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's only fitting that legendary Bomber Bob Clarke will be the guest speaker during the sportsman's dinner as the Flin Flon Bombers celebrate the All-Star game and their 1957 Memorial Cup win. "To me there is always loyalty for Flin Flon and junior hockey," Clarke said, during an interview on his cell. "I'm excited about it. Anytime you're part of an All-Star game is a neat affair. It's a terrific part of the sport." It has been a couple of summers since Clarke has returned to his hometown, but he's looking forward to coming with his wife. Because Clarke was general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota North Stars during the last 20-plus years, he hasn't had time to participate in these kind of ceremonies. "To have this opportunity, I look forward to take advantage of it," Clarke said, of being the guest speaker. "This is a special event for me." Duke Rodnisky, president of the Bombers, is very excited to have the Bomber and Flyer legend come. "It's going to generate a lot of interest in the community," Rodnisky said. "I think he will have several interesting stories from his Philly and Bomber days." The Bombers organization is hoping to have between 300-400 people attend the sportsman's dinner taking place in the curling side of the Sportex on Jan.19. "We're having a prime rib meal, it should be a great event for everybody," the Bombers president said, as Ted Hampson and about six other members of the '57 Memorial Cup team will attend. Entertainment will be provided by Big Daddy Tazz, who was a hit during the previous Ladies Night. The Bombers had to look for a new guest speaker when they had difficulties getting in contact with Jackson Events regarding Habs legends Yvon Cournoyer and Henri Richard. The company returned one call after the Bombers attempted to contact them between 20 and 25 times. "Preliminary talks were great last summer," Rodnisky said. "Finally we figured to look for someone else and decided to try Bob after his situation changed. We were ecstatic he agreed. "I'm glad it happened," Rodnisky added. "I'm way happier that Bob is coming." He believes that Clarke will be a better draw than Cournoyer and Richard. "There's a pile of Philly fans in this town and there's a pile of Bomber fans," he said. Now that their guest speaker is confirmed, the organization will begin selling tickets and people can contact the Bomber office. The All Star Game will take place on Jan. 20 at the Whitney Forum.
