Good luck to a number of Phantom Lake Soccer teams who are off to Saskatoon for the26th annual  Harder Avalon Tournament starting today.

This is one of the biggest soccer tournaments in Saskatchewan with teams competing from Saskatoon, Humboldt, Swift Current, North Battleford,  Prince Albert, Calgary and Flin Flon.

Flin Flon will be sending teams in the U-9, U-11, U13, U15 and U-17 Divisions.

The Phantom Lake teams will be competing in the rural division for the Sask Cup.

You can follow the action at aurorasoccer.ca.

The Flin Flon Bombers have announced their AGM for Thursday June the 13th.

This will take place at the Green room at the Flin Flon Community Hall starting at 7pm.

The meeting will include a report from the Coach/GM, President, Treasurer and a chance to ask questions from the floor.

There will also be elections for Vice President, Treasurer and four board positions.

This is open to anyone who would like to attend.

The Flin Flon Bombers continue to sign players and bolster their lineup for the upcoming  season.

This time they have signed 06 forward Brandon Collyer who has played the last three seasons for the Yellowhead Chiefs of the Manitoba Midget Triple A League.

Collyer is from Onanole Manitoba and is coming off a career year where he led his team in scoring with 40 points including 18 goals.

Collyer is the complete package bringing size at 6'1 , speed, offense and has a heavy shot.

This is the Bombers fourth signing out of Spring Camp as they continue to find pieces to keep them among the league leaders in the SJHL.

There is one last chance to try out for the Sask Summer Games Boys Soccer Team.

This is  for boys born in 2009,2010 and 2011.

The final tryout is Sunday June the 9th at the Phantom Lake Soccer Field between 1 and 3pm.

This will be a chance to represent Team North at the Summer Games coming up in Lloydminster July the 21st to the 27th.

To register you can follow the link on the Phantom Lake Soccer Facebook page.

The SJHL Draft is set for June the 11th and will be broadcast live from the IKS Media studios in Regina. You will also be able to follow it on the SJHL Facebook and X pages, and You Tube.

All the picks will be posted on league social media as they happen and will include eight rounds with two rounds of selections to be made of 2009 players.That will be followed by six rounds of selections for 2008 born players.

Players will be selected from the Saskatchewan Under 18 Triple A, Double A and U-15 AA Leagues as well as the Canadian Secondary school Hockey League.

Notre Dame will have the first selection, while the Flin Flon Bombers will pick 12th after finishing the regular season first overall.

Flin Flon Creighton Minor Ball will be playing the Pas in a pair of exhibition days.

This is for the U-11 Division.

The Pas will come to Creighton on June the 9th and play three games. The breakdown is game one at 11:30, lunch at 1, game two at 2pm, break then game three at 4pm.

On June the 16th, Flin Flon will travel to the Pas for three games.

Players must commit to playing three games in Flin Flon and three games in The Pas. You can text Morgan at 431-866-8179 with any questions

Hapnot Collegiate will be hosting an athletic banquet on June the 12th to recognize the hard work and dedication from their athletes.

The theme this year is Meet Us At Midnight- A Night For The Stars, so please dress in semi formal attire.

Parents and Guardians if you wish to attend the event you can pick up a ticket at the Hapnot office. Tickets for a family will be $5.00 and can be paid at the office.

Last day to pick up tickets is June the 7th.

If you would like to play soccer in the Saskatchewan Summer games coming up this summer, tryouts for U-15 girls will take place tomorrow. This will be a Team North tryout giving all girls in this area a chance to represent their region.

The try-outs are happening at the Phantom Lake Soccer Field from 10 to noon and 2 to 4.

If you are interested in trying out you can register online at sasksoccer.com.

The Saskatchewan Summer games will take place in Lloydminster July the 21st to the 27th.

The Wiinnipeg Goldeyes will be holding a Baseball Take Over at the Creighton Field on Thursday June the 13th from 3 to 5:30.

This is open to kids between the ages of 5 to 12.

It is free to take part and an excellent opportunity to learn skills from the top baseball players in the province.

The Goldeyes work closely with Major League Baseball and will be giving the kids that take the camp to also use and purchase top end equipment at a discounted price.

If you would like to register you can click on the link on the Creighton Rec facebook page.

