Rylee Zimmer is adept at creating opportunities for himself and others.
The Flin Flon Bombers’ playmaking centreman is fifth in the SJHL in assists with 32. He is also fifth in points with 48 in 41 games this season.
When asked about his success, Zimmer was quick to praise others
“Our team is clicking on all cylinders the past month or so, and when your team is doing well you are going to be doing well,” Zimmer, 19, said. “Playing with guys like [the recently traded Dondre] Watson and [Brandon] Lesko also has a huge factor. It feels good being able to produce.”
Whatever the factors, things are working for Zimmer. In December, he was selected as the RBC SJHL Player of the Month after posting seven goals and 18 points in 10 games. He started December off right with three straight three-point games and on Dec. 30 had a four-point game.
“He has got good poise with the puck,” Flin Flon head coach Mike Reagan said. “His puckhandling skills are tremendous. … His hockey IQ is really high.”
Zimmer has already surpassed the 29 points he accumulated last season in total between the Bombers and the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the MJHL.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Zimmer has impressed the coaching staff with his will to win. He has, for example, taken on a penalty-killing role and flourished with hard work and smarts.
“He competes hard,” Reagan said. “He wants to win. That is evident in the way he plays.”
Zimmer had matured on and off the ice with the Bombers.
“I think that he has really grown up a lot since coming to Flin Flon and he has really bought into the culture of being a Bomber,” Reagan said.
Zimmer is pleased to be playing junior hockey in Flin Flon.
“Playing for the Bombers is amazing. Great organization, fans, coaches, and the guys,” he said. “We are a really tight group right now, but playing in Flin Flon is an experience that all players should have a chance to be a part of. The history is unreal.”
It certainly was a journey for Zimmer to get to the Bombers. The Russell, Man., product played bantam and midget hockey while going to school at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Sask.
During the 2013-14 season, as a 16-year-old, Zimmer suited up for 44 games with the WHL’s Regina Pats.
“Playing in the WHL taught me a lot and developed me as a player and as a person,” he said.
After five games with the Pats to start the 2014-15 season, Zimmer joined the Wolverines. He has said playing for the MJHL team close to home helped him with his confidence.
Last year Zimmer had 17 points in 26 games for Flin Flon while providing some secondary scoring for the Bombers. He helped the squad make it to the Canalta Cup final.
“Last year’s playoff run has a lot to do with the player I am this year,” Zimmer said. “All returning guys know now what it takes to win, including myself, and I try and shape my game around that.”
