For players coming to Flin Flon to be part of the Bombers organization, life isn’t just about hockey.
During the course of the season, players can be found in schools, at events and working or helping out in local businesses.
It’s all part of a coordinated effort by the Bombers organization to help the players succeed on and off ice.
Most of the Bombers work outside the rink, says assistant coach Garry Childerhose, unless they’re in high school or taking university courses.
“We like to keep guys busy during the day,” he says.
Working
Last year 22 team members held jobs outside the rink. Some were referees for rec games or the oldtimers league. Others worked at local businesses.
Finding work opportunities can be a challenge with the players’ schedules.
“Not every place is looking for workers, especially ones that have our schedule, where they’re in and out of town and it’s not your everyday 9-to-5 kind of thing,” says Childerhose.
The Bombers organization helps create positions for players by working with local businesses.
One program, through the Flin Flon School District, placed eight players as mentors: four each at Ruth Betts Community School and École McIsaac School.
Players provide assistance to teachers and students, and over the course of last year this relationship was also the inspiration for creating some new experiences for students.
“Last year we had kind of a Bomber buddy thing, where they would come in the morning and skate with some of the guys,” says Childerhose. Students would join players on the ice for some shinny hockey before Bomber practises in the morning.
“We also had classrooms from each of the schools come to the game and have their own little section, and then after the game was over they could come in and tour the room and get autographs from the guys,” says Childerhose, adding the program helped students build a connection with the players.
One of the goals of the program is to have Bombers players serve as positive role models for the kids at school, says Childerhose.
Helping
Another way Bombers help the community is by volunteering at local events throughout the year.
They participate in a long list of activities, from helping at Halloween and Christmas events, to working at events that support local charities, to recognizing local police and firefighters. They also participate in the marketing of the club.
“You have to be a part of the community,” says Bomber marketing coordinator Tanya Benoit.
Coming up soon will be a barbecue for season ticket holders, where players will meet some of the fans who will be in the stands.
Halloween at the Flin Flon Public Library will see players dressed in costumes and partying with local children.
An annual skate with the Bombers event is used to gather toys that will be given to the Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre to include in Christmas hampers.
At a sliding with the Bombers event, people attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Lord’s Bounty Food Bank.
The Bombers organizations also coordinates with local businesses to create game-day events that support organizations such as the Flin Flon, Creighton and Area SPCA.
“It’s a lot of giving back to the community,” says Benoit. “I really think it’s something everybody should be in touch with, giving back.”
Childerhose agrees. “I think it’s just really good for the town and the players alike. It brings everyone closer. It’s good to put a name to a face and I know the boys really enjoy it when they get out in the community, meeting people and helping out around town. I think it’s really special to have that bond with the community.”
Preparing
The Bombers also have to work on their hockey. In addition to games and practises, players are required to stay in shape.
“Our personal trainer, who’s from town here, Ryan Fox, works with the guys,” says Childerhose.
While they don’t have a set number of hours they have to work out, players are required to sign in at the gym every day.
“A lot of the guys like going to the gym so it’s not really anything we have to enforce too hard, especially with the group we have,” says Childerhose. “Everyone’s so disciplined.”
Childerhose is looking forward to the year ahead, especially after last year’s run-up to the playoffs.
“We’ve got such a good group coming back, and a some new key players that we’ve added to the lineup,” he says.
“Coming off everything that happened last year, I felt like it was kind of like the town and the team were one. It seemed like there was a special bond. It just felt like it was just kind of Flin Flon and the Bombers against the world.”
