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.
Most kids playing hockey dream of playing in the NHL. Richard Dupre fantasized about playing for the Bombers. "Whole minor hockey you want to be a Bomber," says Dupre, who has Bomber blood in him. As a kid, with friends he would play with mini-sticks, each choosing their favourite Bomber to be. Again, most kids pick their favourite NHLer. Dupre and his family moved to Flin Flon from Winnipeg when he was five-years-old and he loved watching the team growing up. When he misbehaved his parents knew what to do. "Punishment was not being allowed to go to games," he says with a smile. Now that Dupre, nicknamed 'Dupenhagen', is a Bomber things are different. "You know what Bomber pride and tradition is about," he says. "I used to get chills when the Bombers hit the ice. Now it's me, hearing that horn and knowing it's for me, it's exciting." The 19-year-old is on cloud nine when talking about the team and the fact that he is a Bomber. This he says is something no one expected because of his size. The realization it could happen came when he captained his bantam team his second year. He grabbed the attention of many as he received letters from teams in B.C., Alberta to play junior hockey. "I didn't know I was going to make the team until the day of the home-opener," says Dupre, which was when he signed his card. "I was just really excited." Hoffman got proof of that as Dupre pumped his fist hard in front of him. "All my friends were just pumped," he says. "It's the best feeling I ever had was signing that card." Not everything has been glamourous as Dupre endured playing on a losing team last season as a rookie. In 49 games, he scored seven goals, adding 14 assists for 21 points with 53 penalty minutes. This season hasn't been any easier with the team playing well but still losing. "It couldn't be any tougher, especially losing one goal games," he says. "I know what the fans feel like with losing." It's been even more difficult with his production low. In eight games, Dupre has one goal. "I'm very disappointed with my production,"says the 5-9, 165 pound forward, who has seeked help from his coaches. Dupre set a goal this season to average a point a game and he aims to do that. "I always put too much pressure on myself," he explains. He also says he performs better at home. "I just love the atmosphere," he says. The fact the team plays more home games near the end of the schedule may be an advantage. With the season still young though, Dupre has time to leave his offensive woes behind him. Enjoying the outdoors with family and friends is Dupre's escape from hockey, though he says hockey talk still comes up with teammates while trying to reel in some fish. "It's relaxing," he says. "I fish out of a kayak, as I enjoy kayaking, and I have taken teammates out and buddies." He has many memories of from fishing, but there is one that stands out. "I fell in the water once with Blake Rolston in Cranberry Portage," he says, laughing. The excitement of catching a fish and standing on a slippery rock caused the fall. Dupre also has fond memories of weekend trips to Neso Lake with his parents. For now though, the speedy winger hopes to reel in goals and wins for his team and the deserving fans. "We owe them some wins," Dupre says. Bomber spotlight will appear every Monday.
