The Flin Flon Bombers are starting to fill out the roster as they prepare for the up coming season.

Flin Flon has signed a big defenseman in 6 ft 4 Pierce Yakimchuk who spent the past two seasons with the ST Albert Raiders U18 AAA program.

Yakimchuk picked up 2 goals and 15 assists in 36 games and was chosen the Raider's best Defensive Player.

Flin Flon has also signed 2005 born forward Jack Bechard. Jack had a great year with the Tisdale Trojans of the Saskatchewan Midget Triple A league,  where he led his team in scoring with 48 points in 44 games.

Bechard did dress for the Bombers in 4 games this past season.

Another Flin Flon Bomber is going to get a chance to play hockey at the next level.

The Bombers announced on Social Media that graduating 20 year old forward Ethan Mercer is going to play for MacEwan University this fall in Edmonton.

Mercer came over to the Bombers in a trade with the Old's Grizzlies of the AJHL mid season  and was a fan favourite right off the hop.

The big power forward put up 15 points including 5 goals in 28 games and was named an Assistant Captain and was  a beast in the playoffs.

Mercer used his valuable experience of playing for a National Championship the year before with Brooks,  and found the back of the net   seven times for the Bombers in their run to the final.

Mercer is the sixth Bomber to receive a scholarship this season.

Congratulations to Creighton's Lauren Fox on winning the Northern Ladies Golf  Championship in Prince Albert.

Over 60 golfers from all over the Province took part in the annual tournament which took place at Cooke Municipal Golf Course this past weekend.

Lauren shot a 78 in both of her rounds and said it was her putting and chipping that put her over the top.

This was redemption for Fox, who finished third in last year's competition.

The SJHL Bantam Draft was held yesterday with all 12 teams participating including the Flin Flon Bombers who had 9 selections total.

Flin Flon had one pick in the first round, two in the second, one in the fourth and two in the fifth for 2007's. The Bombers had three selections for players born in 2008.

I had a chance to catch up with the Bomber Coach Mike Reagan who talked about his team's selections and a few other things they will be doing to get ready for the up coming season.

You can hear today's interview here: https://flinflononline.com/podcasts/flin-flon-today 

courtesy of bombers.ca

courtesy of pbcn selects

The PBCN Selects have traded the Hockey Canada playing rights to 2003 born Leon Natomagan to the Saskatoon Royals of the Prairie Junior Hockey League.

In Return the Selects receive Player Development Fees

“Trading Leo wasn’t an easy decision, we add a few bucks to our player transaction’s fund that will hopefully allow us to add at this season’s deadline, but this deal was to allow a very good kid the opportunity to attend university in Saskatoon while playing hockey this season.” Commented GM Church. 

Natomagan scored 29 goals and added 31 assists last season, he wore an ”A” for the expansion club leading them to a semi final appearance. He’s leaving big shoes to fill in the teams top six forwards.

The PBCN Selects organization wishes him the best of luck going forward and Thanks Leon for his contributions to our very young franchise.

This is a big day for the SJHL , as the Bantam Draft will kick off at 2 pm, Manitoba time today.

The Melville Millionaires will get the first overall pick while the Flin Flon Bombers will pick number 10 overall.

The Bombers will get get 8 picks overall including two picks in the second round, with the second pick coming in a trade with Estevan. One pick in the third round with two in the fourth including one courtersy of a trade with Kindersley.

They will also get one pick in round number 5, but gave up their 6th round pick to  Melville in the Zach  Cain trade. Flin Flon will also get two picks for players born in 2008 with selections number 82 and 94 overall.

You will be able to follow along the SJHL Twitter Page. We will also have full coverage of all the Bomber picks on 102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com.

courtesy of bombers.ca

The Flin Flon Bombers are pleased to announce that graduating forward Zach Cain has committed to SAIT College (ACAC).

Cain, who came to the Bombers in a blockbuster trade prior to the January 10th trade deadline from the Melville Millionaires, played a role in guiding the team to the SJHL final. In 53 regular season games, Zach recorded 23 goals and 28 assists in 53 games. Cain chipped in with 4 assists in 12 playoff games. Prior to joining the Bombers, Zach was the Millionaires captain.

The SAIT Trojans currently compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference and finished the 2022-2023 season with a 13-10-1 record.

I had a chance to catch up with Vegas Golden Knights scout  Erin Ginnell who was born in Flin Flon and resides in Northern Manitoba in the summer time.

Ginnell as well as the rest of the Golden Knights organization,  is very excited on making their way back to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in 6 years.

