OCN Blizzard 4 - Flin Flon Bombers 3

Sorry it took so long to get this up on here. I've been quite busy getting all settled in here in town!

Those of you who were at the game were treated to quite the spectacle. After the opening 15 minutes were dominated by Flin Flon the Blizzard began fighting back and it was some very entertaining physical -- with extra focus on the physical hockey by the Blizzard.

This is going to be a big team, they can skate, they can play and from what I saw in the just under 500 fans at the GLMC last night they'll enjoy the rough style of play. I think people in town are starting to get excited at the prospect of a very strong club this year.

Here is how yesterday's scoring broke down.

Wheldon - Goal, FF -PP, Unassisted
Robinson - Goal, FF - PP, Assist - Wheldon
Dumais - Goal, OCN, Assist -  TJ Constant, Ward-Cardinal
Robinson - Goal, FF - SH, Assist - McCaig, Litke
TJ Constant - Goal, OCN - PP, Assist - Elmes, Ward-Cardinal
Elmes - Goal, OCN - Assist - Ward-Cardinal
Cameron - Goal, OCN - Assist - Brady Constant, Cochrane

Both teams played 10 rookies and 10 veterans, OCN started their big four on the back end (Ward-Cardinal, Elmes, Bruyere, Cochrane)

Grant Valiquette really stood out yesterday, playing on a line with Dumais and Constant who both have WHL experience the youngster looked comfortable and impressive. I think you will see him in that slot for the start of the season on the top line. The kid has a good head, first back on defense, swift hands and is a great skater.

Wilson Dumais stood out as well, I'm pretty sure most Blizzard fans have heard of his wild days in the SJHL. He was calm last night, didn't take any penalties and stayed composed. He's a hell of a player but Mollard and DeBray will need to reign him in when he starts to get worked up.

Ward-Cardinal looked impressive again, not as dominant as in camp but that's to be expected with the higher caliber of play. He controlled the play when in possession of the puck and really dictated the flow of the offense quite well.

Camacho Lathin is a player I saw plenty of in NorMan before he came back to OCN to play Midget AA due to personal reasons. He was an offensive stud in midget, but has a very well rounded game which will allow him to hold down a roster spot on this team. He's a great skater, not big but players much larger than he is due to the good use of his body and puck protection skills. Very high hockey IQ on that kid. I hope OCN fans are excited to have a local kid of his caliber coming down the pipe.

Here is a post game interview with Head Coach Jim Mollard.



Not only did the Blizzard pick up a win yesterday but Tyler Grove reported from Selkirk and Garick Gray was cut from Kootenay and he will be returning to the Blizzard, both should be on the ice tonight versus Nipawin.

Puck drop is at 7:30 at the GLMC as the Blizzard play their second exhibition game of the season. Tickets are 5$ at the door.

See you at the rink,

Brad