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.
The Flin Flon Bomber Board of Directors put their trust in head coach/general manager Ryan Hoffman, adding a year to his current contract, plus an option. Hoffman was under contract for the 2004/05 season, and will now be behind the Bomber bench through the 2005/06 season as well, plus a club option for the 2006/07 season. "Obviously we're happy with Ryan's first year," said club president Dave McPherson. "If you look at boards in the past, the success of a board is consistent with the success of their coach. The idea is to not change your coach every year. If you are happy with him, keep him around, and things will work out." Hoffman took over the controls after two of the worst seasons in Bomber history under coach Troy Walkington. Although the team did not make the playoffs last season, there was noticeable improvement in the team's level of play. "We're really concerned about the success of the team," said vice president Glen LaValley. "The improvement that we showed last year and the anticipated success in the future hinges on a good coach. We have one, and we aim to keep him for a few years. It takes a couple years to build a good team." Hoffman will have a chance to continue building the team he took over one year ago, and was excited about the extension. "It was nice to be offered the extra year on the deal," said Hoffman. "If you look at successful organizations in our league, such as Humboldt, Weyburn and Melville, they've all had coaches and general managers in place for a long time. Having consistency in the organization is vital to success in the long term. This gives me another year to continue building on what we're trying to do here." In other Bomber news, the team has hired a trainer. Jeff Kelly from Halifax will be joining the team in early August, after spending time with the Saint John's Maple Leafs last season. He is a certified athletic therapist, and is excited about his chance to be in charge of his own dressing room. Also, this weekend is prospects weekend for the Bombers. Four or five future prospects will be in town to do some sight-seeing and to meet with the coaching staff. "It's a chance for the kids and their parents to see Flin Flon, and what the town's all about," said Hoffman. "These are kids that we anticipate will play for us over the next two years. We felt last year when we brought a number of guys up, it turned out real well for us this summer, getting commitments from guys. It's time well spent." The players will have a tour of the area, including the arena, as well as a chance to go fishing. Currently, the Bombers are selling tickets on their summer raffle, with the draw coming up in early August. The team is also partnered with the Melville Millionaires in the Harvest Lotto, where the team gets 50% of the ticket revenue from tickets sold in the Flin Flon area.
