The Flin Flon Bombers are a Canadian junior ice hockey team in Flin Flon, a city located on the Manitoba–Saskatchewan provincial border. The Bombers are members of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), which is a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, and they play home games at the Whitney Forum on the Manitoba side of the city. The team's history dates back to 1927 and includes a decade-long run in the major junior Western Hockey League in the late 1960s and 1970s. The team has won two national championships, including the 1957 Memorial Cup and the 1969 James Piggott National Championship.
Flin Flon Bombers | |
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City | Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada |
League | SJHL |
Division | Sherwood Division |
Founded | 1927 |
Home arena | Whitney Forum |
Colours | Maroon and White |
General manager | Mike Reagan |
Head coach | Mike Reagan |
Website | http://www.bombers.ca |
Franchise history | |
1978–1984 | Flin Flon Bombers |
1984–1986 | Creighton Bombers |
1986–present | Flin Flon Bombers |
Previous franchise history | |
1927–1978 | Flin Flon Bombers |
1978–1979 | Edmonton Oil Kings |
1979–1980 | Great Falls Americans |
1980–1982 | Spokane Flyers |
History
editEarly years
editThe Bombers date back to 1927. Their trademark colours are maroon and white. The team originally played at the Flin Flon Community Club Arena until the construction of the Whitney Forum, known locally as "the zoo", in the 1950s.[1][2] The Bombers originated as a senior team, and they competed in the Northern Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League and the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League between 1937 and 1948.
SJHL dynasty
editIn the postwar period, the Bombers became charter members of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).[3] The team quickly established a dynasty, winning seven league titles in a nine-year span between 1952 and 1960. The team's biggest success during this period came in the 1956–57 season. The Bombers lost only five games in the regular season. In the playoffs, the Bombers beat the Humboldt Indians four games to none in the semifinals, then won the final over the Prince Albert Mintos four games to two. As SJHL champions, the Bombers then advanced to the Abbott Cup to determine the champion for Western Canada. They defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings, a team of junior-aged players competing in the senior Central Alberta Hockey League, four games to two, then the Thunder Bay Junior A Hockey League's Fort William Canadiens in four games to win the Abbott Cup and advance to the Memorial Cup national tournament.[4][5]
As per Memorial Cup rules, the Bombers were permitted to add three players to their roster for the 1957 national playoffs, picking up goalie Lynn Davis and defenceman Jean Gauthier from the Fort William Canadiens and centre Orland Kurtenbach from Prince Albert Mintos. There, they faced the Eastern Canadian champion Ottawa Canadiens, coached by Sam Pollock and assistant Scotty Bowman.[6] The first three games were in Flin Flon, with the remaining games played in Regina, Saskatchewan with Pollock drawing the ire of Flin Flon residents for criticizing the remoteness and size of the community.[6] The Bombers won the series four games to three to claim the Memorial Cup championship.[3][4] The win by the Bombers was considered a considerable upset over the favoured Canadiens.[6] The team was greeted by 4,000 people when they returned to Flin Flon after the series.[7]
The 1956–57 Bombers were inducted into both the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame (1999) and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (2009), as well as the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.[8]
The Bombers played in the SJHL until 1966, when the launch of the Canadian Major Junior Hockey League (CMJHL) led the SJHL to fold with several of its teams joining the new league.[9] The Bombers spent the 1966–67 season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) instead.[3] Led by coach Paddy Ginnell and star players Reggie Leach and Bobby Clarke, who won the league scoring title, the Bombers dominated the MJHL and won the Turnbull Cup as league champions, before losing the Abbott Cup final to Port Arthur.[3][10] Clarke recorded 71 goals and 183 points in 45 games, while Leach recorded 67 goals and 113 points.[11] Ginnell was credited with turning the Bombers into a hard-working and physically tough team.[11][12] The arrangement with the MJHL would last just one season, with the Bombers leaving the league in 1967.
