1968/69 FLIN FLON BOMBERS

Between 1966 and 1969, the Flin Flon Bombers established themselves as a dominant force in Western Canadian junior hockey. The team was made up of players from Flin Flon’s successful minor hockey program with a strong supporting cast from nearby communities.

In 1966, the Bombers joined the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) under coach Paddy Ginnell. Bobby Clarke led the league with an extraordinary 183 points, and Flin Flon claimed the Turnbull Cup as MJHL champions. Their season ended with a loss to Port Arthur in the Abbott Cup final.

The following season, Flin Flon joined the newly formed Western Canada Junior Hockey League (WCJHL, now the WHL). The Bombers continued their dominance, with Clarke recording 168 points and Reggie Leach scoring 87 goals. After finishing first in the 1967–68 regular season, however, they lost the President’s Cup final to the Estevan Bruins.

In 1968–69, Flin Flon again finished atop the standings and captured the President’s Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings. As WCHL champions, the Bombers faced the St. Thomas Barons for the Father Athol Murray Trophy in a best-of-seven national championship.

The series began in St. Thomas on April 25, with Flin Flon winning 6–2 before the Barons answered with a 6–3 victory. Back at Whitney Forum, the Bombers won 5–0. After falling behind 4–0 in Game 4, St. Thomas withdrew from the series. Flin Flon was consequently declared national champion, completing a remarkable three-year period of success.