Former Flin Flon Bombers Eric Sinclair and Brandon Switzer are both enjoying their first hockey seasons at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
“The best part of playing for UAA is all the new experiences and people I have met here,” Sinclair said. “I’ve developed as a player significantly since the beginning of the year, and I get to do it in one of the most beautiful locations.”
After being part of two Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League championships in Melfort, Sinclair capped his junior career by helping the Bombers make it to the league finals. He was named the SJHL Defenceman of the Year for a second straight season. This season Sinclair has two goals and six points in 32 games. “College hockey is far different than junior because of the speed, skill, and compete level,” Sinclair said. “Players are faster, stronger, play a more structured game with set plays and your awareness on the ice is at a much higher level. Along with playing games every weekend you have to juggle classes and, with being in Alaska, traveling lots. It becomes difficult at times to focus on both at the same time. College hockey overall just comes with a lot more responsibility both on and off the ice.”
Switzer, a forward, has two assists in 13 games this season. After the Flin Flon favourite played a key role in the Bombers’ 2016 run to the SJHL finals, he was kept off the ice last season following knee surgery. Switzer signed with the Seawolves in May and said it has been a challenge to compete at the NCAA Division I level after a season away. “I think it’s been a great experience and it’s for sure had its highs and lows, but that’s all a part of the process,” said Switzer, who is from Brandon, Man. “After a year off, it was tough trying to find my game again, especially after moving up a level. I feel like I’ve improved a lot over the course of the year and hopefully I can continue to do so.”
Both players enjoyed their time in Flin Flon. Switzer said what he enjoyed most was the culture and feeling of Flin Flon. “Being a hockey town, everyone in Flin Flon is watching you and rooting for you and it’s just a special feeling to be a Bomber,” the Brandon product said. “Everyone from coaches to players to fans on the street and especially my billets, both with Sharla and Ray Madarash and Suzi and Mark Playfair, made me feel right at home and made my experience in Flin Flon that much better.
“Our run to the finals my 20-year-old season is something I’ll never forget and just the feeling at the rink and within the town at that time is something that is truly special to me and hopefully just as special to the community. Flin Flon is one of the most underappreciated hockey towns in Canada and being able to be a part of that legacy with names like Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach is an amazing honour.”
