By Robb Fenton
Lloydminster Bobcats forward Topher Flanagan has one goal in mind – to win an AJHL championship.
While easier said than done, the Bobcats have to be in the top five in terms of favourites for the league title.
After picking up five of six points this past weekend, the ‘Cats sit comfortably in third place, just six points behind Fort McMurray and five up on Bonnyville.
Flanagan is having a career year, setting new highs in goals, assists, points, power play goals, game-winning goals and penalty minutes all while putting the team first.
The 20-year-old forward, who was acquired during last season, said he’s just happy to be part of a winning team and anything he does is strictly to help the Bobcats win.
“I would say that my production is helping the team win. The team has been playing better than we ever have. There’s more fans in the seats, we’re winning more games, we’re higher in the standings and I’m happy I can be a big part and contribute to that,” Flanagan said about how nice it feels to have his best year as the team continues to win. “That feels really good, what I’m doing is helping everyone on the team and the team in general.”
Flanagan began his AJHL career with Canmore, playing two seasons in the South Division, before heading to St. Albert for part of the 2010-11 season.
The Bobcats then dealt for the speedy winger just before the midway point of the 2010-11 season and he instantly flourished.
Since coming over to the Bobcats, Flanagan has put up 66 points, including 29 goals in 83 games.
The Edmonton native has also added an edge to his game, racking up 123 penalty minutes in that same time.
Flanagan admitted that he’s been fortunate this season with bounces and has a bit of luck on his side, but he’s also earned those bounces by going to the tough areas of the ice, like in front of the net or into the corners.
“I think I’m getting good bounces, I’m going to the net, getting to the dirty areas, a few things that I haven’t been doing in past years. I make sure I’m in front of the net, banging away at pucks and chipping in some goals. It hasn’t been anything fancy, it’s been hard work,” he said of the reason for his success.
Current teammate Jeff Lorenz has played about the same amount of games in a Bobcats uniform, as both of them came over during the year last season.
Lorenz said Flanagan is a great teammate and has really raised his game this season.
“He’s been huge for us. He’s scored a lot of big goals for us and he’s playing a completely different game than he did last year. He’s throwing his body around, using his speed so well. He makes it so easy to play with him. It’s awesome,” Lorenz said.
Lorenz explained that Flanagan has always been committed and determined to succeed with the team and in the league, but he said there’s something different about the way he’s been playing this year.
Lorenz said he has noticed a little extra in Flanagan’s game.
“I think his attitude, honestly. He brings it every day, all the time when he’s on the ice. He’s 100 per cent on the ice, it’s awesome to see and awesome to play with,” Lorenz said.
Flanagan had a simple reason for his success and although it’s cliche, he said he believes it has a lot to do with how he’s played.
“I think confidence is a big thing. With a couple years under your belt, the game starts slowing down in your mind and you get a better feel of the other players and you learn other players’ tendencies. Learning through experience has really taken my game to the next level,” Flanagan said.
It’s not a coincidence that Flanagan’s game has taken off since joining the Bobcats.
While he wasn’t unsuccessful with his other teams, it’s a whole new game here in Lloydminster.
“There is definitely such a thing as a good fit for a player. Whether it’s teammates, off the ice, coaching staff – the way you get along. Even fan support and atmosphere of the rink. It’s been beyond what I’ve experienced in other places and it’s definitely a huge part of my success,” Flanagan said of playing in the Border City.
On top of Flanagan’s success, the team is where it has never been, close to the top of the division and near the top of the league in the standings.
“I would say sticking to our systems and listening to what our coaches are telling us. Colonel (Brian Curran) has great systems, he teaches us things that are beyond our years and we listen to it, follow it and execute on the ice. That’s what’s been giving us the edge on other teams,” he said.
With the team still first, Flanagan did hit a few milestones earlier in the season, recording his 100th point and playing in his 200th game in the AJHL – feats he won’t forget.
“It’s special to me. And really what it does is it brings back a lot of memories. I think back on all the games I’ve played and all the points I’ve got. It makes you smile because junior hockey is an amazing thing and it’s been a great four years. The memories I’ll have forever,” Flanagan said.