Brandon Masson and Ben Lanfermann might not routinely show up in the scoring column, but the defencemen are certainly important contributors for the Flin Flon Bombers.
“Those guys are warriors,” head coach Mike Reagan said. “They battle hard. They are hard to play against. Physical.”
Masson, 20, is 6’2” and 200 lbs. He has eight points, all assists, and a team-high 108 penalty minutes this season. Lanfermann, 19, is 6’ and 190 lbs. He has two goals, eight points and 78 penalty minutes, placing him fourth on the squad.
The duo are part of a deep blue line that features seven regulars: Masson, Lanfermann, Cory Thomas, Mason Etter, Troy Williams, captain Braden Lacoursiere, and 2016 SJHL Defenceman of the Year Eric Sinclair.
The Bombers also have rookie Isaac Jackson, whom Reagan believes will be a good blueliner for the club in the future, and Rylan Tkachuk, who has been listed as a forward this season. Etter has also seen time at forward this season.
With that kind of depth, Reagan said Masson and Lanfermann, who often play together, are unsung. However, he emphasized that their teammates and the coaches know how valuable they are to the team.
“The team rallies around their physical play,” said Bombers forward Kristian St. Onge. “If we need a change of momentum or a spark from someone, those two are always up to the task. They both play hugely important roles on our team and make it very difficult on opposing players. They make sure nothing is ever easy. Other teams have to earn every inch that they get.”
Both Masson and Lanfermann embrace their identities as physical, defensive-minded players.
“I take a lot of pride in the defensive part of my game since I am more of a defensive D-man, and with that comes physicality,” Lanfermann said. “I feel like I am playing my best hockey when I play physical all around the ice.”
Masson is in his third and final season with the Bombers. He was the team’s Rookie of the Year in 2014-15. Last season a knee injury kept him off the ice for months early on. He returned in December and helped the club reach the Canalta Cup final.
Lanfermann enjoys being paired with Masson.
“He makes the game a lot easier for me and I always know where he is going to be on the ice,” Lanfermann said. “Brando has got a great work ethic and is a tough guy to play against and, with that being said, I always know that he will have my back. I think we have come a long way this year as a pair.”
Lanfermann was a rookie last season. He learned the ropes of junior A hockey while posting three assists in 31 games. He has already surpassed his goals, assists, games and penalty minutes totals from last season.
“He is just really solid back there,” Reagan said of Lanfermann. “He is physical. He is hard to play against. He has a god hockey IQ. He makes a good first pass.”
Masson and Lanfermann are enjoying helping the Bombers be successful this season.
“The best part about playing for the Bombers is the fact that the team has such a rich history and, of course, our fans,” Lanfermann said. “Our team is known to be an intimidating, strong and hardworking team, and there is no better feeling than throwing on a Bomber jersey and having such a great crowd to support us every night. It really makes me proud to be a Bomber.”
