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.
Exhibition losses mount for the Flin Flon Bombers, yet coach-GM Doug Stokes isn't concerned. "I could care less if we win an exhibition game," Stokes said, following a 7-2 loss in Nipawin on Sunday. The coaching staff left 10 players behind who stand a good chance to make the team. The only two goals came from veterans Blake Rolston and Andrew Leslie. "They (Nipawin) played their team and the score isn't indicative of the game," Stokes added. Goalie Travis Crickard got the nod and according to Stokes struggled in a penalty-marred game. As Stokes evaluates his players with more still to come from Western Hockey League camps, his only concern is with players adjusting to penalties and learning what they can do. Third-year Bomber defenceman Bradyn McCullough said the game is completely different. "Everything that we have learned the last 13 years of playing hockey is down the drain," he explained. "I didn't think we played to our potential, but with the new rules it's kind of hard to play. You can't really do anything in the corners. You just have to adapt and get better next time." McCullough continued by saying that the team has to work hard on its penalty killing. So far, Stokes said he's been giving everyone a chance at everything to see who is successful at what. Against the Swan Valley Stampeders on Saturday, Stokes was pleased with Mackenzie Groenewegen, Myles Masse, McCullough, and David Holinaty. Did he like his rookies? "Some yes, some no. I won't divulge any names," the coach said, with a laugh. Goalie Calvin Bartel played in the 8-5 home loss. Stokes played the netminder to get the butterflies out when it comes to playing at home. Despite a shaky game, he has full confidence in the 18-year-old. When asked about local product Steven Robinson, Stokes said he really likes him. "I thought he's played very hard," Stokes said. "(He) competed in all small areas. Threw his body around. Got a goal tonight. Made some plays." The Bombers traveled to Dauphin yesterday for their final exhibition game and Stokes planned to dress a roster that closely resembled the one to start the season. The Bombers regular season kicks off with back-to-back games against the Melfort Mustangs. The first will take place in Melfort on Friday with the home opener Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Look for the game story against Dauphin in Friday's paper.
