The Flin Flon Bombers kicked off the pre-season with a 4 to 0 win over the Hawks last night in Nipawin.

The game featured all rookies and the Flin Flon offense came from local product Joey Lies, Dawson Karol, Koen Senft and Lorenzo Bono.

Ryan Bain and Kenneth Marquart split the goaltending duties and combined for 19 saves.

Next up will be a pre-season game against the Kindersley Klippers in Prince Albert on Wednesday. The Klippers beat Laronge 8 to 2 last night.

The Bombers and Wolves will play a home and home this weekend with Friday's game in Laronge and the rematch in Flin Flon Saturday at 7:30.

The Norman Northstars held their main camp this past weekend at the C.A.Nesbitt Arena in Thompson.

Almost 50 kids from Northern Manitoba came out vying for spots for this year's team.

Congratulations to Flin Flon's Gage Gogal who returns to play defense and Paxton Moore who is back in goal.

Nole Pearson was the only new  comer from Flin Flon to make the team at forward.

Norman will open the season the first weekend of October.

Flin Flon Bomber Main Camp wrapped up yesterday afternoon with the annual Maroon and White game.

There was a tremendous crowd and fans and parents were treated to some great hockey all weekend.

After team Maroon opened up the scoring, team White took over and ended up winning the game convincingly 7 to 2.

The returning players had a strong afternoon with Jaeden Mercier collecting two goals and one assist and Jaxon Martens picked up two goals and an assist as well.

Other team White goals came from Greg Diamond, Brent Gulenchyn and local product Nolan Rideout.

Kylynn Olafson and Aiden Chow scored for team Maroon.

The shots were close with White out shooting Maroon 33 to 32.

Both teams used three goalies with White going with Connor Stojan who had 12 shots, Ryan Lehet 14 and Kenneth Marquart ended up with 6 shots.

Walker Berner  started for Maroon and had 12 shots, Ethan Farrow also faced 12 and Ryan Bain came in and faced 9 shots.

Head Coach and GM Mike Reagan had these comments after yesterday's game concerning his goaltenders. " I thought the goaltending was pretty decent, I thought Marquart overall had a very good weekend. I thought some of the other guys had some good games as well. It is about the process as the games will get tougher as we go along and start to play other teams. That is when they will start to separate themselves from each other."

The Bombers are expected to cut down about 15 players from yesterday and will play their first pre-season game tonight in Nipawin which will feature all rookies.

It will be a busy week with the Bombers off to Prince Albert to face the Kindersley Klippers on Wednesday and will play a home and home with Laronge this weekend. Saturday's game will be in Flin Flon with a 7:30 start time.

submitted by PBCN Selects

The PBCN Selects have Signed French Canadian Elie Mailloux, from Rivière du Loup, Quebec.

Mailloux is a 6 foot power forward who played last season for the Harnois énergie in the St Laurent Midget Hockey League.

Mailloux is a plus skater and enjoys the Physical aspect of the game, he was an excellent penalty killer last season and will be expected to play a defensive first style of game for his new team this season.

Head Coach Gatlin Church had this to say regarding the teams new signing, “I’m very excited to see Elie in the lineup, our Eastern Scout Martin Bedard has great things to say in regards to his work ethic and his coach praised his attitude and checking abilities, I feel Elie can step in and provide us with very valuable minutes this season.”

Elie is expected to arrive in Flin Flon in Mid September and Selects training Camp will run September 17/18 at the Whitney Forum. The First Home Pre-season game will be September 21st when the OCN Storm visit town.

If you would like to try-out for this years team please Gatlin Church 431-346-0132

The Norman Northstars will be hosting their Main Camp starting this Friday with player registration at 2 at the CA Nesbitt Arena.

Ice sessions will start at 6pm and continue through out the weekend including a goalie session on Saturday.

The Blue and White game will wrap things up on Sunday at noon.

To register for try-outs you can contact Rachelle at rlladyka@mymts.net. You can also contact the coach's Greg Long at 204-679-3145, greglong19@hotmail.com or Ryan Stuart at 204-679-2991, discostuart@gmail.com.

Registration forms can be found at normannorthstars.com.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey is ready for another exciting season and will kick off the festivities with a 3 on 3 tournament.