Western Canada Hockey League
editAfter its inaugural season, the CMJHL was renamed the Western Canada Junior Hockey League, which was then simplified to the Western Canada Hockey league one year later.[9] After their one season in the MJHL, the Bombers joined the WCHL, now the top level of junior hockey in Western Canada, for the 1967–68 season, and they immediately built on their previous success.[3]
The Clarke-led Bombers continued to dominate, finishing in first place for the 1967–68 regular season before losing in the President's Cup finals to the Estevan Bruins. The Bombers again finished in first place in the 1968–69 season, going on to win that season's playoffs to become President's Cup champions, defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings.[13] Clarke led the league in scoring both seasons, while Leach recorded 87 goals in 1967–68.[11] As 1969 WCHL champion, the Bombers proceeded to win a national championship in 1969 by defeating the St. Thomas Barons of the Western Ontario Junior A Hockey League; the best-of-seven series was unsanctioned by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA), which at the time had barred the WCHL from competing for the Memorial Cup. The short-lived Canadian Hockey Association organized an alternate championship; despite being a best-of-seven, St. Thomas withdrew from the series during the fourth game, trailing the game and the series two games to one, protesting the Bombers' violent play style—the Bombers were awarded the title.[13][14] After the series, Flin Flon challenged the Memorial Cup-champion Montreal Junior Canadiens to a showdown, but the Montreal club declined.[15] The following season, with Clarke having graduated to the professional ranks, the Bombers repeated as league champions, again defeating Edmonton, with Leach leading the league in scoring. Due to the controversy surrounding the previous years series against St. Thomas, there was no national series in 1970.[13]
The growing financial demands of major junior hockey, including extensive travel, became a strain for the Bombers, who played in one of the league's smallest and most remote communities; not only was the travel difficult for the Bombers, but for any team visiting Flin Flon, which had also developed a reputation as a particularly violent team.[16] The franchise departed Flin Flon after the 1977–78 season. The franchise played three and a half seasons after leaving Flin Flon with iterations as the Edmonton Oil Kings—after the original Oil Kings departed Edmonton in 1976 due to pressure from the Edmonton Oilers—for the 1978–79 season, the Great Falls Americans for part of 1979–80 before suspending operations, and the Spokane Flyers for 1980–81 and start of the 1981–82 season before folding in December 1981.[9]
Return to Junior A
editIn 1977, the WCHL Bombers had formed an affiliate Junior B team. The Jr. B Bombers would win the 1977–78 Baldy Northcott Trophy as Manitoba Provincial Champions. When the WCHL Bombers departed to Edmonton, the Bombers' ownership retained the Junior B Bombers. The Flin Flon ownership, along with the owners of the Thompson King Miners, banded together with people from The Pas and Snow Lake, Manitoba to create the NorMan Junior Hockey League (NJHL), a rival to the Manitoba Junior League; the following year, the NJHL—along with the Bombers—would be promoted to Junior A status and the right to compete for a national Junior A championship.[17] Flin Flon won NJHL titles in 1979, 1982, and 1984.
For the 1984–85 season, the Bombers were granted expansion into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), which had been revived in 1968 following the 1966 demise of the original SJHL.[18] For two seasons, due to SJHL rules requiring teams to be located in Saskatchewan, the team was re-named the Creighton Bombers after the adjacent community of Creighton, despite Flin Flon straddling the provincial border. After two seasons, the league allowed the team to re-adopt the Flin Flon moniker.[citation needed]
Notable alumni
edit- Murray Anderson
- Steve Andrascik
- Ron Andruff
- Chuck Arnason
- Ron Barkwell
- Wayne Bianchin
- Ken Block
- Gene Carr
- Bobby Clarke
- Kim Clackson
- Cam Connor
- Jordy Douglas
- Gerry Ehman
- George Forgie
- Jean Gauthier
- Tom Gilmore
- Patty Ginnell
- Ted Hampson
- Gerry Hart
- Doug Hicks
- Glenn Hicks
- Garry Howatt
- Connor Ingram
- Dan Johnson
- Robert Kabel
- Mickey Keating
- George Konik
- Orland Kurtenbach
- Reggie Leach
- Ken Macdonald
- Ray Martyniuk
- Jack McIlhargey
- Lew Morrison
- Mel Pearson
- Cliff Pennington
- Dennis Polonich
- Tracy Pratt
