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.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer The Flin Flon Bombers finished off their main camp with the traditional Black and White Game (formerly the Maroon and White Game) as hopeful players brought their efforts to the Whitney Forum. A high-scoring contest left fans cheering last Friday night, Sept. 2, as both teams protected the puck and capitalized on opportunities. "I think we saw some good offence from both teams," said head coach and GM Mike Reagan, who watched the game from the boards. "We put a lot of shots towards the net." Lots of pucks in the net is fairly standard for an inter-squad game, said the coach, as players are out to impress. "We didn't expect it to be a 1-0 game or anything like that," said Reagan. "I think the goaltenders would like to have a couple (goals) back, but that's why you play these games, to find out what the (players) are made of." Following the Black and White Game, which was played in front of roughly 300 fans, the Bombers were one step closer to settling their roster for the upcoming season. "We've got some cuts to make and we'll get closer to our team," Reagan said. "We've still got some guys at Western Hockey League camps and we're going to get those guys back and we're just going to build off this." The main camp started a week ago, with the players having six on-ice sessions in two days, followed by the Black and White Game. "It's grueling," said Reagan. "They...play in a game that means a lot to a lot of these guys (and) there is some pressure on some guys." Using that pressure as momentum, the teams were able to produce goal after goal. "You get into these games and it's a shooting gallery," said Reagan. "I mean, everyone is thinking of offence and trying to impress that way." Power play Throughout the game a number of power play opportunities arose, giving the players a chance to hone their skills with the man advantage and while shorthanded. Looking back at the main camp, overall, Reagan says he's happy. "I think it was good," he said. Mentioning Dylan Quinn, who minded the net for team Black, Reagan said the new-to-camp player rebounded nicely after a shaky first period. "...you want to see the character of these guys and if they are able to bounce back," said the coach. Looking at the group of players coming off the ice, Reagan said there was still work to be be done, "but what team doesn't at this team of the year?" Leaving the main camp, the players hit the road with an all-rookie lineup against the Nipawin Hawks Saturday night, Sept. 3, for their first preseason game. "We'll go from there," said Reagan. "I'm excited to see some of our young guys that aren't going to make the team this year (that) are going to be playing in the game." Though those rookies won't be a part of the roster this year, Reagan says it's the experience that counts. "I was really happy with our list kids that are 95s and 96s. I thought they showed (up) well," said Reagan, referring to the Black and White Game as well as the camp. "I'm excited about the future of those guys and I think it was a good experience for them to come up to Flin Flon and see the Whitney Forum... (and) the dressing room, and to see what this organization is all about." The Bombers hit the road for Saturday's game and earned a 5-4 win before getting their second victory of the preseason as they hosted Nipawin the following night and won 4-3. With two wins in two preseason games, the Bombers are off to a good start. Ending main camp on a positive note, Reagan says this is where the fun begins. "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy camp, but at the same time, you like to get camp done and get down to a working number," he said. "Then you can start to see your team form." Yesterday, the Bombers traveled to Swan River to challenge the Stampeders. The game was played after The Reminder went to press. The Bombers will end the preseason against the OCN Blizzard, travelling to OCN Friday before hosting the Blizzard on Saturday. The Bombers will host the Melfort Mustangs on Sept. 16 in their home opener to kick off the 2011-12 regular season.
