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.
It doesnÕt feel that long ago that the Bombers left the ice, but they are back on track with getting some new players on the team. First up this year was local teen Tanner Korchinski. The former Norman Northstar, who played with the Bombers for the end of playoffs this past season, says itÕs going to be a different game this time around. ÒThe games are two different levels,Ó says the blueliner, referring to Midget and Junior. ÒThe guys are bigger and smarter and there is more intensity.Ó As the Flin Flon-born player gets ready for the season, head coach and GM Mike Reagan says heÕs excited to have KorchinksiÕs name on the roster. ÒI think heÕs a gifted player with a lot of talent. HeÕs a great skater with puck skills,Ó says Reagan. ÒAnd the way the game is going, you have to be very agile and mobile and those are definitely the key points to TannerÕs game.Ó For Korchinski, he says one of the exciting parts of the season will be playing in the Whitney Forum. ÒI get to play at home in front of friends and family and show people I can play,Ó says the 6Õ, 185 lb defenceman. Similar to many children in the area, Korchinski says he grew up watching the Bombers, but didnÕt think he would be able to play with them. As for last seasonÕs team, he says there was a great relationship between everyone. ÒThere wasnÕt one bad guy. They were all friends and showed each other respect,Ó he says. ÒItÕs a tight-knit group.Ó Both Reagan and the Bomber organization are busy getting their team together, and the coach says having Korchinski on the bench is going to be a good move. ÒHe has the potential to be a scholarship player. HeÕs what universities are looking for,Ó he says.Ó While playing for the Northstars last season, Korchinski walked away, after 40 games played, with 12 goals, 30 assists and about 50 penalty minutes. The former AP player also made his mark on the All-Star team last season and earned himself the MVP award for the AAA Midget All-Star team. Keeping the roster familiar, Reagan says they will be bringing back some of their guys from last season. And joining Korchinski on the blue line will be Harley Garrioch, Jean-Sebastian Bergeron, Michael Young and Brennan Cox. ÒWeÕre going to be a different type of team this year,Ó says Reagan. ÒWe wonÕt rely on our offence and weÕll have better defence where we can score a lot more points. ÒWe will be more well rounded,Ó he says, adding that he sees the team winning the Northern Division Championship and being in contention for another season of playoffs. ÒAs the season goes you add and build (your team). ItÕs going to be a young (team), but good skaters and a good team to beat next year,Ó says the coach. Like past years, the Bombers will be having their spring training camp in Saskatoon in hopes of adding a few more names to the roster. Hopeful players will hit the ice Saskatoon from June 13-15 in hopes of making it to the main camp in Flin Flon. As it stands, 73 names are on the list, but Reagan is expecting another 10 or 15 players to be added. ÒWeÕll probably have a couple players signed at camp and hope to have a few signed before,Ó he says. ItÕs not set in stone, but the coach plans on having the main camp towards the end of August with about 50 players. With smaller numbers in the main camp, Reagan says he can concentrate Òon the guys who have a chance to make the team.Ó But they arenÕt just looking at players for this season; Reagan says they look at potential players down the road as well. For more information on the hockey camps, contact the Bomber Office at 687-4404.
