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 Zane Kalemba, Dalton Pajak and Brett Needham, the only graduating Flin Flon Bombers, playing in the mining community helped each improve as players, but also gave them unforgettable memories. "I think the whole year is the most fun I've had in my career," said Zane Kalemba. "The Whitney Forum is definitely the loudest rink I've played in and the atmosphere is great. I will miss it." The only thing disappointing for Kalemba was that the playoff ride had to end against Battlefords'. Traded to the Bombers from the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Kalemba said he didn't have expectations other than qualifying for the playoffs. He's happy that he played in the SJHL instead of the AJHL. "There are tougher players and highly defensive," he said. "It worked out well for me. I faced a ton of shots and improved my game. I was put in different situations and got game experience." Kalemba feels he improved his puck control and has more confidence, especially playing without the lead. "The team showed it's never over," he said, sitting at the kitchen table of his billet's house. Kalemba intends to take a couple weeks off, but then it's back to training for his first NCAA season with the Princeton Tigers. While his teammate, Dalton Pajak, doesn't have an NCAA scholarship, it could still happen. After spending two years in Junior A and considered one of the most underrated players after collecting 50 goals, 43 assists for 93 points and 98 penalty minutes in 99 games, he's getting some respect and is talking to some schools, but chose not to name them. While he had a great career following a trade from the Yorkton Terriers during the trade deadline of the 2004-05 season, he's not disappointed that it's done. "It's been a really fun ride," said the native of Black Creek, B.C. "I tried to play hard throughout. I'm looking forward to hopefully playing another four years in college or university." "I thought it was awesome," he said on his time in Flin Flon. "When I got here the team was struggling and the goal was to turn the team around and I think that was accomplished." One area he felt needed fixing was his consistency. "I was counted on every game to be a top guy and getting goals," he said. "I had to work on that. I've developed more confidence with the puck since being a rookie in Yorkton." It didn't hurt that he played alongside Tyler Beachell, who won the SJHL's Rookie of The Year award. Playing with Beachell, Pajak believes, helped elevate his game. "Beachell helps players improve their game. I definitely fed off his energy," said Pajak. "As a line (he, Beachell, and Blake Rolston), we developed chemistry and worked off each others' strengths," Pajak added. What Pajak loved about playing in Flin Flon is the passion of the fans in their home barn. "The atmosphere at the Whitney and how everyone in town takes hockey serious impressed me," he said. When asked if he'd ever seen that, his response was simple. "No." "I think it's kind of a one-of-a-kind town," he added. To Pajak, playing for the Bombers has a special meaning. "Playing for the Bombers means it's a responsibility to work hard every day and represent a town full of hard workers-that's what they want to see," Pajak said. While it was special for Pajak to play for the Bombers, it was the same for Brett Needham. Upon being traded to the Bombers from his hometown OCN Blizzard, Needham can't be blamed for being disappointed and shook up when he was traded. Good news is, that changed quickly. "People here made me feel like I was at home and it turned out to be my funnest year," Needham said, sporting a new short hair style. When Needham donned the Bomber jersey, the feeling of wearing it was nearly the same as the Blizzard because he was familiar with the history. "I took pride every time I did," Needham said, of the maroon and white sweater. When asked, he also said he was happy to end his career as a Bomber. That almost didn't happen after former coach-GM, Ryan Hoffman was released. Needham feared he wouldn't see playoff action in his final season and debated requesting a trade. "I was prepared to leave if the playoffs wasn't there," Needham said. Bringing in coach-GM, Doug Stokes, changed his mind. "Doug and Brian turned it around and I wished we could have gone further," he said. For Needham, who stands 6-2, 220 pounds, his goal is to play professional hockey in the U.S. He plans to work hard this summer and get in top notch shape. During that time, he hopes that Stokes and former OCN Blizzard and current Battlefords' North Stars coach Glen Watson can help him land a job. "It would be the worse thing ever," he said, if it doesn't happen. "I believe I'm skilled enough to play." With his size, Needham believes he can bring a physical presence in a utility type role. "I don't know how many points I can put up, but maybe play a defensive role. I don't want to be used solely for fighting." While each one is moving on, the one thing they won't leave behind is the friendships made with their teammates.3/20/2006