This will be a one day tournament for U-9, U-11, U-13 and U-15 divisions and jerseys will be provided.

Tournament will be half ice for U-9 and full ice for the other divisions.

Amount of games will be determined by the amount of registration.

Players and Coach's must be registered in Hockey Canada for the 2022-23 season.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey is holding an equipment rental night tonight at the Creighton Sportex starting at 7.

Equipment kits will be available for age groups 7 to 11.

So if you have a son or daughter playing Minor Hockey this year and need some equipment make sure you show up tonight.

You will be required to leave a deposit of $180.00 which will be returned at the end of the season.

Equipment will be distributed on a first come first serve basis so try to get there early.

courtesy of bombers.ca

The Flin Flon Bombers have announced the complete schedule for the 2022 Main Camp.

The camp will be open to the public with the first on-ice session scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday, August 26th. The three teams will compete for the first annual “Jonny Doogs” Cup.

Friday, August 26th

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Registration

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Blue Practice

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM – Yellow Practice

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Green Practice

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Blue vs Yellow

6:45 PM – 7:45 PM – Blue vs Green

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Yellow vs Green

Saturday, August 27th

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Blue vs Yellow

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – Yellow vs Green

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Blue vs Green

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – 2nd Place vs 3rd Place (Semi-Final)

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – 1st Place vs Winner of Semi-Final

Sunday, August 28th

1:30 PM – Maroon vs White

We are a little more than two weeks away from the start of another Northern Saskatchewan Football season and the Creighton Kodiaks are back on the field.

The Kodiaks have won three straight  Northern titles and feel like they will be the team to beat once again.

The road to glory has begun with daily practises at the Creighton field starting tonight  at 6:30. The first game of the season will be on Wednesday September the 7th at Ahtahkakoop.

The Kodiaks will play 6 regular season games with the playoffs starting late in October.

One big change will be no Northern playoff this year, as all the teams will be put into the Provincial bracket starting on October the 29th.

It has been a great summer which included the Kodiaks attending the Northern Saskatchewan Football Jamboree back in June in Regina.

Among the highlights was getting on the field with members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and attending the Rider home opener.

Congratulations to Blaine Gogal who fired a sizzling 74 to win this year's Seniors Open at the Phantom Lake Golf Club yesterday afternoon.

There were 51 golfers total who braved some sketchy weather early before the storm moved on and we ended up having  a decent day.

Here are the rest of yesterday's results.

Championship Flight- Blaine Gogal 74, Shawn Fraser-75 and Derek Constant 79.

Second Flight- Coiln McPhee 94.

Men's Seniors 61 to 70

First Flight- Doug Gawiak 82

Second Flight- Barry Senyk 93

Men's Senior 71 and up

Jon Erickson 78

Second Flight- Dewayne Highmoor 90

Ladies Flight

Bev Ductawich, Judy Freeborn and Yvonne Davis

The Flin Flon Bombers have decided  to extend their season ticket deadline to Saturday August the 27th.

That means you will still be able to save money in the different age groups and be entered to win that autographed jersey from all time leading scorer Tim Madarash.

Don't forget if you are transferring to Snow Lake and can't commit to a full season ticket you can purchase a Shift Workers Pass or a Flex Pack.

Pick up your tickets at the Bomber office on Main street Thursday's and Friday's 1 to 5 and Saturday's 12 to 4.

Here is the 2022-23 Flin Flon Bomber Broadcast Schedule which will include 34 regular season broadcasts. ( 14 home and 20 away) 

102.9 CFAR will also broadcast 2 pre-season games with the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL.

Each broadcast will start 15 minutes before the opening face-off with long time broadcaster Rob Hart.

Broadcast will be subject to change.