Graduating 20 year old defenseman Adam McNutt will get a chance to further his hockey career.

The 20 year old out of Saskatoon has committed to go play for the U of R Cougars for the 2024-25 season.

McNutt was a stalwart on the Bomber back end this season after arriving from the WHL where he spent the bulk of his career with Prince Albert, Regina and Swift Current.

In 42 games this past season, McNutt put up 17 points in 42 games including 6 goals. He also added 6 points in 14 playoff games including 3 goals.

McNutt is the 7th Bomber to graduate to the college ranks this season.

Summary from FFMH AGM - May 21 2024

Roughly 26 people in attendance

President’s Report

Tanner Brough  gave a verbal report on the Flin Flon Minor Hockey Season 2023/2024.   

Norman AGM Report

Brough also provided a verbal update from the Norman AGM meeting that was attended on May 11 2024.  Norman is seeking a new director for Norman Minor Hockey.

Treasurer’s Report

Reviewed the report as emailed to the board and distributed in the meeting.

Treasurer’s  Motion
Proposal Increase: $50 per registration
U7 - $250
U9 - $520
U11 - $530
U13 - $550
U15 - $550
U18 - $550
Girls - $200 

Last time FFMH did a registration fee increase was 2016/2017 or prior

Elections

1. President - Currently held by Tanner Brough, letting name stand, Tanner elected by acclamation. 
    
2. Vice-President - currently held by Dave McPherson and not up for re-election. 
    
3. Secretary - currently held by Courtney Biberdorf, letting name stand, Courtney elected by acclamation. 
4. Treasurer - this is a two year term,  Dan Hotel nominated, elected by acclamation.
    
5. Registrar - this is a two year term, currently held by Kailyn Phillips allowing her name to stand, not up for re-election.
    
6. Communication Director - currently held by Nikki Corke not allowing her name to stand, Coralie Jays nominated, Coralie elected by acclamation. 
    
7. Referee in Chief - currently held by Matt Morrison, allowing his name to stand, Dan Hlady nominated, Dan awarded position by vote. 
    
8. Special Events / Tournament - currently held by Colette McKeen, not allowing her name to stand, Laurelle Trubiak nominated, Laurelle won by acclamation.
    
9. Technical Director - currently held by Jonathon Cooper, allowed his name to stand, elected by acclamation.
    
10. U7 - currently held by Tyler Mckinnon, not allowing his name to stand, no nominations, position will remain vacant. 
     
11. U9 - currently held by Brandy Kuzmiak, Shaun Nabe nominated, Shaun won by acclamation.
     
12. U11 - currently held by Darren Romo, Kylie McKinnon nominated, Kylie elected by acclamation. 
13. U13 - currently held by Ryan Biberdorf, not allowing his name to stand, Darren Romo nominated, elected by acclamation.
     
14. U15 - currently held by Dan Hlady, not allowing his name to stand, position will remain vacant.
     
15. U18 - currently held by Yvette Rae, allowing her name to stand, Taylor Koivisto nominated, Taylor won by vote.
     
16. Female Coordinator - currently held by Kylie McKinnon, not allowing her name to stand, no nominations, position will remain vacant.
     
17. Goalie Coordinator - currently held by Dawn Hlady, allowed her name to stand, elected by acclamation.

The Flin Flon Bombers will have some key pieces to replace on their blueline with Noah Houle, Anthony Bax and Adam McNutt all aging out and moving on from the program.

The Bombers feel they have one of those pieces in place with the signing of Wylie Smith a 06 defenseman from Breton Alberta.

Smith comes to Flin Flon from the Leduc Oil Kings of the U-18 AAA program of the AEHL.

Smith picked up 22 points in 38 games including 6 goals and is a big body at 6'2 that will bring a strong physical presence with both good offensive and defensive skills.

Head Coach and GM, Mike Reagan had this to say about this signing. “Wylie is a big, physical D that will make life difficult on our opponents. He has a heavy shot and the ability to contribute offensively as shown by his numbers in U18 last year” 

Flin Flon Minor Hockey has rescheduled their AGM for tonight at the Flinty's room at the Victoria Inn starting at 7.

