Last Friday’s Bomber game, dubbed Hudbay Hockey Night in Flin Flon, was a complete success according to both the team and the title sponsor, Hudbay.
Admission was free, thanks to the community’s primary employer, and nearly 1,600 people took advantage of their generosity.
Fans were treated to quite the game, and many people were still talking about the event around the water cooler on Monday.
“I was very pleased with the response of the community and have heard positive remarks from many who attended,” said Rob Winton, vice president, Manitoba Business Unit for Hudbay. “It was an excellent hockey game and we were honoured [Bombers coach and GM] Mike [Reagan] asked us to be a part of the evening. On Sunday morning at the rink, out-of-town peewee kids were still talking about the game with huge smiles on their faces and Bomber toques on their heads.”
“It was a great night,” said Reagan. “We were very happy with the turnout and that the fans got to be entertained with some old-time hockey. I hope that the people that haven’t been to a game before or in a long time enjoyed it and come back to our last four home games and during our playoff run.”
The players responded to the crowd, playing with more confidence as the Feb. 6 game went on. Although they looked nervous in the first period, they took control early in the second and finished the period by taking care of business in the toughness department during the line brawl in the final minute.
“The boys were pretty excited about playing in front of such a big crowd,” said Reagan. “I think we got what we wanted out of the game, as everyone in town seems to be talking about it, which is great.”
The game will go a long way to helping the Bombers avoid going into the red this season. Aside from the gate admission, souvenir sales were up, the 50/50 draw brought in over $5,000 each for the team and the winner, and the Bombers also had an opportunity to make money on various other raffles and game day activities.
The Bombers are talking about making this an annual event, and Hudbay says it will consider the idea again in the future.
“As a proud member of the community, Hudbay directly and indirectly supports many organizations and activities,” said Winton. “Hockey Night in Flin Flon was a great idea and allowed Hudbay an opportunity to assist the Bombers showcase their product to 1,500-plus people. We will certainly entertain the idea of partnering with the Bombers for a future night given the success of Friday.”
