Jesse Matlock put the Bombers down with time running out. Blake Rolston's second goal of the game came on a power play at 18:57 with Jordan Weibel in the penalty box for hooking. The tying goal was assisted by newcomer Nate Wilson and Skrabek. Shots on net were recorded as 50-23 in favour of the North Stars, but those who were at the game say this is highly inaccurate. Francois Laverdiere was credited with 45 saves to earn the tie, and the Bombers peppered Dustin MacDonald for five goals on 23 shots. The Bombers finally got some production from their power play, scoring three goals on eight chances, while allowing two goals on Battlefords' eight opportunities. While the Bombers weren't able to pick up their first road win of the season, they did sneak away with two points in two games, giving them points in five of their last ten games. After 31 games played, Flin Flon is still 10 points behind the Melfort Mustangs for the final playoff spot in the ITECH Conference. This weekend, the Bombers will have two tough games against the Kindersley Klippers, who are the top team in the conference. Kindersley has also struggled lately, winning just four of their last ten games. Promotions This weekend, the Flin Flon Bombers ask that you come to the games prepared to help make Christmas a little more special for someone. At Friday night's game, Bearskin Airlines will be asking you to donate a bear and win with "The Bear". All toy donations will enable you to enter to win with Bearskin Airlines. At the same time, you are helping out the Children's Gift Program. If you would like to donate but can't make it to the game, contact Melanie or Bev at 687-8941. On Saturday night, the Salvation Army will be accepting donations of toys for their Christmas hampers. All new and gently used gifts collected over the weekend will be distributed in the Flin Flon/Creighton area. Saturday night is also Kid's Night at the Whitney Forum. All kids attending the game will be given a candy cane, as well as a print that they can take down to the dressing room area to have autographed after the game. On display this weekend will be the classic 1967 Malibou that the Bombers will be drawing for in the new year. The Bombers and minor hockey have teamed up again this year to sell a cash calendar, and the Bombers will also start selling tickets on their Mike Bossy print, donated by the Royal Bank. Next Tuesday when the Nipawin Hawks are in town for the final home game of 2004, the Flin Flon Lion's Club will be the game sponsor. They will be selling tickets on their Christmas draw for a 2005 Chevy Colorado extended cab truck. The truck will be at the game.