They are seeking new members to fill positions including:

Treasurer 2 year term

Special  Events

Communications

Division Coordinators

Equipment Coordinator

Secretary and President positions are also open to re-election for a 2 year term.

If you have any questions you can contact Courtney at secretaryffmh@gmail.com or Tanner at presidentffmh@gmail.com.

Congratulations to former Flin Flon Bomber Assistant Coach, and Head Coach of the Cranberry Winterhawks, Gardner McDougall on  stepping up to Major Junior.

On Tuesday it was reported that McDougall was stepping down as the Head Coach of the University of New Brunswick Reds after leading them to an undefeated season and a National title.

McDougall has been at the helm with the Reds for the past 24 years and that includes 9 National titles, the most in university history.

Gardner was announced earlier today  as the new Head Coach of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Moncton Wildcats.

MacDougall holds a record of 732 wins, 232 losses and 21 ties for a .743 winning percentage during his time with the university team.

In addition to his accolades at the university level, he most recently served as the head coach of Canada’s U-18 men’s hockey team at the 2024 U18  World Championships and the team  won Gold in Finland.

MacDougall’s son, Taylor, was also named as the Wildcats’ new general manager and director of hockey operations.

Taylor MacDougall played in the QMJHL from 2006 to 2011 before spending five seasons with the University of New Brunswick.

The accolades continue to come in for Flin Flon Bomber bench boss Mike Reagan.

Fresh off a career year, guiding the Bombers to 44 wins and winning his first SJHL Coach Of The Year, Reagan was named the CJHL Coach Of The Year today.

Reagan also picked up his 500th career coaching win this past year and is not only the longest tenured Bomber coach in  history but he is also the winingest.

Mike took over the club in 2006 and has built one of the most successful programs in the country which includes 5 trips to the league final and has never missed the playoffs.

Despite falling a little short in the organization's  quest for their first league title since 1993, this was one of the most exciting years in Bomber history.

Flin Flon finished first overall in the regular season and were the number one team in the country for 16 weeks in the CJHL National rankings.

Congratulations to Flin Flon’s Harmon Laser Hume who has committed to Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Laser Hume played two seasons in Flin Flon after a trade with the Nipawin Hawks and is coming off a historic season in which he picked up 28 wins to go along with a  2.20  gaa  and a .930 SV %.

He was also awarded the SJHL Goalie Of The Year and has been named a finalist for the CJHL Goalie Of The Year.

Career totals include 56 wins in a Bomber uniform with a 2.39 GAA and a .920 SV %.

The Flin Flon Bombers continue to be able to get their players a chance to play hockey at the next level and once again congratulations to Harmon on a fantastic junior career.

The Flin Flon Creighton Slow Pitch League is back and will start their season on May the 21st.

Even though the schedule is made they are still looking for any individuals who are interested in finding a team. It will cost $15.00 for the year and you can e-transfer connorbrading34@gmail.com or 204-271-4254.

The deadline to sign up is May the 12th.

Games will be played at both the Centoba and Creighton diamonds and there will be a year end tournament this year.

Schedules and team rosters can be seen on the Flin Flon Creighton Slowpitch facebook page.

If you would like to try out for the Northern  Boys Soccer  team for the Saskatchewan Summer Games you are invited to a try-out this weekend.

It is open to anyone born in 2009,2010 and 2011.

The try-out will take place this Sunday at the Phantom Lake field between 2 and 4pm.

You must register before attending by going to the website at sasksoccer.com.

The Saskatchewan summer games will take place in Lloydminster July the 21st to the 27th.

Today the Knights of Columbus track meet starts at 8:30 at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena in the TRCC.   

Grade 4 to 8 students from all the elementary schools in Thompson will participate in track and field events throughout the day.    

The Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:30 with event finals and awards to follow. 

 Come cheer on the students.

More good news for the Flin Flon Bombers off the ice as they have announced another one of their players will be moving on to play hockey in the NCAA.

Congratulations to Jacob Vockler who has committed to Lindenwood University in Missouri. 

Vockler spent three years in Flin Flon suiting up for 145 games and picked up 155 points including 49 goals. Vockler was also instrumental in a lot of the Bombers success in the playoffs where he was able to pick up 44 points in 45 career playoff games.

He had 17 points in 12 playoff games this past spring and helped his team get into the final for the third straight year.

