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.
A double-header against the La Ronge Ice Wolves left the Flin Flon Bombers feeling disappointed this past weekend. Playing two of their final games of the regular season, the Bombers dropped the ball on the power play and it cost them, according to head coach and GM Mike Reagan. The coach said the team played well enough Friday to take a win, but the power play killed their chances as the Ice Wolves took the game 5-1. It was similar the next night as the Ice Wolves sent the Maroon and White packing with a 4-3 loss. "We were disappointed," said Reagan. "We could have come out with two wins if (the power play) had have clicked." With hopes of a better outcome last night, the Bombers hosted the Melfort Mustangs in their final game of the regular season. Though this weekend didn't offer many highlights for Flin Flon, Reagan was hoping last night's game would be a good one. "We feel confident against Melfort," he said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. "We've played them well this year and (we) expect the same for tomorrow night." Yesterday's game was played after The Reminder's press time. Reagan said it was going to be important for the team to end the regular season on a high note. It would "be nice to go into the playoffs with (a) good feeling and confidence," he said. "It's important to get a win heading into the playoffs." The Games One highlight came to Reagan's mind about this past weekend Ð the shots on net. The Bombers were able to fire off 50 Friday night while they held the Ice Wolves to 36. Saturday night, it was a similar story as the Bombers fired off 45 shots and kept La Ronge to 27. There weren't "a lot of positives," said Reagan. "But, we outshot them on the weekend (with) close to 100 shots..." Difficulties came for the Bombers as they were unable to "capitalize on opportunities," said the coach. Though there were many opportunities the Bombers couldn't take advantage of, the team was able to put a few pucks past La Ronge. Friday night, Mike Rey scored the lone goal for the Maroon and White after accepting a pass from Matty Lecours and Deven Stillar in the first period Ð tying the game. But the Ice Wolves came together as a team and put four more past Matt Weninger before he was replaced by Klynt Spencer, who finished the rest of the third period. Saturday night, the team was able to earn a few more markers. With his team down 1-0, Rey scored Flin Flon's first goal with help from Taylor Thiessen and Lecours. But the tie didn't last long as the Ice Wolves came back with their second goal of the night and then their third before the end of the first period. Following a goal to start the second period, Thiessen made it 2-4 with help from Brennan Cox. A minute later, Lecours was on the scene as he scored the team's third goal, with help from Thiessen and captain Michael Young on a power play. Neither team was able to light the lantern in the third period. Playoffs The Elimination Series between the fourth and fifth teams of both the Bauer Conference and the Sherwood Conference begins on Friday. Following that, the Conference Semi-Finals begin on March 5 Ð which will see the top four teams compete. Fighting for their lives in the Bauer Conference will be the Humboldt Broncos and the La Ronge Ice Wolves. In the Sherwood Conference, the Melville Millionaires will be paired against the Yorkton Terriers for the coveted place in the standings. The Bombers clinched first place in the Bauer Conference following their win against the Battlefords North Stars two weekends ago. The Weyburn Red Wings have sealed the deal for first place in the Sherwood Conference Ð and first overall in the SJHL.
