Former Flin Flon Bombers enforcer Bob Lund recalls well how the team’s faithful fans enthusiastically support their team, but are unafraid to let you know if you did not perform well.
“One time this fan named Foxy came down into the dressing room after I didn’t do so well in a scrap and gave me 10 loonies and told me that is to put in my purse the next time I fight that guy,” Lund said.
The Elkhorn product played for Flin Flon during the 1994-1995 season and for 14 games in 1995-1996 before being traded to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Portage Terriers so that he could play with his brother Chad. Lund recalls he received about 450 penalty minutes and maybe 10 points while playing for the Bombers.
“Number one best thing in Flin Flon are the fans,” he said. “The passion they have for their Bombers and how they treat the players like extended members of their family.
“Also the billet families. Mine was Rick and Deb (Bergman) in Creighton. They were the best. They treated me like a son.”
Lund also appreciated his relationship with Bombers legend Mel Pearson, who was an assistant coach with the team.
“I learned lots from this man – more about life. He had a great way about him. He always had time to chat and tell some stories of his playing days. He was a great man.”
In Flin Flon, Lund began friendships with many teammates that continue to this day. He was close to Flin Flon product Warren Ayers, who passed away in 2012.
“His family had me over to their home many times and I enjoyed many laughs with the Ayers family.”
Lund has worked in Portage at the Agassiz Youth Centre for 20 years.
“I enjoy helping youth,” he said. “When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher or a cop. This job is like the best of both worlds. I believe every youth has in them the potential to make positive change and I enjoy guiding them in this process.”
