The OCN Blizzard came out of the gate with a very impressive first period where they scored 3 goals and ended up beating the Flin Flon Bombers 5 to 3.

 

The Blizzard took the first game in the battle of Northern Manitoba last night in front of a great crowd at the GLMC.

 

There was definately a buzz in the air as the two teams met for the first time in two years.

 

Flin Flon dressed all rookies, with OCN going with more of a veteran presence which included dressing 7 vets.

 

It looked like the young Bombers were a little timid in the opening period, but got lots more confidence as the game went on and were the better team for much of the second and third periods.

 

After being out shot 20-7 in the first period, the Maroon and White poured it on with 35 shots in the final two periods including a staggering 27 in the third.

 

The Bomber power play also looked good with Shayde Peterson and Jaeden Mercier scoring with the extra attacker as Flin Flon finished 2 for 7.

 

The other Bomber goal came from d-man Adam Victorino, who I thought was the best player on the ice. He was really fun to watch especially on the PP, where he looked very comfortable and was the go to guy jumping up into the play and creating lots of good chances.

 

Goaltending duties were split between starter Jack Rekrutiak,  who let in 4 goals on 30 shots while Tyler Peterson came in relief and gave up just 1 goal on 15 shots.

 

Flin Flon will fall to 0-2 in the pre-season and will welcome the MJHL'S Swan Valley Stampeders to the Whitney Forum tonight. Puck drop is 7:30.

 

The Bombers have a very busy week which includes 4 games in 4 nights with the return match up against the OCN Blizzard set to go this Saturday, 7:30 at the Whitney Forum.