Flin Flon Bomber Broadcast Schedule- 2022-23

Tuesday Sept 6^th AT OCN- 7pm ( Pre Season)

Friday  Sept 9^th VS  OCN- 730  ( Pre Season)

Friday Sept 16^th VS Melfort- 7:30

Saturday Sept 17^th AT Nipawin 8pm

Monday Sept 26^th VS Weyburn ( Showcase in Warman)- 8:30

Saturday Oct 1^st VS Nipawin- 7:30

Saturday Oct 8^th VS Kindersley- 7:30

Friday Oct 21^st VS Notre Dame- 7:30

Saturday Oct 29^th VS Melville- 7:30

Wednesday Nov 2^nd AT Melfort – 8:30

Tuesday Nov 15^th AT Nipawin- 7pm

Friday Nov 18^th AT Battleford- 7:30

Saturday Nov 19^th AT Battleford- 7:30

Sunday Nov 20^th AT Humboldt- 5pm

Friday Nov 25^th AT Melfort- 7:30

Saturday Nov 26^th VS Melfort- 730

Friday Dec 2nd AT Melville- 7pm

Saturday Dec 3^rd  AT Yorkton- 7pm

Friday Dec 16^th VS Laronge- 7:30

Saturday Dec 17^th AT Laronge- 7:30

Tuesday Jan 3^rd AT Laronge- 7:30

Saturday Jan 7^th VS Humboldt- 7:30

Thursday- Jan 12^th AT Humboldt- 7:30

Friday Jan 13^th AT Kindersley- 7:30

Saturday Jan 14^th AT Kindersley- 8:30

Saturday Jan 2st vs Notre Dame- 7:30

Tuesday Jan 24^th AT Melfort- 7:30

Saturday Jan 28^th VS Estevan- 7:30

Saturday Feb 4^th VS Nipawin- 7:30

Saturday Feb 18^th VS Battleford- 7:30

Tuesday Feb 21^st AT Nipawin- 7pm

Saturday Feb 25^th VS Weyburn-7:30

Tuesday Feb 28^th AT Yorkton- 7pm

Wednesday March 1^st AT Humboldt- 7:30

Friday March 10^th AT Laronge- 7:30

Saturday March 11^th VS Laronge- 7:30

courstesy of bombers.ca

A pair of former Flin Flon Bombers have signed professional contracts in the AHL and ECHL.

Former Bombers captain Tyson Empey has re-signed with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners after spending the 2021-2022 season with the club. The forward from Swift Current, Saskatchewan produced 12 points (3g, 9a) and 100 penalty minutes in 63 games last season with the Roadrunners. Empey suited up with the Bombers for four seasons and was named team captain during his final campaign in the maroon and white. Tyson would then go on to play NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY-Geneseo where he put up 103 points (54g, 49a) in just 92 games.

After appearing in 8 games with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL during the 2021-2022 season, defenceman Cory Thomas has inked a new deal with the club. The 6’5″ product out of St. Brieux, Saskatchewan wrapped up his NCAA Division I career this past season with Canisius College. Thomas spent the previous four seasons with the University of Vermont and played for the Bombers from 2015-2017.

Tyson and Cory played for the Bombers during the teams memorable SJHL final run back in 2016.

We are just a few weeks away from the premier golf event in Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the Walt Cunningham Labour Day Classic,

Blaine Gogal is the defending champion who had an incredible run in 2021 where he was able to pick up 14 pars and 4 birdies on his way to the match play rounds.

He would end up beating the 2020 champion Darcy Sal in the exciting final.

This years event will take place September the 3rd, 4th and 5th with a maximum of 120 golfers.

Shotgun starts at 9 and 1 :30 and is $120.00 per person with payment due at the time of registration.

Get your spot booked by calling 306-688-5555. 

submitted by PBCN Selects

The PBCN Selects of the Keystone Junior Hockey League will be playing their home games at the Whitney Forum this season.

Now the Selects are pleased to announce their coaching staff for their inaugural season.

Head Coach and General Manager Duties will be the Responsibility of Gatlin Church. Church has worked with junior A teams including Swan Valley Stampeders; Nipawin Hawks in the past as a Trainer, and mostly recently with the OCN Blizzard as assistant to the General Manager.

Church also started the OCN Storm and Fisher River Hawks of the KJHL. The Storm have been a member of the KJHL for the past 10 years.

Church was apart of Team Manitoba coaching staff in the past at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship in Ontario held in 2002 and was on the Host committee of the Tournament in 2009.

Over the past few seasons Church has been scouting with The Dryden Ice Dogs of the SIJHL and will counting with that position as well.

