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.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Flin Flon Bombers head coach and GM Mike Reagan, along with the rest of the organization, wrapped up the 2011-12 season sooner than they expected. Looking over the season there were mistakes made, but lessons learned. 'Our goal is to win a championship,' said Reagan in a phone interview. 'We believe we've got a team returning that is capable of challenging for the SJHL championship.' The Bombers went into the 2011-12 season with a young team, but also a plan. 'I (don't) think people understand we had a game plan for this year,' said Reagan. That plan was to stay young and grow as a team in preparation for the 2012-13 campaign. The Bombers went into this past season knowing that the RBC Cup-hosting Humboldt Broncos would be their toughest competition. Reagan stressed the team wasn't throwing the towel in early _ they were simply playing a different game this season. 'The guys gained valuable experience. We're going to be a better team because we didn't lose sight of the prize for next year,' said the coach. Reagan spent 2011-12 giving rookies and players who may not have otherwise accumulated many minutes 'valuable' ice time. 'We wanted to stay young and develop,' said the coach. 'We were patient with the guys and allowed them to develop. We're going to be better (because of it).' The Bombers said farewell to captain David Roper, Jonathan Young, James McNulty and Jesse Mysiorek this season. Still, Reagan says having five returning forwards in the top two lines 'bodes well' for 2012-13. Before the 2011-12 season, the Bombers traded Andrew Johnston to the Broncos for two players plus future considerations. The Bombers will pick from the Broncos following the end of this season. Though there is a player in mind, no names are being disclosed. Positive things On paper, the Bombers didn't have the most successful season, but Reagan says a lot of positive things happened with the organization. 'I think a lot of people would be upset if we went into next year without what we have now,' said Reagan, referring to the development of players eligible to return. Reagan said the organization now has to play to its strengths and stick to the game plan. 'We're a young team,' said Reagan, pointing out 17- and 18-year-old players and their strengths. 'Cam Blair was only 18 and now he puts up 50 points,' said the coach, adding that by next season he hopes to see the forward garner 70 points. Without discrediting anyone on the team, Reagan says 'all of our good players were our young players' last season. Looking at veteran teams, like the Broncos, who have 19- and 20-year-olds, Reagan says the Bombers' strength is still their age. In net the Bombers had two rookie goaltenders this past year, including Devin Buffalo, who shared the league's Rookie of the Year award. 'Being realistic, we know we're not going to win a championship with (two rookie goaltenders),' said Reagan. Even though the plan was to develop as a team in 2011-12, Reagan said he is still disappointed the Maroon and White did not make it further. 'But, it was a pretty good season,' he added. The Bombers ended the regular season seven games above .500. 'I don't think anyone would have guessed we (would do) that,' Reagan said. The Bombers were one of six teams in the strong Bauer Conference. They saw a 13-point improvement over the previous season. Expectations With Flin Flon being a Bomber-loving town, Reagan said he knows fans want to see another banner raised into the Whitney Forum rafters. '...you can't win every year,' said the coach. 'No one is more disappointed that we didn't have more playoff (hockey) than me. It's my life. 'It's what I do every day. I'm probably the most disappointed person in town.' But now Reagan hopes to bring a championship back to Flin Flon in 2012-13. '...it's our job to go full force with that plan. We're not going to be successful with just getting to the final or (having) a good season,' he said. 'Our goal is to win the SJHL next season. 'I want to know that I helped the community win. I'm a Bomber fan, not just the coach.'