- Larry Romanchych
- Duane Rupp
- Pat Rupp
- John Stewart
- Blaine Stoughton
- Chris Worthy
- Ray Neufeld
Season-by-season record
editSeason | GP | W | L | T | OTL | SOL | GF | GA | P | PCT | Coach | Final Ranking | Playoffs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | League | |||||||||||||
1936–38: Northern Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1936–37 | 18 | 8 | 9 | 1 | - | - | 56 | 58 | 17 | .471 | Oldie Lowe | - | 3rd of 4 | Lost final |
1937–38 | 24 | 15 | 8 | 1 | - | - | 80 | 59 | 31 | .652 | Oldie Lowe | - | 1st of 3 | Won League Championship |
1939–44: Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1938–39 | 30 | 14 | 13 | 3 | - | - | 105 | 88 | 31 | .517 | Oldie Lowe | - | 4th of 6 | Lost semifinal |
1939–40 | 32 | 13 | 18 | 1 | 114 | 125 | 27 | .419 | Oldie Lowe | - | 5th of 5 | Did not qualify | ||
1940–41 | 32 | 14 | 16 | 2 | - | - | 121 | 148 | 30 | .469 | Oldie Lowe | - | 4th of 5 | Lost semifinal |
1941–42 | 32 | 13 | 19 | 0 | - | - | 105 | 131 | 26 | .406 | - | 4th of 5 | Lost semifinal | |
1942–43 | 24 | 10 | 12 | 2 | - | - | 96 | 94 | 22 | .455 | - | 3rd of 5 | Lost final | |
1943–44 | 24 | 10 | 14 | 0 | - | - | 120 | 123 | 20 | .417 | - | 2nd of 3 | Won League Championship | |
1945–48: Did not play in an organized league | ||||||||||||||
1949–50: North Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1948–49 | 24 | 5 | 18 | 1 | - | - | 76 | 119 | 11 | .229 | - | 4th of 4 | Lost semifinal | |
1949–50 | 24 | 14 | 9 | 1 | - | - | 129 | 109 | 29 | .604 | - | 2nd of 4 | Lost final | |
1951–66: Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1950–51 | 26 | 24 | 11 | 1 | - | - | 189 | 147 | 49 | .681 | Alex Shibicky | - | 1st of 4 | Lost final |
1951–52 | 50 | 18 | 27 | 5 | - | - | 211 | 236 | 41 | .410 | Alex Shibicky | - | 4th of 4 | Won League Championship |
1952–53 | 45 | 30 | 13 | 2 | - | - | 200 | 183 | 62 | .689 | Alex Shibicky | - | 1st of 4 | Won League Championship |
1953–54 | 48 | 27 | 21 | 0 | - | - | 297 | 204 | 54 | .563 | Alex Shibicky | - | 2nd of 4 | Won League Championship |
1954–55 | 48 | 23 | 24 | 1 | - | - | 218 | 215 | 47 | .490 | Bobby Kirk | - | 2nd of 4 | Lost semifinal |
1955–56 | 48 | 37 | 10 | 1 | - | - | 301 | 149 | 75 | .781 | Bobby Kirk | - | 1st of 5 | Won League Championship |
1956–57 | 53 | 48 | 5 | 2 | - | - | 309 | 108 | 94 | .891 | Bobby Kirk | - | 1st of 6 | Won League Championship Won Abbott Cup Won Memorial Cup |
1957–58 | 55 | 28 | 25 | 2 | - | - | 220 | 177 | 58 | .527 | Bobby Kirk | - | 3rd of 6 | Lost final |
1958–59 | 48 | 35 | 12 | 1 | - | - | 269 | 144 | 71 | .740 | Emmanuel McLean | - | 1st of 7 | Won League Championship |
1959–60 | 54 | 35 | 16 | 3 | - | - | 301 | 189 | 82 | .676 | Bobby Kirk | - | 1st of 7 | Won League Championship |
1960–61 | 60 | 25 | 28 | 7 | - | - | 184 | 203 | 57 | .475 | Bobby Kirk | - | 5th of 7 | DNQ |
1961–62 | 56 | 29 | 22 | 5 | - | - | 244 | 199 | 63 | .563 | Bobby Kirk | - | 3rd of 8 | Lost semifinal |
1962–63 | 54 | 17 | 35 | 2 | - | - | 152 | 237 | 36 | .333 | Bobby Kirk | - | 6th of 7 | Lost quarterfinal |
1963–64 | 62 | 19 | 32 | 11 | - | - | 262 | 304 | 49 | .395 | Bobby Kirk | - | 6th of 8 | Lost quarterfinal |
1964–65 | 56 | 21 | 29 | 6 | - | - | 255 | 298 | 48 | .429 | Tom Baird | - | 5th of 8 | Lost quarterfinal |
1965–66 | 60 | 8 | 51 | 1 | - | - | 199 | 490 | 17 | .142 | Tom Baird | - | 8th of 8 | DNQ |
1967: Manitoba Junior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1966–67 | 58 | 52 | 6 | 0 | - | - | 406 | 125 | 104 | .929 | Pat Ginnell | - | 1st of 7 | Won League Championship |
1968–78: Western Canada Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1967–68 | 60 | 47 | 8 | 5 | - | - | 361 | 143 | 99 | .825 | Pat Ginnell | - | 1st of 11 | Lost final |
1968–69 | 60 | 47 | 13 | 0 | - | - | 343 | 159 | 94 | .783 | Pat Ginnell | 1st East | 1st of 8 | Won League Championship Won James Piggott National Championship |
1969–70 | 60 | 42 | 18 | 0 | - | - | 257 | 176 | 84 | .700 | Pat Ginnell | 1st East | 1st of 8 | Won League Championship |
1970–71 | 66 | 41 | 23 | 2 | - | - | 306 | 224 | 84 | .636 | Pat Ginnell | 2nd East | 3rd of 10 | Lost final |
1971–72 | 68 | 31 | 36 | 1 | - | - | 265 | 307 | 63 | .463 | Pat Ginnell | 4th East | 8th of 12 | Lost quarterfinal |
1972–73 | 68 | 39 | 19 | 10 | - | - | 334 | 228 | 88 | .647 | Pat Ginnell | 2nd East | 3rd of 12 | Lost semi-final |
1973–74 | 68 | 34 | 21 | 13 | - | - | 322 | 259 | 81 | .596 | Pat Ginnell | 2nd East | 4th of 12 | Lost quarterfinal |
1974–75 | 70 | 19 | 42 | 9 | - | - | 262 | 389 | 47 | .336 | Mel Pearson | 6th East | 11th of 12 | DNQ |