Vockler will get a chance to further his career with Noah Houle who also committed to Lindenwood for next season. Former Bombers Drew Kuzma and Jaeden Mercier are also playing in Lindenwood.

Vockler is the third NCAA commit this past season for Flin Flon joining Noah Houle and Alexi Sylvestre who is off to Bemidji State.

Great news,  if all go's according to plan the Phantom Lake Golf Course should be ready for another season on Friday.

The Pro- Shop is now open and the hours for the rest of the week are 10 to 7.

Congratulations to Amanda Dubinak who is the new Pro- Shop Manager, but not new to the Phantom Lake Golf Club as she has been working at the Pro- Shop and assisting various Pro's throughout the years.

If you are looking for a tee time or any other information you can call the Pro Shop at 306-688-5555. Also watch for updates on facebook and your e-mails.

The Clubhouse will open on Sunday just in time for the popular Mother's Day Brunch between 10 and 1.

Congratulations to long time Flin Flon Bomber bench boss Mike Reagan on being one of 6 finalists for the CJHL Coach Of The Year.

Despite coming up a couple games short for the league championship, this was a very good year for Reagan and the Bombers.

Flin Flon picked up 44 wins in the regular season to match a franchise record  for wins in a season and propelled the Bombers to first overall.

Reagan was selected as the first Bomber coach ever as the SJHL Coach Of The Year , and he also surpassed 500 wins in his career and is the winningest Bomber coach in history.

He also  guided Flin Flon to the league final for the fifth time in seven years and third straight. The Bombers were also ranked the number one team in the CJHL for 16 straight weeks.

Once again congratulations and well deserved.

Congratulations to former Flin Flon Bomber Assistant Coach and former Head Coach of the Cranberry Winterhawks Gardner McDougall.

McDougall was the Head Coach for the U-18 Canadian team at the World Championships in Finland that won Gold on Sunday beating the US 6 to 4 in the final.

McDougall continues to find success no matter what team or program he is leading as he is fresh off leading UNB to their ninth national title and second in a row as his team didn't allow a goal in three games.

Just two years ago, MacDougall took over the Memorial Cup host Saint John Sea Dogs after they were eliminated in the QMJHL playoffs and guided them to a national junior title as interim head coach.

Rumour has it that the QMJHL'S Moncton Wildcats have reached out to McDougall to discuss their vacant head coaching spot.

The Flin Flon Bombers officially called it a season with their year end awards and banquet which took place at the Creighton Community Hall.

Even though it wasn't the ending that they wanted,  it was still a very successful season that included 44 wins to match the all time franchise record.

The year also included Harmon Laser Hume winning SJHL Goalie Of The Year, Noah Houle the top SJHL Defenseman and Mike Reagan selected as SJHL Coach Of The Year.

The team also made the league final for the third straight year and fifth time in the last 7 seasons.

Here is the complete list of winners from Saturday night.

Bomber Captain Justin Lies had an outstanding night and season picking up 5 awards including 1st Star for the Royal Bank 3 Star Award, Geoge Leel Trophy for most points, CFAR Most Valuable Player, Pat Spiller Memorial for top scorer and the MVP of the playoffs.

His brother Joey Lies picked  up two trophies for Most Popular Player and Frank Schieder Memorial for community work.

Other award winners included:

Diane Krokosz Memorial for Most Dedicated- Harmon Laser Hume

Howard Fox Courier- MR Hustle- Anthony Piccininno

Lavalley Artworks Academic Award and Nik Oklobdzija Top Rookie - Koen Senft

Creighton Furniture Best Defensive Player- Cole Tanchuk

Royal Bank 3 stars- Justin Lies, Jacob Vockler, Alexi Sylvestre

Patty Ginnell Most Improved- Pierce Yakimchuk

Darcy Bancroft Best Defenseman- Noah Houle

Chicke Chef Unsung Hero- Adam McNutt

Coach's Award- Matt Egan

A big thanks to Chicken Chef for a delicious meal and once again to the players, coach's, sponsors, billets, board and fans for another great year of Bomber hockey.

The indoor soccer tournament took place at the Sportex this past weekend and it was great to see a lot of spectators out watching this weekend.

