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.
American goalie Zane Kalemba has the chance to become the Bombers' number one goalie, something the others weren't able to do. The Bombers acquired the 20-year-old goaltender from Saddle Brook, New Jersey, after giving up future considerations to the Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. "He's played two years in the United States Hockey League on not a great team last year, but he still had very good numbers," says Hoffman. "The United States Hockey League is a step above our league, it's Tier 1 Junior (equivalent to the Western Hockey League) in the States." It doesn't hurt that Kalemba, who is 5-11, also has a full scholarship to Princeton next year. "I think that says a lot about the kid and his overall ability," Hoffman explains. "We need some stability and we're hoping he's a guy that can bring that for us." Hoffman likes the experience Kalemba brings because "he's had success before." So will he be the number one man? "That's up to him I guess," Hoffman says. "We'll give him an opportunity to play this weekend and see what he's like and reevaluate our goaltending next week and go from there." In 2004-05, Kalemba split time with the Tri-City Storm before going to the Green Bay Gamblers. With the Storm, Kalemba played in 13 games and had a 5-6-1 record with a 2.90 GAA and .853 save percentage. With the Gamblers, he played in 28 games and was 8-17-1 with an .899 save percentage and one shutout. Kalemba only played a single game with the Oilers, going winless. Defenseman David Holinaty says the team is looking forward to the addition. "We had a feeling something was going to happen," Holinaty says. "The team lacked confidence in the goaltending," he says. Holinaty added that the team needs stops at critical times. "It helps everyone play better and gives confidence," Holinaty says. Goalie Travis Crickard felt the team needed veteran experience. "I think it should be good for the team and Hoffman is trying to put it (the team) in the right direction," Crickard says. Crickard admitted he thought his future was in doubt with the trade taking place. "I still feel really confident," explains Crickard, who has yet to see regular season action. "I think the new goalie can help me with my game. I'm excited to play with him." Once again, the Bombers have an interesting circus in goal with Kalemba, Crickard and Dale Pettit, who wasn't available for comment. Once Hoffman resolves the situation, only two men will be left standing.
