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 McKinna and Steven Robinson were granted their wish to be traded by the Flin Flon Bombers, but Richard Dupre is still awaiting his. It's been two weeks since Dupre chose to leave the team and Bombers coach-GM Doug Stokes said on Wednesday that one team has recently expressed interest in the five-foot-nine, 175 lb. winger. After being contacted by The Reminder, Dupre and his family stated he will explain his decision once he's traded. Stokes said he feels it has to do with ice time. "He just felt that maybe his role in his mind was somewhat different than what we felt as a coaching staff," Stokes explained. "He was a guy that we last year used with Mike McKinna and Mackenzie Groenewegen in the playoffs and their responsibility was to control the (Jeff) Hajner, (Nick) Vandenbeld, (Nathan) Brummit line. They held them to two even strength points in a seven game series and I think they were a big part of why we had success in the playoffs against Melfort." Stokes claims that teams need a checking line that plays against the other teams' top units and felt that was his best line. "I think in Richard's mind he doesn't feel that want to fulfill that role," Stokes said. "He wants to be in a more offensive role, so we made that change and we gave him an opportunity to play on our second line, and he still killed penalties and played on the second power play unit. "I guess he still feels that wasn't good enough and he felt that his role should be different than what we distinguished," the coach added. In 13 games this season, Dupre scored a goal and three points and missed eight games after suffering a separated shoulder against Estevan during the Saskatoon Showcase in September. In his previous two seasons, he scored 17 goals and 36 assists for 53 points in 102 games. In 12 playoff games, he scored two goals and four points. When it comes to the team, Stokes said his staff discusses the role of every player and what they bring to the table. It's a decision made through their experience where players fit best for the team, not for the players themselves. Dupre, who brings a physical presence with speed, didn't just surprise and disappoint his coach with the move, but his teammates. "I didn't think it was going to happen," said defenceman Bradey Fidierchuk, at the time. "I heard some rumblings around town and stuff. I'm sure he has a reason behind what he did. "I just feel right now that he walked out on his team and his teammates...I just want to know the real reason behind why he quit or asked for a trade," Fidierchuk added. Fidierchuk, who is from Cranberry Portage, has been playing hockey with Dupre since Novice. "He's been a close friend of mine and I just don't know what to think right now," said Fidierchuk. Forward Mackenzie Groenewegen said he was pretty shocked about his friend's decision. "It's his decision and there's nothing that can be done about it now," Groenewegen said. Before being traded, defenceman David Holinaty said Dupre made a choice for himself. "I guess he wasn't happy here anymore so he made a decision and felt it was better if he left," explained Holinaty, who was saddened by his good friend's move. "He's looking out for himself and doing what he feels is right for him and the team." With Dupre no longer on the team and Robinson traded to Estevan with Mike McKinna, Braden Olszewski, and Holinaty, Fidierchuk is now the lone local player Bomber fans cheer on.
