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Former Bomber Ludwar inspires youth

While Michael Ludwar works as a senior program manager for Cox Enterprises, hockey is still very close to the heart of the former Flin Flon Bomber. Ludwar, who grew up in Grayson, Sask.
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While Michael Ludwar works as a senior program manager for Cox Enterprises, hockey is still very close to the heart of the former Flin Flon Bomber. 

Ludwar, who grew up in Grayson, Sask., operates the Hometown Hockey Vermont summer hockey camp with partners Justin Martin and J.C. Ruid. The latter two played at the University of Vermont and, like Ludwar, had a professional career.

“My partners and I had a vision four years ago to start a hockey camp in Vermont that has a ‘hometown’ feel,” he said. “’Hometown’ to us means that we are locals hockey guys in Vermont that want to develop Vermont youth hockey players. What I enjoy about Hometown Hockey camp is that I can influence and enhance the skills of about 100 kids throughout one week through on and off ice activities.”

At the camp, Ludwar gets to spend time with his and his wife Cayce’s three sons. The oldest, Jake, 14, is a counselor, while Cooper, 11, and Max, 9, are campers. During the winter Ludwar serves as an assistant coach for Cooper’s CT Rangers Elite 07, a New York Rangers youth team affiliate, and Max’s Green Mountain Glades Elite 08 squad, upon which the youngster plays as a 2009-born.

Ludwar suited up for the Bombers from 1994 to 1996. He fondly remembers the Whitey Forum, the team’s history, and the close relationships he had with his teammates and billets, Hugh and Karen Bettger.

“In particular, I remember the drives to and from practices and games on the perimeter highway, reflecting and getting ready for the games, along with being proud to say that I played junior hockey in northern Manitoba for one of the most iconic junior hockey organizations, the Flin Flon Bombers. For that, I was and will always be proud!”

Ludwar went on to a four-year career at Norwich University, where he earned a management degree. He captained the school’s 2000 team to an NCAA Division III national championship. Ludwar has been inducted into the Norwich Athletic Hall of Fame as both a player and a member of the title team.

“I was very fortunate to be coached by an amazing coach, [Mike McShane] and played with and alongside amazing and talented hockey players that always pushed me and always made me better,” he said. “I was fortunate to have a great career at Norwich. Norwich University made me into the person that I am today.”

After his time there, Ludwar, who went on to earn a master’s degree in business, played for the Villard de Lans Bears in Villard de Lans, France. 

“I had a brief stint there, but I’m glad that I played so that I could put the ‘hockey gods to rest’ so that I wouldn’t be envious or sad that I quit too early,” he said.

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