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.
Flin Flon Bombers coach and GM Mike Reagan is excited about landing a player he calls the best available goalie in Western Canada. Carsen Chubak, who led the Prince Albert Mintos to a national Midget AAA Telus Cup championship earlier this year, will be stopping pucks for the Maroon and White this season. "This is the biggest signing in Saskatchewan this year," says Reagan, adding that "people doubted our ability to get him, but we did it." After being cut by the SJHL's Swift Current Broncos last season, the netminder joined the Mintos, compiling an 18-4-1 record with a .918 save percentage and a 2.12 goals-against average. But the icing on the cake came when the 18-year-old backstopped his hometown team to the Telus Cup and was named the tournament's top goaltender along the way. "We're just thrilled to have him. He's an amazing kid, and he's what you look for when you are recruiting," says Reagan. "Carsen already has the experience of playing in the big games, so he's prepared for the challenge," says the rookie coach and GM. And Reagan adds that Chubak is "going to bring a lot of confidence to the team because he's already been in this situation and he knows how to handle it." Reagan had the opportunity to watch Chubak play in the Telus Cup championship and says he "was just amazed." "When I was watching this kid, he was focused," he says. "I could see the focus and the determination in his eyes." The 160-pound Prince Albert native says he's more than excited about the opportunity to join the Bombers. "I'm excited about winning some games, for sure," says Chubak, who reportedly passed over higher-profile junior A teams to come to Flin Flon. See 'Coach' P.# Con't from P.# "I took a trip down, about two weeks ago, and the town is nice. It's my kind of place," he says. Chubak says he thinks he will be able to bring a couple of things to the team. "I'd like to be able to keep the puck out of the net, that's for sure," he says. And the puckstopper adds, "I want the team to know that there is someone back there, so they don't have anything to worry about." With last year's starter, Calvin Bartel, returning, Reagan believes he now has the best goalie tandem in the SJHL. "Both guys will give us a chance to win every night," he says. Chubak's signing isn't the only recent change the Bombers have made. Reagan has received commitment from 6'1", 190-lb. defenceman Harley Garrioch. In 50 games last season with the MJHL's Waywayseecappo Wolverines, the 19-year-old garnered three goals and 10 assists to go along with 127 penalty minutes. The Bombers have also traded defenceman Nick Colliton to the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL, and forward Chris Pache and goalie Adam Rivard to the MJHL's Winnipeg Saints. In both deals, the Bombers receive future considerations.