The ironic thing is it is against Ginnell's former team the Florida Panthers.

Besides scouting, Ginnell has deep roots in the game of hockey and is one of the sons of iconic Flin Flon Bomber Coach, Paddy Ginnell. Erin also has two sons that have also made hockey big parts of their lives.

We will also touch back on Erin's playing days that included stints with many WHL clubs and his playing days in the SJHL that included playing for his father in Swift Current.

You can heat that interview here:https://flinflononline.com/podcasts/flin-flon-today

Unfortunately due to a lack of teams there will not be a FF/Creighton Slowpitch league this year.

There is some good news though, you will still  have a chance to play as there will be pick-up games on Monday and Friday nights at 7:30.

Monday's games will take place at Centoba til Minor Ball is finished and Friday's will be played in Creighton.

This is open to anyone 15 and over and it is free to play.

You can watch the Flin Flon Creighton Slowpitch page for updates and possible late games. 

The Northern Regional Minor Hockey Association has some exciting news.

They will award four $500.00 scholarships to graduating grade 12 students who have been accepted to attend a post secondary institution.

This is eligible to both players and officials who are Hockey Manitoba members and residents who will be attending a post secondary education within Canada.

You need to complete an application form and then submit to the NRMHA, no later than June the 4th.

Send your application to nrmha@mymts.net.

The weather co-operated and more than 40 golfers made their way out to the Phantom Lake Golf Club for the Opening Day Tournament on Saturday.

Neil Goodman was the top player this past weekend and fired a 72 to take the Championship round.

Jeff Woods and Ray Shirran rounded out the Championship flight.

Here are the rest of the results:

First Flight- Austin McLean

Second Flight- Hugo Sandherr

Third Flight- Roger Armstrong

Ladies Championship- Sue Murray

The Norman Region is once again looking to put together a Female  U-15 hockey team for the 2023-24 season.

The Norman Wild will play up to 30 games in the Manitoba Female  Midget U-15 hockey league. There could also possibly be the opportunity to play in several Showcase Tournaments throughout the season.

If you are interested in playing for this team you need to let them know by June the 15th. You will need to forward a forum to darinmansell@gmail .com or ron.larocque@ckpi.com.

They will be looking to play the majority of their games for the up coming season out of the PAS/OCN.

Ashton Sautner of the Manitoba Moose was our special guest this past week on the Norman Sportsline Program.

Ashton suited up for the Moose for the second time in his career this past season and put up 12 points in 68 games.

Ashton was born in Flin Flon and lived here til he was 8,  and then moved with his family to North Battleford where his dad Blaine became the Head Coach and GM of the Battleford Stars.

Blaine was a player with the Bombers in the late 80's early 90's and was also an Assistant Coach for 5 seasons betwen 1997 and 2001.

We had a chance to chat about Ashton's routes in Flin Flon, his professional career over the last 11 years including a couple of stints with the Vancouver Canucks and his return to Manitoba.

You can hear the full interview here: https://flinflononline.com/podcasts/nor-man-sportsline

submitted by PBCN Selects

After 3 busy weeks of showcases, National Championships and Tournaments the Scouting Staff of the PBCN Selects are confirming a few new commitments for the 2023-24 Season.

2005 Quebec Native Raphael Picard has agreed to a player commitment with the Selects for the upcoming season. Picard who represented his community at the recent Freddy Sasakamoose Tournament in Saskatoon impressed Scouts enough to earn a spot on this years team. Picard played huge minutes against the PBCN Stars on Sunday in the quarterfinals of the 40 team tournament.

“Raphael’s speed really jump out at me, his ability to create havoc in the Offensive zone with his strong forechecking was nice to see.” Commented Director of Scouting Nelson Cote. “We’re looking for Raphael to add speed, and chip in offensively this coming season. I feel his skating ability will allow him to have an easy transition to our league.” Cote added.

The 5’10, 150 lbs Right Winger from Passamit, Quebec is a well above average skater, who spent last season with Viking Baie-comeau in the Quebec Hockey M18 BB Division. He is expected to report to Flin Flon in early September in time for training camp scheduled for September 8-10th.

In other news 2005 Goaltender Kylann Pictacito has accepted an invitation to camp and will compete for the backup spot behind last season’s KJHL Goaltender of the year Odin Church. Pictacito is a 6’3” goalie who lead his team to a Sunday birth at this year’s Chief Thunderstick National Championship.

If you would like to attend camp this fall contact GM Gatlin Church at gatlinchurch@icloud.com.

