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Kelly Carrington Staff Writer It only took the young team just nine shots before earning their first goal of the 2011-12 season last Friday night at the Whitney Forum. Gaining a 1-0 lead over the Melfort Mustangs, the Flin Flon Bombers took control of the game quickly as their second and third goals came before the end of the first period. Third-year veteran Jonathan Young earned the opening two goals, the first one on a power play and the second just two minutes later. Assists went to returning Bombers Cam Blair and Riley Storzuk respectively. Flin Flon's third goal came from rookie Nick Lee, with help from two other returning Bombers, Dylan Balaski and Brandt Weldon. Earning three more goals in the third period, one of which made a hat trick for Young, the Bombers sealed the deal on their home opener with a 6-1 victory over the Mustangs. New captain David Roper, in his third season with the Bombers, says having the "C" on his sweater doesn't really change the feeling after Friday's game. "I wouldn't say it's different, because a win is a win, but it feels awesome," said Roper. "It's just feels so good to win, especially leading the boys when they are coming out and giving it their all." Lee was the lone rookie goal scorer for the Bombers, but Dallen Hall and Brock Hounsell each earned assists. "Everyone came out and worked really hard, especially our young guys," said Roper. "And that's what we have to do to win games." To win games, the Bombers will also need the type of goaltending rookie netminder Devin Buffalo provided. "It was pretty much a shutout other than that bad bounce," said Roper, referring to the Mustangs' lone goal in the third period, on a power play. "He played outstanding and the rest of the guys (did) too, they played awesome." A veteran himself, Roper says the rest of the returning players were all proud of the rookies. Starting the game off right, with three goals by the end of the first, head coach and GM Mike Reagan says the team played really well in the first 20 minutes, giving credit to adrenaline as well as the players. "As the period went on we got some big goals, no question, but the second period we didn't play very well," he said. "I was really disappointed in the second, and then in the third period I thought we picked up where we left off in the first period." Reagan said the team will need to work on its effort to avoid playing like they did in the second period. "I know this is a young team and I know this stuff is going to happen, but we just can't let them get away with it," he said. "Everything we do (wrong) right now, we're trying to nip in the butt and make sure ...we're talking about all the mistakes." Catch 22 Reagan says the last two weeks have been tough on the players as "training camp is a grind." "I think our guys are a little worn down, so I think getting a lot of rest when we have the time is going to be crucial, but at the same time, we've got a lot of things to work on," he said. "It's a double-edged sword. You don't want to run your guys into the ground, but you also have to be able to prepare them." All in all, Reagan was pleased with the home opener. "We're just happy with the win. It's a good start for us," he said. Following Friday's game, the Bombers hit the road Saturday for a game in Nipawin. Unable to keep the momentum going from their home win, the Bombers lost 5-2. In Yorkton tonight for the first of four road games in five nights, Flin Flon is going to have to buckle down to earn some crucial wins. Like-minded Following Friday's game, captain Roper said the team was pretty level-headed in the dressing room. "I think everyone is excited to get that first W under our belts, but we have to stay level-headed. We can't get cocky," he said. "We're a young team, so we have to work like that every single night to win." Roper says the key for Flin Flon is going to be keeping it simple on the ice. With the same idea in his head, Reagan said that was a key reason Roper was picked as captain. "I think Ropes is on the same page as I am and you need your leaders to be on the same page as the coach," said Reagan. "When the players are hearing a message from me and then a message from the captain that is very similar to mine, then you know, the chances are they are going to buy in." Reagan says that's what "Ropes brings to the table with these guys." "He's just an unbelievable character guy," said the coach. "Sometimes that gets underappreciated, not by the coaching staff, I'll tell you that, but the fans. They see...what he does on the ice and stuff like that, but they won't understand what he does with the boys and how he handles them." Strong effort Friday night showed the strong potential of the Bombers as they defeated a conference team by five goals. "It's a good way to start, but by no means are we perfect," said Reagan. The coach said he wants the team to understand "you have to come out every night and compete hard." "...if we're going to win, we've got to work hard," he added. Following tonight's game in Yorkton, the Bombers are off to Notre Dame tomorrow before ending the week in Weyburn with games on Saturday and Sunday. Gaining momentum tonight will be key for the Bombers to keep their confidence level up and try to begin a winning streak. The Bombers host their next home game on Sept. 30 as the Kindersley Klippers are in town for a double-header weekend.
