Rookie Chrystopher Collin has made an impression on Flin Flon Bombers fans – and vice versa.
The 18-year-old from Montreal has shown he can score. He had six goals in total in his first three Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League games. As of Sunday, the 5-foot-11, 173-pounder was first on the Bombers with 11 goals and tied with veteran Nick Shumlanski with a team-high 16 points. Collin has quickly embraced playing in Flin Flon and the team’s enthusiastic fans.
“What I have enjoyed the most so far being a Bomber is the way you are treated here by the team and the fans,” Collin said. “The fans are so intense and they like their team so much. It’s a pleasure to come to the rink every day and work to make them proud.”
Over the summer Mike Reagan, head coach and general manager of the Flin Flon Bombers, attended a showcase event in Montreal. He was impressed by Collin’s talent. When recruiting him, Reagan compared Collin favourably to former Bomber Jason Lavallee, a Quebec product now playing in U Sports at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières.
“He has got a beautiful stride,” Reagan said of Collin. “He has got soft hands and just an incredible shot. He loves to shoot.”
Collin was drawn to the Bombers for a few different reasons.
“I came here because my goal was to play for a top-notch organization and to be able to keep developing as a hockey player to play at a higher level afterwards,” he said.
Collin has certainly proven he can produce points in the SJHL. He is third in the league in goals, as of Sunday. Collin paced all rookies with 16 points and 11 goals. Teammate Caleb Moretz was one of four rookies tied with nine points.
Collin has often skated on a line with Nate Hooper. Lately Tyler Nyman has also been with them. Collin has lit the lamp in eight of Flin Flon’s 15 games.
“Part of the success I’ve had early on is mostly because of the confidence I get from Mike,” Collin said.
Last season Collin played midget and junior hockey in Quebec. While he has succeeded early on in the SJHL, Collin said the league did require him to make some adjustments.
“I’ve had to adjust to the level here, which is a lot different from Junior A in Quebec,” Collin said. “It’s a much more physical game here. But I’m really glad to be part of this great organization, which has alumni like Bobby Clarke.”
Reagan said that Collin is learning about playing a 200-foot game. As well as lessons on the ice, Collin, like all rookies, is also adjusting to a new league, new teammates, billets, etc. On top of that, he is also adapting to living in an English speaking community. Reagan believes that there are good things ahead for Collin as he becomes more comfortable and confident in Flin Flon.
“I’m extremely excited for the potential of him,” Reagan said.
