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.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer The back end of the Flin Flon Bombers is gaining size, strength and stability as James McNulty joins the team. A defenseman from the Okotoks Oilers in Alberta, McNulty will bring a physical presence to the team, said Bomber head coach and GM Mike Reagan. "We're trying to make it tough on our opponents to get to our net," said the coach. "The addition of (McNulty) will be really nice. "...we're excited about him." McNulty, a 19-year-old who stands 6 ft. 4 i sn., was slated to join the Bombers this past weekend for the SJHL Showcase in Weyburn. The defenseman came to the Bombers through the Matt Melaschuck and Brandt Weldon trade. Originally, Flin Flon was supposed to get future considerations for next year. "But we decided go with McNulty," said Reagan. "We look at our back end and we've only got one 19-year-old. So we thought adding another 19-year-old would be important." Having two 19-year-olds on the back end this year will give the Bombers two experienced 20-year-olds for next year. Other addition Also coming to the team is Brett Penner. Penner started the season with the Kindersley Klippers but later found himself in British Columbia. The Saskatchewan product made a big impression on Reagan as he put up a lot of points in his Midget AAA season last year. "We're hoping that he's going to be a real offensive threat for us for a couple of years to come," said the coach. Reagan has high hopes for Penner as he hopes to see him as a top six forward next year. "He plays the game hard and gritty. We're excited about him," said Reagan. With the addition of two new players Ð three including Weldon Ð Reagan says this gives the team a good month to see where they are at. "That's 23 guys and then we'll go from there. If we need to make changes, then we'll make changes, but I like this team. "I think these two guys will fit in nicely." Currently, the Bombers sit with eight 20-year-old players Ð one under the SJHL limit. "Maybe that's something that we look at at the trade deadline. But, we're going to give this team an opportunity to see what they are made of," said Reagan. "If we like the chemistry in the dressing room...then I'd say we'd be pretty close to being done (with trades)." 'Contribute' Looking down the bench at at the last couple of games, the coach says "it's nice, our young guys are starting to contribute and our older guys are starting to get more confident." Overall, Reagan says the team is happy. "As a team, we couldn't be happier with the way we're playing right now. We don't want to make too many changes."
