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 2005-06 Flon Flon Bombers are under a microscope early. Since the start of camp on Monday, fans having been watching with interest as players want to make an impression on Ryan Hoffman and his coaching staff. So far, future prospects have made an impression as they compete against veterans who likely have guaranteed spots. Hoffman, sarcastically or not, said that every spot is open, but unless a veteran Bomber bombs camp because he wasn't prepared, there are about seven spots on the roster available. Three of those available positions are up front. Having positions to fight for is good for the organization. New blood can push and energize returnees to play harder. The team hasn't made the playoffs since their Royal Bank Cup run in 2001. There are not many players who want to be outdone by a rookie, it simply makes them look bad. Speaking of rookies, 17-year-old Adam Pleskach hasn't looked out of place, but Hoffman said that Hockey Canada rules prevent him from playing this year. Hoffman said Pleskach has been effective in his sessions and is capable of playing. The Bomber prospect has shown plenty of hustle breaking through checks and fighting his way to get to the puck. Bomber fans are hungry for playoff hockey and it's important for the coaching staff to make the right decisions. Though the team hasn't been successful the last few seasons, especially last year winning only 10 games, it would be hard to believe they won't improve considering they have so many players returning. The true shape of the team will take form once the wannabe Bombers are filtered out. It will be interesting to see how the goalie battle ends and if a clear-cut number one rises from the pile. Offensively, if Hoffman is correct in his belief on Brett Needham and what he can do offensively, and if his expectations of Richard Dupre prove true, then the Bombers will have that much needed scoring injection. Needhams' offensive totals should increase playing with Tyler Beachell, who led the team in scoring last year with over 50 points. Rounding out the line is Dalton Pajak, who brings quality veteran experience. The only way the Bombers are going to be successful enough to earn a playoff berth is to have the entire roster performing. People may think this is obvious, but there are several teams who have made the playoffs with a few players carrying the weight of the team. Another strong factor that comes into play for the Bombers is how well the players get along in the dressing room. That atmosphere is important to succeeding on the ice. Right now, Bomber fans are just happy their team is back and they will concern themselves with a quality product as soon as the season begins. Until then, they can 'oohh' and 'aaahhh' and cheer for future and current Bombers who sweat it out at Whitney Forum. Later will bring the hope that their team will make a return to the playoffs and lose the tag of a struggling franchise.2/9/05
