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.
Leading the AAA in the playoffs in Saskatchewan with 15 goals and 10 assists in 10 games, Andrew Johnston was a steal of a deal for the Flin Flon Bombers. As a previous listed player for the Bombers, Johnston comes to the team with honours as he had roughly six other teams to choose from. Playing the offensive side of the game, head coach and GM Mike Reagan says the 6'1, 170 lb player is a "gifted C-man." "He'll.... be the go-to-guy right off the bat," says the coach. Looking at Johnston's stats last season, Reagan says he saw something he liked. "I like the fact that he was able to perform in the playoffs when it really counts," said the coach. In the regular season, Johnston earned 13 goals, 26 assists in 43 games played. As well, he earned 39 points and 48 penalty minutes. Also being added to the roster for the Bombers was David Roper, from the Calgary Royals. Roper, at 6'1 and 175 lbs, will be guarding the blueline this season. Coming from Alberta, Reagan says Roper plays similar hockey to how it's played in Saskatchewan. "He's an intense kid (who will) bring grit on the back end," says the bench boss. "He's a good skating D-man that likes to play in your faces, makes a good first pass and plays physical," says Reagan. He's one of the top D-men in Alberta, says the coach, noting he also had other options. At the end of the regular season, Roper had six goals, 14 assists and 20 points in 33 games. And the final addition to the Bombers, so far, shares a last name with a loved Bomber. Michael Young's brother, Jonathon, has signed to join the team this coming season. With the ability to play both forward and defense, Reagan says he will bring a "physical presence to the team" as well. "It's tough to match (Michael) Young, but (Jonathon) can turn out to be a good player for us," says Reagan. As for sibling comparisons, the coach says Jonathon is more physical and goes for the big hits. While Michael has a gift for patrolling the blueline like no other. "But time will tell," says Reagan when it comes to what type of player Jonathon will shape into.
