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.
The annual Maroon and White game ended the Bombers' main camp over the weekend on a high note. The camp gave head coach and GM Mike Reagan a good sampling of what was in store for the season. "We're happy with it," he says. "There is a lot of talent here." With a lot of talent on the ice, he says he is forced to make the tough decisions on filling out the roster Ð a good problem to have. On the other hand, Reagan says there were a fair amount of injuries to key players throughout the camp. Getting back into the swing of things, some players have had the option to be on the ice for the past two weeks, skating and getting their legs ready. But there are a few players who have not had the opportunity. Reagan says coming in from the summer and offseason, it can be tough to get back into a routine right away. He says right now, a lot of the players are standing at different levels in the preseason. Along with being able to skate a few weeks earlier, some players have a personal trainer available to them. On the other side of the coin, Reagan says those players who have not been able to be on the ice and get things going, are feeling the pressure. "But I don't think pressure is a bad thing at all," he says, noting that it's a big part of the game. Roughly 200 people were in the stands for the Maroon and White game Sunday afternoon to watch as Team Maroon, who donned black jerseys, took the game 4-1. Rookies and veteran players made it their time to shine as they put the puck in the net, dished out some body checks and even had a fight or two. There were a couple fights thrown into the game as rookies tried to prove themselves. After each fight the players shook hands to show no hard feelings. Reagan says the club made a point of mentioning that they were looking for players who are willing to stand up for their team. As well, the Bombers are hoping to be physically stronger this season. "We wanted to find out who was willing to do what for their team," says Reagan, noting that it's a "part of the game." Making an appearance at the Bomber camp this year was David Chapados, a blueliner brought to the attention of the organization by former Bomber Tommy Castonguay. Reagan said he didn't know what to expect, but he was "impressed with his skill. "He's raw, but someone we can work with." With the annual inter- squad game wrapping up the main camp, Reagan said it was a "successful" weekend. Looking back to last season, Reagan says they lost a lot of size as Harley Garrioch, the former captain, aged out of the SJHL. And so for this season, the coach says they were looking to find more size. "We wanted to get bigger," he says. "We didn't really recruit any smaller guys." And it was clear as the coach says the team is bigger than last season with the majority of players over 6'0 tall. Preseason The Bombers started their preseason Monday night with an exhibition game in Swan River. The team's first home exhibition game will be Friday as they host the OCN Blizzard.
