For a generation of hockey fans, Rob Hart has been the voice of the Flin Flon Bombers.
Over the weekend, the CFAR play-by-play man was recognized by the organization on the occasion of his 1,000th Bomber broadcast.
“It’s really hard to believe it’s been a 1,000 games – 20 years have really, literally, flown by,” Hart told the StarPhoenix earlier in the week.
Prior to the Bomber game on Saturday, Feb. 13, Hart was welcomed onto the Whitney Forum ice to accept a few mementos marking the milestone.
Team president Hank Kosar and secretary-treasurer David Brooks presented him with a crystal plaque featuring his name, the Bomber crest and a line identifying Hart as the voice of the Bombers. He also accepted a computer bag and a travel bag.
Bombers captain Tyson Empey presented Hart with a stick autographed by every member of the current team.
The players also took up a collection to buy him a personalized mini bar fridge, complete with the Bombers logo, that will arrive in due course.
As a broadcaster, Hart – players sometimes call him “Hartie” – is respected around the SJHL for his enthusiasm and knowledge of the league.
As a fan, he makes no bones about where his allegiances lie.
“Growing up as a kid in Flin Flon, you always dream about playing for the Flin Flon Bombers,” he told the StarPhoenix. “I guess this is the next-best thing.”
