Oak Lake’s Brandon Masson experienced some definite highs and lows this past winter.
In his second season with the Flin Flon Bombers junior hockey club, the son of Mike and Renee suffered a knee injury that kept him out for two months. He returned to help the Bombers make it all the way to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s championship series.
“He just brings intensity, which makes other guys play harder and practice harder,” Bombers head coach Mike Reagan said of Masson. “He is very committed to the game. His work ethic is unbelievable.”
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound defenceman collected a goal, an assist, and 89 penalty minutes in 22 games. Masson provided a physical presence and contributed on both ends of the ice.
“He is an all-around defenceman who plays the game the right way,” Reagan said.
Early on in the season Masson hurt one of his knees. He did not play a game in October or November.
“It was extremely difficult not being able to play and contribute to my team’s success,” Masson wrote in a text interview. “After multiple doctors’ appointments I lucked out with a cancellation and had surgery at the beginning of November. I was back in the gym almost immediately, and just three weeks after surgery I was back on the ice.” F rom December 1 onward, the Bombers posted the SJHL’s best record during the regular season. During key stretches Masson was in the starting lineup for the club.
“When you start a game you have the opportunity to set the pace for the night and get into the game early,” Masson texted. “Having a good start is always important.”
Masson had been the Bombers’ Rookie of the Year. In his second season, in spite of the injury, he was even better.
“Moving forward into my second season of junior hockey I believe I’ve grown a lot as a person and a player,” Masson wrote during the season. “I find I’m more relaxed, and in control of my emotions. I look forward to doing everything I can to move towards the ultimate goal of winning a championship.”
Masson has certainly enjoyed his time suiting up for the storied Bombers franchise.
“The best part about playing for the Bombers is the pride and tradition in the community. Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach, along with many other NHL greats, wore the same logo on their chests that I do. It’s an honour to play for such a historic franchise.”
He praised him family and billets for their constant support. In addition, Masson said, he owes “a huge thank you to Dr. Klippenstein for fast-tracking my surgery date and saving my season.”
