2023 has been one of the best years in Flin Flon Bomber history as the Maroon and White Express kept rolling with a two game sweep of the Laronge Ice Wolves on the weekend.
On Friday, the Bombers powered themselves to a 4 to 1 win on the strength of two Jacob Vockler goals including his second with just 6 seconds remaining in the second period. That stood up as the game winner.
Justin Lies also pocketed a pair for his league leading 25th and 26th including another short handed goal to give him a league leading 5 on the year.
Harmon Laser Hume continues to play well and made 44 saves for his 19th win of the season. Hume's numbers are staggering through the first part of the year with a league best gaa of 1.95 and save % of .935.
Topher Chirico once again kept his team in the game with a lot of top notch saves and ended up with 45 saves and was once again the Wolves best player.
Laronge drove to the net and played hard but just couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Dylan Handel scored the lone Laronge goal on the powerplay early in the third.
It was a spirited affair on Saturday and one of the roughest games I have witnessed all season with both the players and fans whipped up in a frenzy.
Matt Egan and Max Henderson got into a scrap early in the game and that sparked an emotional night all the way around.
Flin Flon played another solid game and blanked the Wolves 4 to 0 in the final game of 2023 for both teams.
All the big gunners got involved in the scoring for this one including Justin Lies adding his 27th, Alexi Sylvestre his 19th, Carter Anderson his 24th and Anthony Piccininno his 11th.
Kenny Marquart got the start and was good when he had to be making 26 saves for his second shut out of the season.
What a way to finish 2023 for the Bombers who are the talk of the league with their 28-1-2 record. Their 61 goals against is also very impressive in 31 games so far this season.
Laronge continues to struggle and remain 5 points out of the last playoff spot.
The CJHL rankings came out earlier today and Flin Flon will head into the Christmas break as the number one team in the country for the 8th straight week.
It was a great way to wrap up the year with a special tribute to former Bomber Gene Carr before the game who passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.
The Bombers will enjoy a 20 day break before getting back on the ice January the 5th against Nipawin then heading to Melfort the next night, January the 6th.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Flin Flon Bomber fans every where.
