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.
Creighton product Matt Hill was in the lineup on Wednesday night as the Flin Flon Bombers kicked off a four-games-in-five-nights road trip. Hill picked up an assist as the Bombers tied the Melfort Mustangs 2-2. It was the young guns who set the tone for the game in the early goings, but the vets came through in the end to earn the tie. Kyle Holmes did what he could to pump his team up in his first shift, dropping the gloves with Jack Scott at just 1:15 in the first period. Minutes later, however, Melfort struck first with a power-play goal from Dion Lahoda at 4:06. The Bombers struggled offensively in the first period, getting out shot 12-5, and didn't fair much better in the second period, as they were out shot 11-5, but it was Flin Flon who would score to tie the game in the early goings. Mark Black netted his second goal of the season, with Hill and Quinn McIntosh assisting at 2:39. Jeff Lapointe was ejected near the end of the period for checking-from-behind, shrinking an already depleted defence corps. The Bombers lost their bus-legs in the third period, and came out with a solid effort, after goaltender Troy Ciernia kept the team in the game, being out shot 23-10 to this point. However, Rylan Gebhart scored on a power play at 9:36 to give Melfort a 2-1 lead. It looked as if the game would end in a tie, but the Bombers continued to press, and at 19:34, Donald Milburn came through for the Bombers to tie the game, with John Iron and Quinn McIntosh assisting. Shots in the third period were even at 12-12, and both teams managed two shots in the overtime frame. The Bombers ended the game 0-2 on the power play, while both of Melfort's goals came on four power play chances. Troy Ciernia played an amazing game between the pipes for the Bombers, who were badly out shot in the first two periods. Paul Reimer also played a role in the game, making one save during his 26 seconds of action late in the third period. In a bold move, Coach Ryan Hoffman switched the goaltenders with time running out to give his team an extra break to catch their breath. Mark Black was also instrumental in the win, scoring a goal when the Bombers needed to get back on track, and going toe-to-toe with Roan Blampin, one of the toughest customers in the league. The Bombers won't hesitate to call up Matt Hill again from Midget 'AAA' in Tisdale, either, as the youngster was impressive and made the most of his ice time, generating scoring chances and setting up a goal. The Bombers continued their road trip in Wilcox, Saskatchewan against the Notre Dame Hounds (results were unavailable at press time) last night. They will have a day off on Friday, before a stop in Estevan on Saturday, and will conclude their trip with a game in Weyburn on Sunday afternoon. You can catch the play-by-play live Saturday and Sunday on the internet at www.live365.com/stations/610chtm/. Next home action for the Bombers will be November 1, when the La Ronge Ice Wolves are in town.