ASSISTANT COACH

Local Flin Flon Product Jason Fehr has been hired as an Assistant Coach for this season’s Selects team. 

 Fehr,  who played 3 seasons in the MMJHL with Raiders Jr hockey Club as well as stints in the Prairie Junior Hockey League with Tri-Town Thunder, Saskatoon Quackers and Delisle Chiefs is looking forward to starting his coaching Career with the Selects.

Fehr brings a welcomed energy to the young team including his knowledge and passion for hockey.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING/ GOALIE COACH

Andrew Smith from Thompson Manitoba will also join the Selects Coaching Staff as the team’s Strength and Conditioning; Goaltending Coach.

Smith played parts of 4 seasons in the KJHL with the Lundar Falcons from 2012-2015, He also was an Assistant Coach for the Falcons for 1 season.

Smith’s background in Recreation management will be an added asset to the organization as he will be also counted on to support the GM in Team Management duties as well as focusing on ensuring the players fitness levels are where they need to be.

The PBCN Selects are currently accepting applications for position of Equipment manager/ Trainer, to apply email gatlinchurch@icloud.com or call him at 431-346-0132

The Norman Wild AAA U-15 Girls will be holding try-outs for the up coming season on August the 27th and 28th at the Whitney Forum.

This is open to any female hockey players born between 2008-2009 who would be interested in playing competitive hockey this year.

Check in time is 11:30 am on August the 27th with ice times between 1 and 2:15 and 3 to 4:15.

Ice times for August the 28th are 9:30 to 10:45 and 11:30 to 12:45.

Complete the registration form on the Flin Fllon Minor Hockey website and e-mail to u15normanwild@gmail.com.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey wants to give all youngsters a chance to play hockey this year and have a great promotion for kids that have never signed up before.

If you have never played minor hockey before, FFMH is offering your first year for free.

All you have to do is go to the Flin Flon Minor Hockey website to register.

FFMH is also offering you a chance to earn some cash this winter with a referee's clinic.

There will be a level 1 and 2 Referee Clinic, October the 15th 1 to 4 at the Creighton Sportex. You must be 12 as of December the 31st, 2022.

For more information contact Matt Morrison , referee in chief at refereeffmh@gmail.com.

The OCN Blizzard made a major announcement on Friday in regards to their coaching staff.

OCN made a big splash announcing that they have hired three time SJHL Coach Of The Year, Doug Johnson.

Johnson coached the Nipawin Hawks for 11 seasons and was the winningest coach in Hawks history with a career mark of 342-207-25-31 and also won a league title.

The Hawks beat the Estevan Bruins in 6 games in the Canalta Cup final in 2018 to claim their first championship since 1990.

Johnson also has lots of experience as a player as he played in various US leagues before coming to Nipawin.

The Blizzard had hired Darren Naylor out of BC back in July,  but Naylor was suspended by Hockey Canada for breaking the Coach's Conduct Policy and has not been reinstated.

Johnson takes over as  the Blizzard Head Coach and Assistant General Manager immediately and is getting to work for the 2022-23 season which isn't very far away.

Flin Flon will be hosting their 10th annual Volleyball Camp on Monday August the 29th to Wednesday August the 31st at Ecole McIsaac School.

It is $20.00 per athlete and grades 6 to 8 will be 9 to noon and grades 9 to 12 will be at 1 to 4.

This will be a great camp for anyone who would like to play volleyball or upgrade their skills to get ready for the season.

To register e-mail mneill@ffsd.mb.ca and don't forget to include your name, grade and health card number. Payment is due on the first day of camp.

The PBCN Selects have just got a whole lot tougher, Adding 2002 Defenceman Kaiden Anaskon who won a Western Division Championship last season with High Prairie Red Wings in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League.

Anaskon who is from Regina Sk, played 34 games last season scoring 6 points and adding 93 penalty minutes. The 6ft 200 pound Dman is a puck eating machine and loves to play a physical style of hockey.

“We are adding a lot of size to our team, now we are adding the sandpaper and tough of nails type of guys, we most definitely don’t want to be an easy team to play against next season.” Commented General Manager Gatlin Church. “Kaiden is a 2 sport athlete, he’s also a cowboy. He rides bareback and anyone that crazy can bring the toughness we need to our program.”