1975–76 | 72 | 18 | 44 | 10 | - | - | 279 | 441 | 46 | .319 | Mickey Keating | 6th East | 12th of 12 | DNQ |
1976–77 | 72 | 16 | 42 | 14 | - | - | 294 | 411 | 46 | .319 | Mickey Keating | 3rd East | 11th of 12 | DNQ |
1977–78 | 72 | 33 | 30 | 9 | - | - | 396 | 380 | 75 | .521 | Mickey Keating | 2nd East | 7th of 12 | Lost semifinal |
1979–84: NorMan Junior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
1978–79 | 24 | 20 | 2 | 2 | - | - | 210 | - | 42 | .909 | - | 1st of 3 | Won League Championship | |
1979–80 | Statistics not available | Tom Skinner | - | 2nd of 4 | Lost final | |||||||||
1980–81 | 42 | 27 | 12 | 3 | - | - | - | - | 57 | .692 | - | 1st of 4 | Lost final | |
1981–82 | 42 | 42 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 544 | 146 | 84 | 1.000 | Tom Skinner | - | 1st of 4 | Won League Championship |
1982–83 | Statistics not available | Lost final | ||||||||||||
1983–84 | Statistics not available | Won League Championship | ||||||||||||
1985–present: Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League | ||||||||||||||
As Creighton Bombers | ||||||||||||||
1984–85 | 64 | 16 | 48 | 0 | - | - | 294 | 495 | 32 | .250 | Mel Pearson | - | 8th of 9 | Lost quarterfinal |
1985–86 | 60 | 13 | 46 | 1 | - | - | 234 | 452 | 27 | .220 | - | 10th of 10 | DNQ | |
As Flin Flon Bombers | ||||||||||||||
1986–87 | 64 | 13 | 50 | 1 | - | - | 249 | 430 | 27 | .211 | - | 9th of 9 | DNQ | |
1987–88 | 60 | 21 | 35 | 4 | - | - | 207 | 337 | 46 | .383 | Leo MacDonald | - | 8th of 11 | Lost quarterfinal |
1988–89 | 64 | 36 | 26 | 2 | - | - | 342 | 303 | 74 | .578 | Leo MacDonald | 3rd North | 5th of 11 | Lost quarterfinal |
1989–90 | 68 | 30 | 33 | 5 | - | - | 293 | 325 | 65 | .478 | Leo MacDonald | 4th North | 8th of 11 | Lost quarterfinal |
1990–91 | 68 | 27 | 36 | 5 | - | - | 208 | 286 | 59 | .434 | Norm Johnston | 5th North | 9th of 11 | DNQ |
1991–92 | 64 | 27 | 32 | 5 | - | - | 206 | 243 | 59 | .461 | Norm Johnston | 3rd North | 8th of 12 | Lost division semifinal |
1992–93 | 64 | 35 | 23 | 6 | - | - | 277 | 215 | 76 | .594 | Norm Johnston | 2nd North | 4th of 12 | Won League Championship Won Anavet Cup |
1993–94 | 68 | 36 | 28 | 4 | - | - | 272 | 259 | 76 | .559 | Norm Johnston | 4th North | 7th of 13 | Lost division quarterfinal |
1994–95 | 64 | 14 | 44 | 6 | - | - | 184 | 336 | 34 | .266 | 6th North | 13th of 13 | DNQ | |
1995–96 | 64 | 21 | 38 | 5 | - | - | 201 | 280 | 47 | .367 | 5th North | 9th of 13 | Lost division quarterfinal | |
1996–97 | 64 | 23 | 37 | 4 | - | - | 204 | 250 | 50 | .391 | Ray Maluta | 6th North | 10th of 13 | DNQ |
1997–98 | 64 | 23 | 33 | 8 | - | - | 191 | 249 | 54 | .422 | Larry Wintoneak | 6th North | 11th of 13 | DNQ |
1998–99 | 66 | 34 | 29 | 3 | - | - | 194 | 224 | 71 | .538 | Larry Wintoneak | 5th North | 9th of 14 | Lost division quarterfinal |
1999–2000 | 60 | 29 | 27 | 4 | - | - | 215 | 180 | 62 | .517 | Larry Wintoneak | 5th North | 8th of 13 | Lost division semifinal |
2000–01 | 62 | 44 | 15 | 3 | 0 | - | 271 | 182 | 91 | .734 | Larry Wintoneak | 1st Dodge | 1st of 13 | Lost Division final |
2001–02 | 64 | 10 | 46 | 6 | 2 | - | 170 | 334 | 28 | .219 | Troy Walkington | 6th Dodge | 12th of 12 | DNQ |
2002–03 | 60 | 10 | 41 | 6 | 3 | - | 168 | 290 | 29 | .242 | Troy Walkington | 7th Dodge | 12th of 12 | DNQ |
2003–04 | 60 | 17 | 28 | 12 | 3 | - | 183 | 238 | 49 | .408 | Ryan Hoffman | 5th Dodge | 10th of 12 | DNQ |
2004–05 | 55 | 10 | 36 | 6 | 3 | - | 138 | 244 | 29 | .264 | Ryan Hoffman | 6th Itech | 12th of 12 | DNQ |
2005–06 | 55 | 19 | 33 | 1 | 2 | - | 173 | 216 | 41 | .373 | Ryan Hoffman/Doug Stokes | 5th Itech | 10th of 12 | Lost division semifinal |
2006–07 | 58 | 18 | 38 | - | 2 | - | 168 | 264 | 38 | .328 | Doug Stokes | 6th Itech | 12th of 12 | DNQ |
2007–08 | 58 | 33 | 21 | - | 4 | - | 219 | 172 | 70 | .603 | Mike Reagan | 3rd Itech | 5th of 12 | Lost Division final |
2008–09 | 56 | 32 | 20 | - | 4 | - | 213 | 168 | 68 | .607 | Mike Reagan | 2nd Itech | 4th of 12 | Lost Division final |
2009–10 | 58 | 37 | 17 | - | 4 | - | 214 | 157 | 78 | .672 | Mike Reagan | 1st Itech | 2nd of 12 | Lost division semifinal |
2010–11 | 58 | 25 | 31 | - | 2 | 0 | 196 | 212 | 52 | .448 | Mike Reagan | 5th Bauer | 9th of 12 | Lost division semifinal |
2011–12 | 58 | 28 | 21 | - | 3 | 6 | 205 | 214 | 65 | .560 | Mike Reagan | 5th Bauer | 8th of 12 | Lost division quarterfinal |
2012–13 | 54 | 34 | 19 | - | 1 | 0 | 198 | 143 | 69 | .639 | Mike Reagan | 3rd North | 5th of 12 | Lost Division final |
2013–14 | 56 | 23 | 30 | - | 1 | 2 | 139 | 169 | 49 | .438 | Mike Reagan | 3rd Sherwood | 10th of 12 | Lost Wild Card |
