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.
It was the perfect way to end the preseason, at home, for the Bombers as they shut out the Nipawin Hawks 4-0 Friday night. The Whitney Forum was loud for the less than 500 fans in attendance, but they cheered on the Maroon and White as they were able to find the back of the net and complete checks. The Bombers "played all right," according to head coach and GM Mike Reagan. Even though Reagan says there was not a lot of tempo, the Bombers were there to win and had control of the game. When it came down to it, the coach says the Bombers "physically handled" the Hawks. He says it "looked like they wanted (the game) over as soon as possible." Friday night helped bring the Bombers' preseason record to 3-1 as Ryan Kerpan and Klynt Spencer stopped all 23 shots on net. "There weren't too many big saves," says Reagan, noting that Kerpan made mention he only saw the puck eight times. Nipawin Hosts Saturday night the Bombers made their way to Nipawin to face the team in their final preseason game of the year. Heading into the game, Reagan said having a 4-1 preseason record is a good way to start the season. The Bombers came up shorthanded to the home team as Nipawin beat Flin Flon 7-4. In the Dressing Room Behind closed doors, Reagan says the Bombers this year are on a different path than previous years. The difference this year, the coach says, comes down to "chemistry." "It's better early on," he says, noting that the "team enjoys coming to the rink, which turns into better (work) ethic." Reagan also made note that the team is a "good group of guys...(who) listen." With a bigger and stronger team this year, the coach says the atmosphere is better this time around. This week, the Bombers are preparing for the start of the regular season, which gets underway Friday night in Melfort. The Bombers will be on the ice working their systems as well as power plays and special teams. "The type of guy I am, we are always going to be able to score goals, but (we) need (the) offense come playoffs," says Reagan, a former Bomber. The Bombers' next game is Friday, followed by their home opener on Saturday. Both games will be against the Melfort Mustangs.
