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.

There is a lot of excitement for all the youngsters in our area with another exciting soccer season arriving here in the North.

The PLSC is offering lots of different options and opportunities to enjoy this great game this summer.

They will be offering a Referee Clinic which will be taking place this Saturday noon to 6 at the Sportex Lounge  and Creighton Field.

The instructor is Gord Quinlan from the Saskatchewan Soccer Association.

Lunch is provided and all you need to bring is cleats and a water bottle.

The PLSC will also be holding a Goaltender Camp which will take place at the Phantom Field next Saturday and Sunday  May the 20th and 21st at 1 to 2:30.

This will be specialized training for goal keepers or future goal keepers who will get a chance to learn from players from the area with lots of experience.

You can sign up for both these clinics at phantomlakesoccer.com.

Creighton Recreation, Indigenous Community Sport Development Grant and the Northern Sport Culture and Recreation District are presenting a volleyball camp June the 3rd and 4th at McIsaac School.

This camp is for any youth 14 and up.

It is $50.00 per person and you can register at the Creighton Rec Office at 306-688-3538.

This is a great opportunity for any aspiring young volleyball players as the camp will feature Jeroen and Julie Trommel who have both played for the Canadian National team. 

As well as their extensive experience on the World stage they have been running volleyball camps for 7 years.

The schedule will look like this: Grades 8-10 on Saturday 10 to 11:30 and 2:30 to 4. Sunday, 9 to 10:30 and 1:30 to 3.

Grades 11-12, Saturday 11:30 to 1 and 4 to 5:30. Sunday, 10:30 to 12 and 3 to 4:30.

The Flin Flon Ski Club held their AGM last night and a number of awards were presented.

Charlotte Unrau placed second in the province in the U-12 Girls Sask Cup Ski Race Series.

Deakon Anaka placed first in the Province in the U-14 Boys category.

Deakon and Charlotte also both made the Northern Regional team that competed at the Saskatchewan Winter Games which were held in February.

The Ski Club also honored many long time members into their Honorary Hall Of Fame for many years of service.

The individuals who were recognized were: Gerry Clark, Dennis Whitbread, Susan Shair, Bill Fulford, Dean Grove and Dave Price.

All of these volunteers have contributed to the Ski Club in various capacities over the years and are a big reason why the Flin Flon Ski Club trails are considered to be the best in the world.

The Phantom Lake Golf Club will officially open up tomorrow with the course opening up at 9 am.

The course is still damp so please use caution with your golf carts.

You can call the Pro- Shop for tee times at 306-688-5555.

The Club House will also open up at 9am tomorrow and stay open til 7pm.

Looking for a Mother's Day gift ? Make sure you stop by the Pro- Shop as there is a sale on clothing, shoes, putters ,  clubs and golf bags.

Gift Certificates are available.

The PLGC looks forward to another great season,  and are already planning their first big event of the year which is the Opening Day Tournament on May the 27th.

Hockey Canada and the CJHL made a couple of big announcements yesterday in regards to the future locations of the National Junior A Championship, the Centennial Cup.

The Centennial Cup will make it's way to Ontario  for 2024 and will be held in Oakville May the 9th to the 19th. The Oakville Blades will be the host team and will hold  the tournament for the first time ever.

In 2025, the National Junior A Championship will return West and be held in Okotoks Alberta May the 8th to the 18th. Okotoks has also never hosted the Centennial Cup but have hosted other major Championships.

The 2023 Centennial Cup is just a couple days away and will start in Portage this Thursday. The SJHL Champion Battleford Stars will play their first game against the Kam River Fighting Walleye this Thursday at 11:30.

The host Portage Terriers will play their first game against the MJHL Champion Steinbach Pistons this Friday at 7:30.

Tickets are still available and all the games will be streamed on hockeycanada.ca.

You can see the full tournament schedule here: https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/national-championships/men/national-junior-a/2023/stats/schedule

Creighton Recreation held their indoor soccer tournament for the first time in the last 3 years this past weekend at the Sportex.

There were a total of 8 teams with age groups ranging between 2009 and 2014.

In the 2009- 2011 age group it was Team Red beating Team Orange 4 to 3 to claim the Gold Medal.

Team Red was led by Jack Dubinak, Gus Hill, Rylan Grunerud, Cooper Ledoux, Blake Jesso, Hayden Biberdorf, Ryder Basham and Noah Slinn. The Coach's were Grace Dubinak and Alexus Volk.

In the 2012-2014 age group Team A beat Team D , 3 to 0 for the Gold Medal.

Team A's winning team was Jacob Kozar, Audrey Christianson, Cache Bentley, Jake Koehnlein, Declan Laliberty, Layne Unruh, Eli Chrisp, Everlee Atchison, Blaise Brough, Wyatt Nagy and Kaitlyn Rossington. The Coach's were Lauren Fox and Oliver Atchison.

Hapnot sent two athletes down to Badminton Provincials which took place in Winnipeg this past weekend.

Teslynn Beauchamp and Gianna Watt who both won the Northern  Zone a few weeks back.

Both girls had great showings with Teslynn going 3-4 in the round robin and unfortunately did not make the playoffs.

Gianna went 4-3 in the round robin and did advance to the playoffs. Watt went 1-2 in the playoffs before losing in the Semi's and Consolation bracket.

It was another great weekend for Hapnot Athletics.

The gang at Flin Flon Rrecreation are bringing back their Dodgeball Tournament and Social for Saturday May the 27th.

This will happen at the Flin Flon Community Hall and was a very popular event last year.

The Social will start at 11 and the tournament times have yet to be determined.

It is $80.00 per team  and if you are looking to register a team you can e-mail kandersen@flinflon.ca.

All the proceeds will be put towards the new Aqua Centre.

Congratulations to Hapnot Collegiate's Gianna Watt on being selected the MHSAA'S Rural  Female Athlete Of The Week.

Watt has had an incredible season for Hapnot Athletics and has excelled in  five  different sports.

She has also helped her high school bring home 5 Zone Banners in Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton and Track and Field.

She also made the all Provincial Team in Volleyball, Basketball and Soccer.

Good luck to Gianna and the rest of the Hapnot team in Badminton Provincials starting this weekend.

To top it all off, Gianna also has a 98% grade average in school this year.

The Flin Flon Creighton Minor Ball season is upon us and they need umpires to start the season.

This will be a great opportunity to help out the community and make a few dollars at the same time.

You must be at least 12 years old to register as an umpire.

If you are interested you can e-mail ffcrminorbaseball@gmail.com. You can also send a message to their facebook page.

The Indoor Soccer Tournament will return to the Creighton Sportex after a two year hiatus due to Covid  starting this Friday.

There are 4 teams in the 2009 to 2011 age group. There is also 4 teams in the 2012 to 2014 age division.

Games will start this Friday at 5 with round robin games through out the weekend . The playoff games will go on Sunday starting at 9 am,  with the 2012-2014 Championship game at 11 and the 2009-2011 Championship game at 2.

102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com will have full results.