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.
A bittersweet banquet truly said goodbye to the 2009-10 Flin Flon Bomber season. Typically a tough night for many on the team, last Thursday night was especially hard as they knew they should have still been on the ice. Clarence Pettersen, the master of ceremonies, helped to break the ice as he got people into the right mood with a few dance lessons at the Creighton Community Hall. "I'm sure everyone here is a little disappointed we're having this banquet in mid-March instead of mid-May," said club president Richard French. But, the president said, "we also have to remember that this has been our second-best regular season in Bomber history. That says a lot." As a club with more than 75 years of history, French told the team "that's a huge accomplishment. "Take that to heart. That's huge." French also took the time to say goodbye to the eight players who aged out of the SJHL this year Ð Mike Rey, Dominic Martel, Alex Lamontagne, Michael Young, Matt Weninger, David Dykstra and Brennan Cox. "I want to wish you the best as you continue your hockey careers and further your education," he told them. "I hope you can all look back on your time in maroon and white with fond memories and remember Ð once a Bomber, always a Bomber." French made it clear that the organization will welcome them back with open arms. Captain Michael Young, who has been on the team since head coach and GM Mike Reagan took over in 2007-08, said it was a difficult night for the team. "It's really tough being here (and) saying goodbye to everyone and knowing that we didn't go as far as we should have gone." Losing out in the first round of playoffs was a hard pill to swallow. "...it hurts a lot," said the captain. Looking back on the three seasons he has been a Bomber, Young said there were some noticeable differences this year. "Skill was a huge thing. We had a lot of depth in every player. Any player could play any position," he said. As well, Young said everyone on the team was "a lot tighter this year." With lasting friendships made, Young says he hopes everyone stays in contact, similar to the way that he keeps in contact with last year's captain Harley Garrioch. Young has accepted a scholarship to the University of Nebraska. Taking over Young's position as captain for next year will be Mathieu Lecours. See 'Plays' on pg. Continued from pg. "Matty will make a great captain," said Young. "He plays with his heart in every game. He deserves is and he'll lead these guys (far) next year." Though Lecours knows there will be a lot of pressure on him for the next season, he says he's excited for the challenge. It was first made public that Lecours would take over the coveted "C" for next season at the banquet. He said Reagan had spoke to him about it before, but it was not made official until Thursday night. "I'm pretty excited. I mean, it's an honour to even be considered for (this)," he said. "You look at the guys who have been captain in the past years Ð they are guys that you look up to. So, to be considered and to be a Bomber captain is something real special." Lecours said he had a great role model this season. "I think (Young) did a great job. He was the best player on our team and probably the best leader, too. "I mean, there is a lot of pressure, but I think he did a great job this year." Knowing that the Bombers ended their season too early, Lecours says he is ready for next year. "I'm really excited, actually. I mean, we didn't finish off on the right foot this year, (but) hopefully we can pick it up and get a little farther in the playoffs." Dominic Martel, another Bomber who has been apart of the organization since Reagan took over, says he has seen a transformation like no other in the team. "From the team perspective, I mean, Mike knows everything he does right now. He knows when to skate us. He knows everything he has to do (as) a coach for us to be better. "That's the biggest thing I've seen in three years." Martel says he has never been part of a team as solid as this season's Bombers. "This year's team was the best team I (have) ever had. We just didn't do it in the playoffs. "We had the worst match-up in the playoffs we could have imagined. "I think we had a great team, great players and great personalities. So, I'm happy about my last year." Undecided about what next year holds for him, Martel will make his way back to Quebec for the summer and attend school in the fall. Following speeches by French, Reagan and Young, the Bombers were treated to a Booster Club presentation before the team awards were handed out.
