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.
Injuries to two key players have hit the Flin Flon Bombers. Against the Estevan Bruins on Sept. 24, Richard Dupre dislocated his shoulder and will be out four to six weeks, while rookie goalie Calvin Bartel will be out two to three weeks with a groin/hip flexor injury. Bartel finished the game against Estevan, which they won 5-2. "It's upsetting," Dupre said, as he watched his teammates practice on Tuesday. "The worst thing with hockey is to watch the game when you can be helping." The injury happened when Dupre was hit on his good shoulder and used his hands to cushion the fall. When he did that, he felt his shoulder pop. "I knew it was out right away," Dupre said. "It felt like lots of tearing." Dupre will eventually have surgery, but it won't happen this year as that would end his season. For now he will have physiotherapy treatments three times a week. "We will miss him," coach and GM Doug Stokes said. Dupre's spot will be filled by rookie Steven Robinson, who will play with Mackenzie Groenewegen and Mike McKinna. The player shuffle also gives Aman Sidhu a chance to perform. He joined the team in Saskatoon last weekend after asking for his release from the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL. Robinson sees this as a chance to show the team he can create offence. "It will be a good opportunity to show everyone else what I can do." he said. "I'm looking forward to it." With having more responsibility, Robinson said that he doesn't feel pressure in the role he's being put in. "It's not too big of a pressure situation for me," said Robinson, who helped the Prince Albert Mintos win the Telus Cup, Canada's midget AAA national championship, last year. "I've been under more pressure." As for Bartel, Stokes found out on Tuesday that his goalie has a second degree strain and playing would risk further injury. He suffered the injury last season. "Calvin's disappointed and so are we," Stokes said. "It hurts for sure. Mike (Nichol) couldn't have arrived soon enough." Despite losing key guys, Stokes feels comfortable that his team can still have success. "With depth, it becomes less of a concern," he said. "I do feel comfortable that Steven can do a good job."
