The OCN Blizzard came from behind to beat the Flin Flon Bombers 6-5 in a shoot out last night at the GLMC. This was one of the more entertaining rookie games I have seen in recent memory. Both teams have a good crop of rookies competing for jobs this season, and I would say the future looks bright.

 

Mason Etter who the Bombers recruited from Wisconsin has been impressive and looks like he may be a rookie who will be able to put up some points this season. He had a goal and an assist last night. Etter put up 10 points in 24 games last year with the Cedarburg Bulldogs.

 

Another new prospect I like is defenseman Shane Kumar who is from Delta BC. He has all the tools, speed, grit ,size and had the ire of the Blizzard all nite. He likes to agitate and I think could be a favorite among the Bomber faithful this season.

 

A couple of Blizzard rookies who jumped out at me included a couple of Norman Northstars Brady Keeper and Mikey Marcus. Both these guys were jacked to play this game and both were able to contribute offensively.

 

The Blizzard came out flying in this one and scored 1:25 into the opening period. The Bombers were able to answer and the teams traded goals back and forth to make it 3-3 after one.

 

I thought we might see a huge onslaught of goals, but the two teams tightened up and only gave up 2 more goals in the next couple of periods.

 

The Bombers were up 5-4 early in the third period when local product Zach Garrett scored his second of the game 1:12 in. That lead held up till  the 11:13 mark when Mikey Marcus scored his second of the game on a 5 minute powerplay.

 

Overtime settled nothing and the fans would get their money's worth with the always entertaining shootout. Akkerman and ST.Onge would put the Bombers up 2-0 early, but  couldn't put it away and the Blizzard battled back and eventually won it in the 6th round whenLayne Anderson would flip a back hand over the shoulder of Shane Lippincott.

 

A great crowd and atmosphere at the GLMC last night, and here's hoping it carries over to the Whitney Forum for the rematch Friday.

 

 

 

Here are last night's goal scorers:

 

Flin Flon Bombers

 

Zach Garrett (2)

Mason Etter

Andrew Willner

Evan Akkerman

 

OCN Blizzard

 

Mikey Marcus(2)

Brady Keeper

Harold Linklater

Mitch Tilley

 

Layne Anderson SO winner

 

The Bomber pre-season record sits at: 1-1

The Blizzard are 1-0.

 

These two teams will face off again Friday night at the Whitney Forum at 7:30, with more veterans expected to dress for both teams.