After summer of wildfires, Flin Flon Bombers give community reason to celebrate

“With all that in mind, this team, whose fans have always been passionate, became a real rallying point.”

Hart said the hockey action offered an escape during a difficult time.

“The one thing hockey does is take you away from your everyday life. When you get to the Whitney Forum, it’s such a special place, and the fans are such a big part of this team’s history. They were a huge part of the championship season,” he said.

“The end of one of the worst summers on record turned into one of the best hockey seasons.”

Wildfires ravaged the North last summer, forcing evacuations in several communities, including Flin Flon.

Once residents returned and the season began in the fall, the Bombers proved especially dominant at home.

The team posted a league-best record, going 27-0-1 at the Whitney Forum during the regular season.

That success carried into the playoffs, where they went 7-1 on home ice, ultimately pushing them over the top.

“At the start of the year, we talked a lot about inspiring the community and being a positive break from reality for people who had suffered so much loss,” said head coach and general manager Mike Reagan.

“As the year went on, we talked about it less, but maybe subconsciously it was still there and it gave us extra motivation at times.”

Reagan said fan support grew steadily across the season.

“The support from our fans was incredible. You could feel the excitement and belief building as the year went on,” he said.

“As the playoffs continued and we made it back to the final, the energy in the building was unbelievable. Honestly, I don’t know if anything could have stopped us.”

The Bombers swept the Yorkton Terriers in the league final, ending the franchise’s title drought and earning a berth at the Centennial Cup.

While they did not advance to the playoff round, the team posted a respectable 2-2 record at the national championship in Summerside, P.E.I.

“It felt like a Cinderella story that they would win it this year of all years,” said Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine.

“Every home game was exciting for the community. This is truly a regional team. People come from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba to watch them play.”

Fontaine said the championship provided a needed boost for the community.

“It was a tough summer and the rebuild has been hard for many people,” he said. “To have something positive, not just as entertainment, but as hope, means a lot. It’s been good for the community’s psyche.”

The timing of the championship also adds to its significance.

Flin Flon is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary, along with 100 years of hockey, in 2027. The Bombers will enter those celebrations as defending champions.

For players like Joey Lies, the moment was especially meaningful.

“Playing for my hometown is everything I dreamed of growing up,” said Lies, a four-year veteran and Flin Flon native.

“I wore the little kid Bombers jersey, played in tournaments there and watched so many games. To do this for four years and finish it this way is surreal.”

Lies also credited those who helped the community recover.

“I’m so grateful to the firefighters and everyone who helped keep this place going,” he said.

“I’m proud to have been part of the group that brought it home. We did it for everyone in that locker room, for the community and for all our supporters. Our fans have been unreal my whole life.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

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by Ben Tompkins

After summer of wildfires, Flin Flon Bombers give community reason to celebrate

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