In his second and final season with the Flin Flon Bombers, goaltender Zac Robidoux has been a crucial piece of the puzzle.
“I think he has been our MVP this year to this point,” head coach Mike Reagan said. “He is a calming influence back there.”
Heading into Tuesday’s game against Melfort, Robidoux, 20, was 15-4-0-3 on the season with a 2.14 goals-against average and a 0.924 save percentage.
“I think the two things that have made me successful this season are my mindset and my teammates,” Robidoux said. “I’ve been focusing on taking it one game at a time and never getting too high or too low. My teammates have really allowed me to be successful by playing good defence and taking away good scoring opportunities.”
Reagan said Robidoux is laid back and strong positionally.
Flin Flon has two other goaltenders it can utilize. Second-year man Brenden Newton, 19, had seven playoff wins last season when Flin Flon made it to the Canalta Cup final.
Newcomer Gunnar Nielsen, 19, has provided depth and roster versatility as he allows the Bombers to dress more 20-year-old skaters if Robidoux is not in the lineup.
“Having three goalies has forced all of us to be accountable and stay on top of our game at all times,” Nielsen said.
All three netminders are competitive, but they have also proven to be supportive teammates.
“Gunnar and Newts are both great guys and we get along really well, so that helps when you have three goalies,” Robidoux said.
If the Bombers are going to be successful in the playoffs, they will need strong contributions from their netminding trio.
“The thing I enjoy most about being a goalie is that you’re a difference maker every game,” Newton said. “Good or bad, the play of the goalie is a large factor in the result of a game, and I like being in that position.”
Robidoux said he tries to use the pressures that are on a goalie to make himself perform better.
“I think it’s something that brings out the best in my game.”
Robidoux has certainly proven himself to be a winner. As an 18-year-old, he played for the Western Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes before returning to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Portage Terriers. He helped that squad win the 2015 MJHL title and the Royal Bank Cup national championship. Last season he was a key factor in the Bombers’ long playoff run.
Now in his final junior season, Robidoux is focused on having more success.
“I think everyone always wants to win, but to be able to win in your last year of junior is something special,” he said.
Newton was an important contributor to the Bombers as a rookie last season. The 2016 playoff run benefitted him.
“Last year’s playoff run taught myself and this team the things we need to do in order to make a league
final and hopefully this year we can improve upon last year’s success,” he said.
Heading ino Tuesday’s action, Newton was 12-6-2-0 with two shutouts. He had a 3.03 goals against average and 0.891 save percentage.
“I like that he is such an athletic goaltender,” Reagan said of Newton. “When he is hot, he is tough to beat. He is a confident individual.”
Nielsen joined the Bombers after starting this season with the Kindersley Klippers. He had one win in two appearances. While his time between the pipes has been limited, Reagan said Nielsen “has done a tremendous job” and has “pushed Newts a bit.”
Neilsen has enjoyed his time with the Bombers.
“The guys in the room get along really well, so I’ve just been enjoying the great team atmosphere,” he said.
