Close, but no cigar. The Bombers rallied late, but a big second period by La Ronge handed Flin Flon a 4-3 L.
The Bombers got on the board in the first courtesy of newly minted rookie of the year Tristan Lemyre, but a four goal period for the Ice Wolves shut down any momentum the Bombers had. James Philpott, Spencer Kennedy, Chad McIlwain and Kyle Ford each got on the board in the second frame, tipping the scales for the home team.
Dane Hirst and former Ice Wolf Zach Bannister got on the board in the third, but the result was not ultimately in doubt.
Cal Schell made 31 saves in the loss, while La Ronge goalie Xavier Cannon, getting the start due to Liam McGarva's suspension for physical contact with an official, got the win with 33 saves.
Several Bomber regulars, including goalie Jacob Delorme and forwards Alec Malo and Cole Rafuse, did not make the trip to La Ronge. The Bombers are secured in both second place in the league and tops in the Sherwood division. La Ronge, on the other hand, pushed themselves clear into fourth spot in the league, one point up on Melfort with one game remaining.
The key spot for Bomber fans in the SJHL standings is seventh - the owner of that spot will face the Bombers in the first round. As of Friday night, that spot is now occupied by the Nipawin Hawks, who have 64 points with one game left. If Nipawin wins their lone remaining game and sixth-place Estevan does not record a point, both teams will require a tiebreaker and the lower-placed team will face the Bombers.
Flin Flon still has two games left on their schedule - one Saturday night against La Ronge at home, then another game Tuesday night against Melfort.