Creighton Recreation will be working with the Phantom Lake Golf Club to bring free Youth Golf Lessons to lots of youngsters through out the Summer.

This is all part of a grant with support from Indigenous Community Sport Development Grant , Northern Sport and Culture and Recreation.

Equipment will be provided to those that need it and all the lessons will take place at the Phantom Lake Driving Range with Kelly McLaren.

The first set of lessons will take place on June the 17th, 18th,24th and 25th.

Here are the times: 11AM - Ages 7-9, 11:30-Ages 7-9, 12 noon- Ages 10-11 and 12:30- Ages 12 and up.

Phone the Pro-Shop to sign up at 306-688-5555.

After a long week at Chief Thunderstick National Championship in Saskatoon the PBCN Selects have added 2005 Forward Mathis Bacon-Labbé .

Bacon-Labbé was assistant captain this past season for his AA Midget team that won the Provincial Championship in Quebec. He was limited to 17 games due to injury and netted 15 points.

Bacon-Labbé played with his home reserve at the Freddy where Selects Director of scouting Nelson Cote Spotted him. “Bacon-Labbé was spotted playing against a very strong PBCN Stars team. Bacon - Labbé had a strong game I was impressed with his ability to get up and down the ice, and how he filled lanes, always having a good stick.” commented Cote in regards to the signing.

Bacon-Labbé is expected to arrive in early September and Selects main camp is scheduled for September 8-10.

If interested in attending Camp this season contact GM Gatlin Church at gatlinchurch@icloud.com

courtesy of sjhl.ca

This years’ Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Draft will take place Thursday, June 1, 2023, beginning at 1:00PM. The draft will be held remotely with teams and their scouting staffs participating from their home arenas.

Results will be posted live on the Saskatchewan Junior website, on YouTube and via twitter @theSJHL. This years’ draft will consist of 6 rounds of players born in 2007 and 2 rounds of players born in 2008.

Teams drafting will draft in reverse order from the final point standings of the previous regular season for each round and players eligible for the draft are players with a Saskatchewan residence and who recently completed their first year of 18U or their last year of 15U.

This season over 49 SJHL players (including 20 NCAA Division 1 and 6 USport) were awarded scholarships to continue with their academic and athletic futures.

“ It has been an outstanding year for the SJHL and a memorable one for the 2022 draft class,” said Commissioner Kyle McIntyre. “Riley Ashe, who was selected 10th overall in our 2022 draft, was signed by the University of Omaha Nebraska (Division 1), Matthew Van Blaricom, 6th overall in the 2022 draft, was signed by Michigan Tech (Division 1) and Carsten Kayter, chosen 47th overall, was one of the first from the 2022 draft class signed by University of Omaha Nebraska (Division 1)”

“It will be a great day for all SJHL teams and most importantly a huge day for our future players and future stars”.

Draft Order (Reverse Standings)

 Melville Millionaires
 Kindersley Klippers
 Yorkton Terriers
 Notre Dame Hounds
 Weyburn Red Wings
 Nipawin Hawks
 Estevan Bruins
 La Ronge Ice Wolves
 Melfort Mustangs
 Flin Flon Bombers
 Humboldt Broncos
 Battlefords North Stars

Commissioner Kyle McIntyre said this about the upcoming draft: “ The SJHL U15 Draft is an exciting time for the players, their families and for our teams. We are extremely excited to welcome these young guns to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and look forward to seeing many in our SJHL communities soon”.

With the summer season here, we are now just a few weeks away from the first event of this year's Flin Flon Trout Festival.

The month long fishing derby will kick off on Monday May the 29th at noon with a chance to grab some really nice cash prizes.

You could win $1500.00 for the biggest fish in each species including Walleye, Burbot, Northern Pike and Trout.

Pick up those fishing kits at DI'S in Creighton, Denare Beach Office and the Tempo Gateway.

Entry fee is just $30..00 for adults and $10.00 for kids.

Remember, you can fish any lake or river on both the Manitoba and Saskatchewan side , between the 54th and 55th parallel.

Submit your photos to flinflontroutfestival.com.

The Flin Flon Bombers announced on social media yesterday that they will be putting on a summer raffle.

The grand prize draw is a complete patio package valued at over 11,000.00.

The package will include a 12 by 14 Double Tier Gazebo with a pitboss 700 Pellet Grill, Canvass Summerhill 6 piece Convo Set a Coleman Airjet Spa Tub and many other prizes.

It is $20.00 per ticket with only 3000 being printed.

