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 countdown to the SJHL regular season opener continues, and the Flin Flon Bombers look to be in high spirits after closing the exhibition season with back-to-back wins. In their latest effort on Saturday, the Bombers took control in the first period against Nipawin and held on to win 3-2. "We've done a pretty good job of coming out in games," said head coach Ryan Hoffman. "We come out with a lot of emotion, and positive things happen. We got up 3-0 and quite honestly it should have been 5-0, but there was a couple of controversial calls. We came out of that period in total control." In the second period, the Bombers had some chances right off the bat, but couldn't take advantage of their opportunities. That let Nipawin back in the game, down 3-1 after two periods of play. In the third period, the Bombers held on and played just good enough to win, with a solid effort from Brett Koscielny who played his first full game this season. "We have to work on finishing our opportunities," said Hoffman. "We've spent time every day in practice doing that, and I think we're getting better at it. We've also go to work on that 'killer instinct' so when we get up 3-0, we really go for the throat and make it 5-0, and then 7-0 and then 9-0." Goaltending was key for the Bombers in their last two outings, getting outstanding performances between the pipes from all three netminders in camp. Koscielny, along with Paul Reimer and Troy Ciernia are making the choice in net an extremely difficult one for Hoffman. "Reimer and Ciernia looked good in Swan River, and Koscielny played really well in his first real action this season," he said. "With three goalies in camp, they are making things tough on me, but it's tough in a good way. It's a nice situation to be in." In front of the goaltenders, the Bombers are still shorthanded and are on the lookout for players who may be able to contribute and improve the lineup. Only 19 skaters were dressed in the game against Swan River, and Hoffman was barely able to gather 20 skaters for Saturday's contest against Nipawin. "We did have 20 bodies against Nipawin, but they weren't all healthy," said Hoffman. "We're taking some time here this week. A couple of guys are being worked on by the chiropractors and trainer, trying to get them ready to go, so we have some options on Friday and Saturday and not just have to dress the healthy guys." On the day-to-day list over the last week have been guys like Spencer Davis, Jeff Lapointe, Donald Milburn and Ryan Boak. Joel Jackson has been the only serious casualty, after breaking his jaw last week against La Ronge. On the Western Hockey League front, Daryl Fransoo and Keith Spencer are still with the Tri-city Americans. Spencer is expected to stick around there for the season, and Fransoo is also getting an extended look. Kyle Holmes, 17 was a late release from Spokane of the WHL earlier this week, and Hoffman hopes to bring him to Flin Flon. Hoffman assures that the Bombers will be on the lookout until the door closes for trades on the January 10 deadline. "We're going to be working on this until January 10," said Hoffman. "If we have an opportunity to make this squad better without sacrificing too much of our future, we'll do that. We're always looking and patrolling the wire, and making calls to see what is going on with other teams, but it's not as easy to make deals as you might think." The Bombers kick off the regular season on Friday in La Ronge, when the SJHL season begins on five fronts. Estevan will be in Melville, Kindersley will be in Humboldt, Melfort will be in Nipawin and Weyburn will be in Yorkton. The Battlefords' Stars will host Kindersley on Saturday, and Notre Dame kicks off the season on Sunday when they host the Humboldt Broncos. First home action for Flin Flon will be on Saturday, when the Ice Wolves are in town for the second half of the home-and-home season opener.