2014–15 | 56 | 31 | 13 | - | 6 | 6 | 207 | 159 | 74 | .661 | Mike Reagan | 2nd Sherwood | 5th of 12 | Lost quarterfinal |
2015–16 | 58 | 34 | 20 | - | 0 | 4 | 216 | 169 | 72 | .621 | Mike Reagan | 3rd Sherwood | 6th of 12 | Lost final |
2016–17 | 58 | 39 | 14 | - | 2 | 3 | 245 | 150 | 83 | .716 | Mike Reagan | 1st Sherwood | 2nd of 12 | Lost final |
2017–18 | 58 | 24 | 26 | - | 3 | 5 | 194 | 216 | 56 | .483 | Mike Reagan | 3rd Sherwood | 9th of 12 | Lost quarterfinal |
2018–19 | 58 | 36 | 16 | - | 1 | 3 | 233 | 186 | 72 | .621 | Mike Reagan | 3rd Sherwood | 6th of 12 | Lost quarterfinal |
2019–20 | 58 | 36 | 15 | - | 7 | 0 | 265 | 192 | 79 | .681 | Mike Reagan | 1st Sherwood | 2nd of 12 | Playoffs cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic |
2020–21 | 2 | 0 | 2 | - | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 0 | .000 | Mike Reagan | n/a2 | n/a2 | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic |
2021–22 | 58 | 34 | 21 | - | 2 | 1 | 206 | 158 | 71 | .612 | Mike Reagan | 2nd Sherwood | 5th of 12 | Lost final to Estevan |
2022–23 | 56 | 37 | 15 | - | 2 | 2 | 200 | 153 | 78 | .696 | Mike Reagan | 1st Sherwood | 4th of 12 | Lost final |
2023–24 | 56 | 44 | 9 | - | 2 | 1 | 244 | 129 | 91 | .813 | Mike Reagan | 1st Sherwood | 1st of 12 | Lost final |
Playoff record
editNorthern Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League, 1937–1938
- 1937
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Prince Albert Mintos 2 games to 0
- Final: North Battleford Beavers defeated Bombers 3 games to 1
- 1938
- Semifinal: Bombers received a bye to the league final
- Final: Bombers defeated Saskatoon Quakers 4 games to 3 (Won NSSHL Championship)
Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League, 1939–1944
- 1939
- Semifinal: Moose Jaw Millers defeated Bombers 3 games to 1 (1 tie)
- 1940 Did not qualify
- 1941
- Semifinal: Regina Rangers defeated Bombers 3 games to 0
- 1942
- Semifinal: Saskatoon Quakers defeated Bombers 3 games to 0
- 1943
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Saskatoon RCAF Flyers 3 games to 0
- Final: Regina Army Capitals defeated Bombers 4 games to 2
- 1944
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Moose Jaw Victorias 2 games to 0
- Final: Bombers defeated Saskatoon Navy 3 games to 1 (Won SSHL Championship)
- New Westminster CPA Lodestars defeated Bombers 3 games to 1 in Allan Cup playoffs
- 1945 to 1948: No information available
North Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, 1949–50
- 1949
- Semifinal: Prince Albert Mintos defeated Bombers 2 games to 1
- 1950
- Semifinal: Prince Albert Mintos defeated Bombers 3 games to 1
Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, 1951–1966
- 1951
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt Indians 3 games to 0 (1 tie)
- Final: Prince Albert Mintos defeated Bombers 3 games to 0
- 1952
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Saskatoon Wesleys 4 games to 1
- Final: Bombers defeated Humboldt Indians 3 games to 2 (Won SJHL Championship)
- Regina Pats defeated Bombers 4 games to 0 in Western Canada Memorial Cup playoffs
- 1953
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Prince Albert Mintos 4 games to 2
- Final: Bombers defeated Humboldt Indians 4 games to 1 (Won SJHL Championship)
- Lethbridge Native Sons defeated Bombers 4 games to 0 in Western Canada Memorial Cup playoffs
- 1954
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Saskatoon Wesleys 4 games to 3
- Final: Bombers defeated Prince Albert Mintos 5 games to 4 (1 tie) (Won SJHL Championship)
- Edmonton Oil Kings defeated Bombers 4 games to 0 in Western Canada Memorial Cup playoffs
- 1955
- Semifinal: Prince Albert Mintos defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 1956
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt–Melfort Indians 4 games to 1
- Final: Bombers defeated Prince Albert Mintos 3 games to 2 (2 ties) (Won SJHL Championship)
- Regina Pats defeated Bombers 4 games to 3 in Western Canada Memorial Cup playoffs
- 1957
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt–Melfort Indians 4 games to 0
- Final: Bombers defeated Prince Albert Mintos 4 games to 2 (Won SJHL Championship)
- Bombers defeated Edmonton Oil Kings 4 games to 2 in the Western Canada Memorial Cup semifinal
- Bombers defeated Fort William Canadiens 4 games to 0 (Won Abbott Cup)
- Bombers defeated Ottawa-Hull Canadiens 4 games to 3 (Won Memorial Cup)
- 1958
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Prince Albert Mintos 3 games to 1 (2 ties)
- Final: Regina Pats defeated Bombers 4 games to 2
- 1959
