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 late Melvin Alexander Pearson was nicknamed Boom Boom because of his great shot. "Just a flick of the wrist and the puck was gone," said former teammate and linemate, Harvey Fleming. Oh, and it was accurate, too. During Pearson's second season with the Flin Flon Bombers he scored 59 goals in 56 games, which led the team. In his rookie season, he scored 26 goals in 48 games. Fleming described Pearson as a person who didn't call anyone down and was a happy-go-lucky player. Ted Hampson, who captained the team, said he had a great relationship on and off the ice with Pearson. The two played together dating back to their Pee Wee days. Hampson and Pearson played so well together that Fleming said they were like "peanut butter and jam." "We knew each other really well," said Hampson, from his home in Edina, Minnesota. "He was known for his shot and was a good playmaker. His game was built around speed and his shot and he could play any style." "He was such a delightful guy to be with," said Hampson. "He was an exciting player to watch and good team player. He never put himself first. His enthusiasm for whoever scored was pretty gratifying." As good as he was, Pearson played in just 38 NHL games mostly with the New York Rangers and two with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He scored two goals and six assists. Hampson believes that his linemate could have had a longer NHL career in the six-team league. "He wasn't ready," said Hampson of Pearson, who turned pro at 19. Would it have been different if he played one more year in Flin Flon? "I'm almost sure it would be different," said Hampson, an amateur scout for the Colorado Avalanche. Pearson's cousin Ken Willey, who played on the Memorial Cup winning team, has a different opinion as he felt the Bomber sniper was ready. "He was really good," said Willey, from his home in Kimberley, B.C. "I don't think he knew how good he was. He was explosive and I never seen anyone break out harder than him." Willey felt that personal life choices played a factor in Pearson's career. Pearson's minor-league career started with the Trois-Rivieres Lions of the QHL in 1957-58 and ended in 1972-73. In 1,076 games he scored 304 goals, 470 assists for 774 points.6/11/06
