The Flin Flon Bombers have lost again - this time, to the worst team in the SJHL.
The Bombers dropped a 5-2 decision to the La Ronge Ice Wolves, their fourth straight loss and sixth loss in the past seven games.
Goalie Brenden Newton made his return to the lineup for the Bombers and was tested early, facing 12 first period shots. Newton has not played regularly since being injured in October. One shot by La Ronge forward Tanner Brewster made it past Newton to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
La Ronge extended the lead with a goal by Matthew Perkins to start the second. Nate Hooper got the Bombers on the board halfway through the period, but Daniel Chartrand potted one for La Ronge for a 3-1 lead.
Shane Hounsell and Caleb Moretz swapped goals to start the third, but Tanner Brewster got the last word for La Ronge in the third period, adding his second of the night for a 5-2 lead.
Newton finished with 35 saves in his return to the crease. Ice Wolves goalie Merek Pipes also made 35 saves, but picked up the win.
La Ronge captain Drayton ThunderChief was ejected in the third period after running Newton. Bomber Tyler Nyman and La Ronge's Trey Doell also hit the showers early after fighting in the third period.
A number of notable players were not in the lineup for Flin Flon on Friday night. Jordan McCausland missed the game, as did defender Doug Johnson and forward Brody Madarash. The Bombers played with a 17-man lineup.
Bomber head coach and GM Mike Reagan and leading scorer Chrystopher Collin are still at the World Junior A Challenge with Team Canada West; they will play for a gold medal on Saturday.
Over the past month, the Bombers have been ice cold, going 4-12 since Oct. 15. The team's road record has also been dismal, only earning one win in 12 games away from the Whitney Forum this season.
The Bombers will play three more road games before heading off on holiday break, playing the Battlefords North Stars on Saturday before playing two road dates in Kindersley on Dec. 18 and 19.