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Saskatoon Quakers 4 games to 1
- Final: Bombers defeated Estevan Bruins 4 games to 2 (Won SJHL Championship)
- Bombers defeated Edmonton Oil Kings 4 games to 0 in the Western Canada Memorial Cup semifinal
- Winnipeg Braves defeated Bombers 4 games to 2 in Western Canada Memorial Cup final
- 1960
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Saskatoon Quakers 4 games to 2 (1 tie)
- Final: Bombers defeated Regina Pats 4 games to 1 (1 tie) (Won SJHL Championship)
- Edmonton Oil Kings defeated Bombers 4 games to 2 in Western Canada Memorial Cup semifinal
- 1961 Did not qualify
- 1962
- Bombers placed 5th place of 6 (2–8–0) in round robin
- 1963 Did not qualify
- 1964
- Quarterfinal: Saskatoon Blades defeated Bombers 4 games to 3
- 1965
- Quarterfinal:Weyburn Red Wings defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 1966 Did not qualify
Manitoba Junior Hockey League, 1967
- 1967
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Winnipeg Monarchs 3 games to 0
- Final: Bombers defeated Brandon Wheat Kings 3 games to 2 (Won Turnbull Cup)
- Port Arthur Marrs defeated Bombers 4 games to 2 in Western Memorial Cup final
Western Canada Hockey League, 1968–1978
- 1968
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Regina Pats 4 games to 0
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Edmonton Oil Kings 4 games to 1 (1 tie)
- Final: Estevan Bruins defeated Bombers 4 games to 0 (1 tie)
- 1969
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Winnipeg Jets 4 games to 2 (1 tie)
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Estevan Bruins 4 games to 0 (1 tie)
- Final: Bombers defeated Edmonton Oil Kings 4 games to 2 (Won WCHL Championship)
- Bombers defeated St. Thomas Barons 2 games to 1† (Won James Piggott National Championship)
- †Series forfeited by St. Thomas while down two games to one, and losing 4–0 at 10:10 of the second period of the fourth game[14]
- 1970
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Brandon Wheat Kings 5 games to 0
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Winnipeg Jets 5 games to 4
- Final: Bombers defeated Edmonton Oil Kings 4 games to 0 (Won WCHL Championship)
- 1971
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Regina Pats 4 games to 1 (1 tie)
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Winnipeg 5 games to 2
- Final: Edmonton Oil Kings defeated Bombers 4 games to 1 (1 tie)
- 1972
- Quarterfinal: Regina Pats defeated Bombers 3 games to 2 (2 ties)
- 1973
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Regina Pats 4 games to 0
- Semifinal: Saskatoon Blades defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 1974
- Quarterfinal: Swift Current Broncos defeated Bombers 4 games to 3
- 1975 Did not qualify
- 1976 Did not qualify
- 1977 Did not qualify
- 1978
- Bombers advanced in Division round robin to Semifinal (4–4)
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Regina Pats 4 games to 1
- Bombers eliminated in semifinal round robin (0–4)
NorMan Junior Hockey League, 1979–1984
- 1979
- Final: Bombers defeated Thompson Nickel Knights (Won NJHL Championship)
- Baldy Northcott Trophy: Transcona Railers defeated Bombers
- 1980
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated The Pas Lumber Kings 3 games to 0
- Final: Thompson King Miners defeated Bombers 3 games to 1
- 1981
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated The Pas Lumber Kings
- Final: Thompson King Miners defeated Bombers 4 games to 2
- 1982
- Final: Bombers defeated Thompson King Miners 4 games to 0 (Won NJHL Championship)
- Turnbull Cup: Winnipeg South Blues defeated Bombers 3 games to 0
- 1983
- Final: The Pas Huskies defeated Bombers
- 1984
- Final: Bombers defeated Thompson King Miners 4 games to 2 (Won NJHL Championship)
- Turnbull Cup: Selkirk Steelers defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, 1985–present
- 1985
- Quarterfinal: Weyburn Red Wings defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 1986 Did not qualify
- 1987 Did not qualify
- 1988
- Quarterfinal: Nipawin Hawks defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 1989
- Quarterfinal: Yorkton Terriers defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 1990
- Quarterfinal: Nipawin Hawks defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 1991 Did not qualify
- 1992
- Quarterfinal: Humboldt Broncos defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 1993
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt Broncos 4 games to 1
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Nipawin Hawks 4 games to 1
