(Photo Credit – Kelly Jacobson)
The Flin Flon Bombers season officially came to an end Monday night and so did the SJHL careers of eight Bombers. Every season the Bombers pay farewell to their overage players (20 year olds) as they move onto professional hockey or university. This season the Bombers pay farewell to 8 Bombers, Billy Klymchuk, Hayden Clayton, Zach Huber, Chase Haygarth, Easton Haygarth, Reid Robertson, Ryder Richmond and captain Matt Flodell.
The first overage player on the roster to salute is forward Billy Klymchuk.
Billy was signed by the Bombers in the summer of 2018 after spending the previous season with the Winnipeg Thrashers U18 AAA program where he produced 44 points (12 g, 32a) in 48 regular season games. During the 2018 playoffs, Klymchuk exploded with 7 goals in just 8 games.
Klymchuk’s first full season of duty came in the 2018-19 season when the Winnipeg, Manitoba product enjoyed a good rookie season recording 12 points (6 g, 6 a) in 48 regular season games. Billy’s role increased during his second season with the maroon and white while playing a pivotal role on the teams penalty kill. The 2019-20 season was Klymchuk’s best season offensively producing 32 points (12 g, 20 a) in 47 regular season games. In 7 career SJHL playoff games, Klymchuk recorded 4 points (1g, 3a). Unfortunately, Billy was unable to appear in a game during the 2020-21 season due to an injury he suffered in preseason.
“Billy is one of the best at stripping players of the puck and coming out of scrums with the puck. He also has great hands in tight and wasn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas. Billy became a great penalty killer for us and all of his hard work and sacrifices were going to be rewarded with a role in our top 6 this season.” – Mike Reagan, Bombers Head Coach & GM
Klymchuk is currently pursuing an opportunity to continue his career at the college ranks.
The Flin Flon Bombers wish Billy Klymchuk great success in the future whether its professional hockey or university. The Bombers are proud to have had Billy a part of our organization!
Stay tuned as we salute the rest of our overage players in the next couple of weeks.