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.
They havenÕt played in Flin Flon in many years. But 2008 is their year. The Norman North Stars Midget AAA team, based in Thompson, will be taking on the Yorkton Harvest this weekend in the Whitney Forum. With the arena in Thompson under construction, Flin Flon stepped up to the plate to host the two teams. ÒWe thought it would be nice for the parents and fans to come see the Norman North Stars play,Ó says Jane Dupre. The Northern Manitoba team wonÕt be playing any home games in Thompson until November. And even though the two teams will only be facing off against each other twice, Dupre says itÕs still a good chance for people to come out and support the team. ÒThe North Stars) are like the Bombers here,Ó says the parent. ÒItÕs (midget AAA) it the top level of hockey in Thompson. ÒAnd they get 1,000 fans to a game.Ó Dupre, whoÕs son Cory plays on the team, says she is excited to have the games in Flin Flon. ÒWeÕve had a lot of local kids play for Norman,Ó says Dupre, noting that there are currently five former North Stars playing for the Bombers. As the Bombers are hosting the Weyburn Red Wings this weekend, Dupre says it will be perfect for getting people out to the rink. ÒWe are expecting to have lots of parents to watch both the Bombers and the North Stars,Ó she says. While this is the first time the Norman team has been in Flin Flon for a number of years, Dupre says she hopes to see this an annual event. ÒThe North Star program a real stepping stone,Ó she says. Ò(David) Scully (one of the Bomber assistant coaches) and some of the better hockey players who play for the Bombers have gone through the Norman system.Ó Dupre notes it is also a reunion for many. ÒWe just hope lots of people come out and watch,Ó she says.