- Final: Bombers defeated Melville Millionaires 4 games to 3 (Won Hanbridge Cup)
- Anavet Cup: Bombers defeated Dauphin Kings 4 games to 2 (Won Anavet Cup)
- Centennial Cup round robin: Bombers placed fifth in 1993 Centennial Cup round robin (0–4)
- 1994
- Preliminary round: Nipawin Hawks defeated Bombers 2 games to 0
- 1995 Did not qualify
- 1996
- Preliminary round: Humboldt Broncos defeated Bombers 2 games to 0
- 1997 Did not qualify
- 1998 Did not qualify
- 1999
- Preliminary round: Battlefords North Stars defeated Bombers 2 games to 0
- 2000
- Quarterfinal: Humboldt Broncos defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 2001
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt Broncos 4 games to 1
- Semifinal: Nipawin Hawks defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- RBC Cup Round Robin†: Third in 2001 Royal Bank Cup round robin (2–2)
- Semi-Final: Bombers defeated Weyburn Red Wings 4–0
- RBC Final: Camrose Kodiaks defeated Bombers 5–0
- †Qualified for RBC Cup as hosts
- 2002 Did not qualify
- 2003 Did not qualify
- 2004 Did not qualify
- 2005 Did not qualify
- 2006
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Melfort Mustangs 4 games to 3
- Semifinal: Battlefords North Stars defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 2007 Did not qualify
- 2008
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Melfort Mustangs 4 games to 2
- Semifinal: Humboldt Broncos defeated 4 games to 0
- 2009
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Melfort Mustangs 4 games to 0
- Semifinal: Humboldt Broncos defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 2010
- Quarterfinal: La Ronge Ice Wolves defeated Bombers 4 games to 2
- 2011
- Survivor Series: Bombers defeated Battlefords North Stars 3 games to 1
- Quarterfinal: La Ronge Ice Wolves defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 2012
- Survivor Series: La Ronge Ice Wolves defeated Bombers 3 games to 0
- 2013
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Nipawin Hawks 4 games to 2
- Semifinal: Humboldt Broncos defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 2014
- Wildcard Series: Estevan Bruins defeated Bombers 3 games to 2
- 2015
- Quarterfinal: Notre Dame Hounds defeated Bombers 4 games to 3
- 2016
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Weyburn Red Wings 4 games to 1
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Battlefords North Stars 4 games to 1
- Final: Melfort Mustangs defeated Bombers 4 games to 2
- 2017
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Notre Dame Hounds 4 games to 1
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Nipawin Hawks 4 games to 3
- Final: Battlefords North Stars defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 2018
- Wildcard Series: Bombers defeated Notre Dame Hounds 2 games to 1
- Quarterfinal: Nipawin Hawks defeated Bombers 4 games to 1
- 2019
- Wildcard Series: Bombers defeated Weyburn Red Wings 2 games to 0
- Quarterfinal: Battlefords North Stars defeated Bombers 4 games to 3
- 2020
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt Broncos 4 games to 0
- Playoffs cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2021 Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2022
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Battlefords North Stars 4 games to 2
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt Broncos 4 games to 1
- Final: Estevan Bruins defeated Bombers 4 games to 3
- Centennial Cup round robin†: Bombers advanced to playoff round
- Centennial Cup quarterfinal: Pickering Panthers defeated Bombers 3 to 2 (2OT)
- †Qualified for Centennial Cup due to Estevan's host status
- 2023
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Estevan Bruins 4 games to 3
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Humboldt Broncos 4 games to 1
- Final: Battlefords North Stars defeated Bombers 4 games to 0
- 2024
- Quarterfinal: Bombers defeated Kindersley Klippers 4 games to 0
- Semifinal: Bombers defeated Battlefords North Stars 4 games to 0
- Final: Melfort Mustangs defeated Bombers 4 games to 2
Player awards
edit1957 Memorial Cup Champions
Harvey Fleming, Carl Forster, Cliff Lennartz, Barry Beatty, Mike Kardash, Duane Rupp, George Konik, Mel Pearson, Ken Willey, Rod Lee, Wayne Sproxton, Ted Hampson (captain), George Wood, Lynn Davis, Jean Gauthier, Ron Hutchinson, Orland Kurtenbach, Pat Ginnell, Doug Dawson (manager), Bobby Kirk (coach), Hec McCaig (trainer), Jim Wardle (executive), Pinkie Davie (executive), Ken Cunningham (stickboy), Rees Jones (stickboy), and Dan McCaig (mascot) were with the team through the SJHL and Abbott Cup championships, and were joined by Lynn Davis, Jean Gauthier, and Orland Kurtenbach for the Memorial Cup national championship.[4]
