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 success of the Bombers last season and the previous season seems to have a few players' interests peaked. The Flin Flon Bomber organization has signed two players Ð David Roper and Jonathan Young Ð for the 2009-10 season. As he prepares to wear the coveted Maroon and White sweater, Roper says he sees the organization playing a big part in his life. "It's (going to be) a great experience and probably the turning point in (my) hockey career," says the former Calgary Royal. "I don't think I would have made it to the junior level without (the Bombers)," he adds. Playing the blueline in a midget tournament last season, Roper was noticed by the organization and then flown out to Flin Flon to have a better look. "It was awesome," says the 6'1, 175-lb D-man. "It was the perfect idea of where I want to be for junior hockey." With that said, head coach and GM Mike Reagan took no time in signing player. During Roper's visit to Flin Flon, he took a special notice of the way the organization is run. He says having an organization fly him out really showed their commitment to their recruits. As well, Roper liked the dressing room, history of the rink and especially the coaching staff and team. "I really like Mike Reagan," he said, adding that he felt "strongly about what (Reagan) had to say." Coming from a small town himself, Roper says Flin Flon is the perfect fit for him. "In a way, it's where I was supposed to be," he says. Last season, Roper earned six goals, 14 assists and 20 points in 33 games. "He's a good skating D-man that like to play in your face, makes a good first pass and plays physical," said Reagan in an e-mail. The second signing for the Bombers came with a familiar last name Ð Young. Bomber Michael Young and his brother Jonathan have joined forces for the next season. Coming in with the skill of playing both blueline and forward, Jonathan came to the Bombers with high honours. The former UFA Bison Ð also like Michael Ð says he's excited to be able to play with his brother for a season. Although they have tried out for teams together, the brothers have never played on the same team. "To tell you the truth," Jonathan said in a phone interview, "I can't wait. I think it's going to be really great." Last season, Jonathan was able to take in a few Bomber games and watch Michael in action. Aside from seeing how the Bombers' game is played, he was able to meet the majority of the team. "I'm looking forward to being a part of this squad and playing with (my) brother and playing hockey," he said. Similar to Roper, Jonathan had a few options to choose from, but chose Flin Flon in the end. "When Michael went, it was a big deal and once I went (to visit) I didn't want to leave," said the 6'1, 230-lb versatile player. "I went to a couple of camps and (it) felt natural being here in Flin Flon," he added. Last season, Jonathan earned four goals, four assists and eight points in 32 games as well as 24 penalty minutes. He "will bring a good physical game to the line up and some much needed size," said Reagan. Both Roper and Jonathan will be in Flin Flon for the Main Camp Ð which takes place at the end of August.