Not only tough, Anaskon brings a competitive nature to his new team and the fact that he was part of the Western Division Champions last season will go a long way.

The Selects are starting to round into a competitive team. Church adds “Recently there is two types of expansion teams, there’s the Kraken and then there’s the Vegas Knights, and I don’t plan on be a Kraken.”

Selects Main Camp is September 17-18 at the Whitney Forum and Camp is open to all players 02 and younger.

Cost is $125 and call General Manager Church at 431-346-0132 to register

It has been a great summer so far at the Phantom Lake Golf Club and they have lots of events planned for August.

The Golf Club will be offering more  youth lessons on Tuesday and Wednesday August the 23rd and 24th.

Ages 7-9 will be at 11, ages 10-11 at 11:30 and ages 12-16 at noon.

There will be a maximum of 10 kids per age group and you must sign up at the Pro- Shop at 306-688-5555. Meet at the driving range.

The Golf Club is also hosting their last mixed 2 ball of the season on Saturday August the 20th.

It will be $35.00 per person which will include golf, a meal and prizes. Sign up at 306-688-5555.

PBCN Adds Forward

The Southern Rebels of the Prairie Junior Hockey League have Traded the playing Rights of forward Keanu Bird to the PBCN Selects for Future Considerations.

Should Bird be released his playing Rights will be returned to the Rebels should the player return to the PJHL.

Bird is the 6th player added this offseason to the expansion Selects. “Keanu has been a target since we started putting together our team, he is a plus Skater and we project him at Centre on our third line and expect him to kill penalties for us.” Said General Manager Gatlin Church.

Bird a member of Ahtahkakoop First Nation, has ties to the community of Deschambeault Lake. At 5’11” and 180 pounds Bird will bring size and quickness to the team and play valuable minutes with a checking role, Bird will also be leaned on for his leadership qualities as he has experience at the junior level.

“We are only 6 weeks away from Camp, we still have a few irons in the fire in regards to trades,” explained Church. He also stated the team is currently approaching community leaders and businesses in regards to the team’s sponsorship packages.

Main Camp will be held Sept 17-18 at the Whitney Form, camp is open and cost is $125

To register email gatlinchurch@icloud.com or call the GM at 431-346-0132

The Flin Flon Bombers have been one of the most successful programs in the SJHL for the last number of years.

Not only success on the ice,  but the Bombers are one of the best in the league at getting their players to the next level.

Three year veteran Mason Kaspick is the latest Bomber with the opportunity to continue his career.

Kaspick has committed to the University of Missouri which plays in the ACHA Division.

Mason battled injuries this past season but was still a force when he was in the line-up. He put up 23 points in 67 career games and added 6 points in the Bomber playoff run this past spring.

Kaspick is greatful for the opportunity to continue his career. “Missouri State seems to be a well ran program that gets great support. They have a good core of Canadians on the roster and I’ll get the chance to experience a bigger campus with great schooling.”

After a two year hiatus the 31ST annual Cranberry Trout Challenge wrapped up yesterday afternoon.

The weather co-operated and there were a lot of big fish caught making this one of the most competitive derby's in the 31 year history.

Congratulations to the Flin Flon duo of Trevor Thurston and Joey Hancock who finished first place and took home $5,000,00 in prize money.

Here is the rest of the top 10 finishers:

Fidierchuk and Johnston ( Cranberry)- 2nd

Fiderchuk and Hoglander (Cranberry )- 3rd

Rosvold and Wolters ( Flin Flon )- 4th

Anderson and Fiderchuk ( Cranberry)- 5th

Meszaros and Knight ( Melfort)- 6th

Sheryl and Chris Matheson ( Sheriden)- 7th

Smith and Case ( Cranberry)- 8th

Saisbury and Freeze ( The Pas)- 8th

Donnie and Logan Grenier ( Cranberry)  10th

The full results can be seen on the Cranberry Trout Challenge facebook page.

A big thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers on stepping up and revitilizing this great event for Cranberry and all of Northern Manitoba.