Scoring champions
Season | League | Winner | GP | Goals | Assists | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1967–68 | WCJHL | Bobby Clarke | 59 | 51 | 117 | 168 |
1968–69 | WCJHL | Bobby Clarke | 58 | 51 | 86 | 137 |
1969–70 | WCHL | Reggie Leach | 57 | 65 | 46 | 111 |
1970–71 | WCHL | Chuck Arnason | 66 | 79 | 84 | 163 |
2007–08 | SJHL | Reid MacLeod | 57 | 47 | 42 | 89 |
2016–17 | SJHL | Greyson Reitmeyer | 58 | 28 | 51 | 79 |
Most Valuable Player
Season | League | Winner | GP | G/W | A/GAA | P/SV% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1968–69 | WCJHL | Bobby Clarke | 58 | 51 | 86 | 137 |
1969–70 | WCHL | Reggie Leach | 57 | 65 | 46 | 111 |
2000–01 | SJHL | Morgan Cey | 53 | 35 | 2.62 | 0.916 |
Player of the Year
Season | League | Winner | GP | G | A | P |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015–16 | SJHL | Alex Smith | 56 | 32 | 52 | 84 |
2016–17 | SJHL | Greyson Reitmeyer | 58 | 28 | 51 | 79 |
Goaltender of the Year
Season | League | Winner | GP | Wins | Shutouts | Average |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1967–68 | WCJHL | Chris Worthy | 60 | 47 | 10 | 2.39 |
1968–69 | WCJHL | Ray Martyniuk | 41 | NA | 6 | 2.52 |
1969–70 | WCHL | Ray Martyniuk | 43 | NA | 4 | 2.58 |
Defenceman of the Year
Season | League | Winner | GP | Goals | Assists | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1967–68 | WCJHL | Gerry Hart | 58 | 13 | 38 | 51 |
2012–13 | SJHL | Josh Roach | 53 | 13 | 41 | 54 |
2016–17 | SJHL | Eric Sinclair | 46 | 17 | 34 | 51 |
2021–22 | SJHL | Xavier Lapointe | 58 | 19 | 31 | 50 |
Rookie of the Year
Season | League | Winner | Position | GP | G/W | A/GAA | PTS/SV% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1969–70 | WCHL | Gene Carr | Center | 60 | 22 | 51 | 73 |
1973–74 | WCHL | Cam Connor | Right Wing | 65 | 47 | 44 | 91 |
2006–07 | SJHL | Reid MacLeod | Forward | 58 | 24 | 37 | 61 |
2011–12 | SJHL | Devin Buffalo | Goalie | 38 | 18 | 3.37 | .909 |
2012–13 | SJHL | Brett Boehm | Right Wing | 49 | 25 | 29 | 54 |
2019-20 | SJHL | Tristan Lemyre | Center | 44 | 30 | 32 | 62 |
Coach of the Year
Season | League | Winner |
---|---|---|
1969–70 | WCHL | Paddy Ginnell |
1970–71 | WCHL | Paddy Ginnell |
1972–73 | WCHL | Paddy Ginnell |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Westhaver, Eric (April 8, 2022). "The past, present and future of the Whitney Forum: What makes "the Zoo" so wild?". The Reminder. Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ "Whitney Forum". City of Flin Flon. Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Lapp, Richard M.; White, Silas (1993). Local Heroes: A History of the Western Hockey League. Madeira Park, British Columbia: Harbour Publishing. p. 65. ISBN 1-55017-080-5.
- ^ a b c "1956/57 Flin Flon Bombers". Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ Lapp, Richard; Macaulay, Alec (1997). The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship. Madeira Park, B.C.: Harbour Publishing. p. 106. ISBN 1-55017-170-4.
- ^ a b c Morgan, T. Kent (May 10, 2017). "When Flin Flon won the Memorial Cup". Winnipeg Free Press. Archived from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ Lapp & Mcauley. The Memorial Cup. p. 108.
- ^ "1957 Flin Flon Bombers Junior Hockey Team". Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ a b c "WHL History". Western Hockey League. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
- ^ "Bobby Clarke". Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 4, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ a b c Naylor, Jonathon (November 14, 2015). "50 years after Flin Flon Bomber debut, a hockey legend reflects". The Reminder. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ Drinnan, Gregg (August 9, 2002). "WHL History, Part I: In the beginning..." Regina Leader-Post. Archived from the original on May 7, 2005. Retrieved June 4, 2024 – via Western Hockey League.
- ^ a b c Lapp & White. Local Heroes. pp. 66–67.
- ^ a b Costa, Morris Dalla (January 28, 2011). "Bomber Raid Revisited". The London Free Press. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
- ^ Cuthbert, Chris (1998). The Rink: Stores from Hockey's Home Towns. Toronto: Penguin. pp. 209–210. ISBN 9780140266023.
- ^ Cuthbert. The Rink. pp. 185–187.
- ^ "History". Canadian Junior Hockey League. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
- ^ "Recruitment". Flin Flon Bombers. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2024.