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.
Expect the Flin Flon Bombers to be aggressive this weekend, not only on the ice, but off as well, as the January 10 trade deadline looms. The Bombers currently have 19 Junior 'A' carded players, and have room to add two more before the deadline. Coach Ryan Hoffman has said that his first priority is making the playoffs, and will therefor be looking for one or two older, experienced guys that can put the puck in the net with consistancy. Also on the wishlist is another defenceman to fill a hole on the blue line, but barring that, either Daryl Fransoo or John Iron are quite capable of taking over that role. One thing that Hoffman has stated that he will not do is unload the current crop of 20 year-olds. That means that Jeff LaPointe, Ryan Boak, Derek Gallagher, Anatoliy Moshkovsky and Derek Blais will likely finish their junior careers with the Bombers. Hoffman has already been busy manning the phones for the past three days, and expects to be active in trade talks until the midnight deadline on Saturday. So far, the common denominator on everyone's wish list seems to be a top defenceman. Joel Pullman from Estevan is the biggest name expected to be on the move after the weekend. Melville and Yorkton appear to be the front runners, but there has been some speculation that the Bruins will also try to find him a home outside of the division. La Ronge will also be a busy team, as they try and move Kyle Gladue and Shane Smith, who both left the team at the Christmas break to be traded. Gladue will only go to his home in Fort McMurray. Melfort could also be busy, as they prepare to rebuild for next season. Melfort is six points behind Nipawin for the final playoff spot, but have played four more games than the Hawks. The Bombers will try to take care of business on the ice this weekend, as they will host the Notre Dame Hounds for a pair of games at the Whitney Forum on Friday and Saturday.