The draw will take place July the 4th and tickets can be picked up at the Bomber Store on Flin Flon's Main street. Tickets will also be available around the community very soon.

FFMH is now accepting coaching applications for Rep teams for the up coming season.

They will be looking for Coach's in every Division from U-11TO U-18 for the 2023-24 season.

You can get applications by going to flinflonminorhockey.com.

Submit them to technicaldirectorffmh

@gmail.com. Deadline for applications is June the 15th.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey held their AGM last night at the Victoria Inn and President Tanner Brough mentioned to the people in attendance that there were a lot of positive things about last season.

He mentioned that attendance was up and they were able to add 12 new skaters which gave them a total of 195 players signed up in the system.

They were able to offer a U-15-18 Division which was combined with the Pas which gave them 43 skaters. They continue to make strides with the Female Division which had roughly 20 skaters.

One of the big highlights was FFMH being awarded $75,000.00 from the Kruger Big Assist Program. FFMH was one of 6 communities across the country that was awarded $25,000.00 , and then they put together a impressive power point slide presentation which got them an additional $50.000.00.

FFMH plan to use the money to further develop their Female program, reach Indigenous players, develop referees and equipment. They will also look for different ways to promote their association with kids from all different types of diversity.

Some exciting news that came out of last night's meeting was that FFMH will be adding a Wall Of Fame. This will be to honor players that played at least two years in the FFMH system and went on to play Junior A, or University hockey.

One of the areas of concern is the lack of officials in the North and FFMH is working with the Norman District on getting more referees and making sure they are  trained to ref tournaments and high level hockey.

The night concluded with elections and here is the Board of Directors going forward for 2023-24.

President- Tanner Brough

Vice- vacant

Secretary- Courtney Biberdorf

Treasurer-vacant

Registrar-Caitlyn Philips

Communications- Nikki Corke

Referee In Cheif- Matt Morrison

Special Events- vacant

Technical- Jon Cooper

U-7 Co-ordinator- Tyler McKinnon

U-9 Co-ordinator- Brandi Kuzmiak

U-11Co-ordinator- Darren Romo

U-13 Co-ordinator-Ryan Biberdorf

U-15 Co-ordinator- Dan Hlady

U-18 vacant

Female- Kylie McKinnon

Goalie- Dawn Hlady

It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of former Flin Flon Bomber and NHL great Gerry Hart.

I found out the horrible news on Saturday and I must admit I was totally shocked.

Gerry not only starred for the Bombers between 1964 and 1968 but went on to a lengthy career in the NHL which lasted over 12 years.

Hart played for a few different NHL clubs in his time but the bulk of  it was spent with the upstart New York Islanders.

Gerry went to New York in 1972 and played well over 400 games with the Isles and was the Captain for many of those seasons.

Unfortunately  Gerry would  miss the Islanders cup run by one season. Gerry  got claimed by Quebec when the NHL held their expansion draft in 1979-80.

Gerry retired from the NHL in 1982-83 and never forgot his roots. He told me many times that growing up in Flin Flon and playing for the Bombers made him who he is.

Hart made a point of coming back to Flin Flon every summer and usually was able to make it to a couple of games in the season.

He also made many financial contributions to the team and would purchase tickets for needy kids on many occasions. Hart was also one of the people  that understood the importance of getting the Bomber Alumni involved with the organization.

Along with Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach they spear headed large financial contributions to help build the new Bomber dressing room and get a team bus.

Gerry always had a smile on his face and was one of the most encouraging people that I have had the pleasure of meeting.

Once a Bomber , always a Bomber. RIP Gerry you were a great ambassador for the community and your legacy will live on.

The golf season is just nicely under way here in Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan,  and the Phantom Lake Golf Club is preparing for their first big event of the summer.

The Opening Day Tournament will take place on Saturday May the 27th with a shotgun start at 10am.

It will be 18 holes of stroke play and is $50.00 for members and $60.00 for non-members.

This is open to Ladies, Juniors and Men and your entry fee includes golf, a meal and prizes.

Sign up at the Pro-Shop at 306-688-5555.

The Phantom Lake Soccer Club  is sending teams  to their first tournament of the season this weekend.

They are off to Swan River to compete against teams from Langenburg, OCN, Winnipegosis and Swan River.

Phantom Lake will be sending a number of teams including U-15/17 Boys, U-15 Girls, and U-11 and U-13 Boys.

There will also be a Coach's clinic after the games on Saturday.

All the games will take place at the Rotary Field in Swan River and we will have full results on 102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com.