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.
For many Canadians, beer and hockey are natural companions. But does the brew have a place at Flin Flon Bomber games? Last month, the Bombers organization sought permission from city council to sell beer at home games, beginning this fall, in a potential partnership with the Flin Flon Curling Club. The team explained the importance of fundraising to meet ever-rising expenses and the fact that nearly all SJHL communities already allow fans to kick back with a cold one. ThereÕs no doubt the proposal would generate a much-needed revenue boost for the Bombers. ThereÕs also no question that many fans can responsibly make a beer or two an enjoyable part of their Whitney Forum experience. But city council should not let these positive aspects of the concept overshadow the undesirable implications. First and foremost, the presence of alcohol, be it in the lobby or in the stands, would compromise the family atmosphere of Bomber games, as some on city council rightly fear. Despite the odd loudmouth who hurls swears at players and officials, these games are a chance for parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, to have an exciting, chemical-free night out at a time when the cold weather limits their entertainment options. Alcohol has no place in such a setting. Crowd control is another issue. Emotions run incredibly high in the stands at Bomber games even without alcohol. Some sober fans shout obscenities at 17-year-old players that would make a drill sergeant blush. I was at the Whitney Forum one memorable night in 1999 when a massive brawl broke out between the Bombers and Estevan Bruins. I remember how wild the building got and how the visiting team had to call for an RCMP escort to walk out to their bus. What happens when you inject alcohol into an atmosphere like this, with hundreds of people spread throughout the stands? Would the Bomber security guards be able to handle the situation? This does not even take into account the drive home following the games. We would be kidding ourselves to think every person drinking at Bomber games will a) stay within their limit and b) call a cab or hitch a ride when needed. Some motorists will be on those dark, slippery winter roads when they should not be. Of course alcohol is already part of Bomber games. With no beer available on the hockey side of the Whitney, a number of fans simply slip over to the adjacent curling rink concession for their fix. But at least now the alcohol does not enter the hockey side. ItÕs not as accessible, and thereÕs only so much beer one can consume between periods before heading back for the rest of the game. Beer being sold on the hockey side would mean more drinking. Alcohol-related problems not currently experienced at games may surface. Nothing good ever comes when more people drink more alcohol. Beer lovers have plenty of other opportunities to indulge. Bomber games are an asset to our community the way they are. City council should keep them that way while working with the team to generate other fundraising ideas. Local Angle runs Fridays.
