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 SJHL has suspended Flin Flon Bombers head coach and GM Mike Reagan for three games, issued a $3,000 fine to the organization, and also removed five spots from their protected player list for a period of 365 days in relation to a player tampering charge. "(Reagan) communicated with a player he didn't have permission to (talk to)," SJHL president Laury Ryan said Monday to the Regina Leader-Post. After a hearing held in Saskatoon on January 15, and the ruling now issued, the organization and Reagan would like to advise that they respect the decision handed down and will not appeal the decision. The Bombers organization and Mr. Reagan prefer to focus on moving forward in their efforts of winning a league championship. Mr. Reagan acknowledges his mistake when he did not obtain formal written permission from the team management of the Melfort Mustangs. Mr. Reagan apologizes for his mistake, and assures he will learn from this and will not make the same mistake again. The Leader-Post quoted Ryan as saying "but really, all that a team has to do to avoid a tampering charge is request permission to talk to a player from the team he's carded with." Mr. Reagan would like to advise that his conversations and text messages with Deven Stillar were done on the understanding that both himself and Mr. Stillar had the necessary permission. These brief discussions, held on January 10, were done in the context of confirming that the Bombers were interested in having Stillar play for their organization. At no time were proposals made or negotiations held with Mr. Stillar. Trade discussions that had been held with team management of the Melfort Mustangs on January 7 and January 9 continued after the brief discussions. Mr. Reagan was forthcoming immediately, and honest with Melfort team management, when he informed them that he had been contacted by Mr. Stillar. During the subsequent discussions on January 10 that led to the agreed trade, there was no mention or indication by Melfort team management that it felt discussions between Mr. Reagan and Mr. Stillar were inappropriate. It is hoped this issue can now be put to rest. The Flin Flon Bombers looked forward to the debut of Mr. Stillar in a Bomber uniform on January 19 in Nipawin, and the return of Mr. Reagan behind the bench on January 23 in Notre Dame. Ð Compiled from SJHL and Flin Flon Bombers news releases, with notes from the Regina Leader-Post.