Once again there were three teams in 2010-12 division and four teams in the 2013-15 division.

Congrats to team D who beat Team A 3 to 2 to claim the 2013-15 division.

Players on Tean D are Brody Cooper, Preston McKeen, Zayne Kawerski, Quinlan Trbiak, Alexis Entwistle, Kaitlin Rossington, Elizabeth Churchill, Gabe Pawlachuk, Eva Hill, Zander Morrisette and Bella Brushett. Coach's Mike and Ethan Pawlachuk and Blake Shirran.

Team 2 beat Team 1 , 3 to 0 to win the 2010-12 division.

Players from Team 2 are Westyn Hlaydy, Jocelyn Kozar, Maxen Menzies, Gus Hill, Alec McKay, Elizabeth Muldoon, Summer Waslyk, Jacob Kozar, Troy Ducharme and Abigail Dicks. Coach's Kaleb Sapergia and Jack Dubinak.

Thanks to the coach's, sponsors, referees, organizers and all the players for coming out as it was a great way to officially kick off the soccer  season.

Congratulations to a couple members of the Flin Flon Bombers who have been nominated for a couple of national awards.

Harmon Laser Hume is a finalist for the CJHL Goalie Of The Year. Laser is coming off a career season where he was named the top SJHL Goalie finishing second in wins with 28. He ws also among the league leaders in gaa at 2.20 and save % at .930.

Noah Houle is up for the CJHL Defenseman Of The Year after being named the SJHL'S top defenseman. Houle led all SJHL defensemen in points with 68.  Houle who was one of the leagues top play makers was also a very impressive +38 to lead the league in that category. Houle will be off to Lindenwood University to play in the NCAA next season.

The Flin Flon Bombers will officially call it a season after their awards banquet on Saturday.

After two full seasons as the Head Coach and GM of the PBCN Selects of the Keystone Junior B Hockey league, Gatlin Church announced his resignation today.

"I’m extremely proud of a 46-20-4 record an  appearance in the league final, a successful Central Canada Cup Championship and have 2 players commit to D1 ACHA programs. I’m extremely proud of the work I as well as others put into establish the Culture of the PBCN Selects."

"I would like to send a sincere thank you to Chuck Morin for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to build this program. Also to Chief and Council for the opportunity to represent their communities. I hope I didn’t let you down." 

Church also went on to thank his assistant coach's Drew Morin, Pat McKenzie and the rest of the people who volunteered and sponsored the club. 

Church  will be pusuing other avenues in hockey and the Selects will have a new face behind the bench starting next season.

Flin Flon Minor Hockey will be hosting their AGM on Wednesday May the 15th, 7pm at the Flinty Room at the Victoria Inn.

This will be an opportunity to be part of shaping the future for our beloved sport in the community.

The agenda will include committee reports from the President and Treasurer, a recap from last year and updates on new programs being added for the upcoming season. There will also be elections for new people to join the board.

This is open to players, coach's, fans and anyone in the community who would like to come out and join the meeting.

They played their hearts out but unfortunately the Flin Flon Bombers season came to an end last night, dropping a 4 to 1 decision to the Melfort Mustangs.

The Mustangs win the series 4 games to 2 and win their first championship since 2016. Ironically it was the Bombers they beat that season too, in six games.

You have to give Flin Flon credit  who rallied from three games down to win the last two and make it a series. There was a lot of optimism from the players, organization and fans that they would be able to get the win and get it back to Flin Flon for game 7.

The night started well and the Bombers had a good first period out shooting the Mustangs 9 to 6 with the better of the scoring opportunities.

A Keefe Gruener break away for Flin Flon was one of the opportunities they didn't capitalize on.

It was scoreless heading into the second period when the Mustangs Tye Evans was able to pluck a puck in off the cross bar. I watched the replay and it never looked like the puck crossed the line, but the referee and goal judge both signalled the goal. 

Flin Flon was able to shake that off and tied the game when Captain Justin Lies buried a shot top shelf  on James Venne for his 14th of the post season. This was a powerplay goal and it really seemed to fire up the Bomber bench.

The Bombers couldn't sustain the momentum and the Mustangs retook the lead a minute later when Aidyn Hutchinson got a rebound past Harmon Laser Hume. This would stand up as the game winner.