The Lloydminster Bobcats have made their first splash of the 2018-19 league year, acquiring an overage forward from the Melfort Mustangs (SJHL).
The Bobcats have acquired Drew Warkentine (98') from the Mustangs in exchange for defenceman Andrew Liwiski (99') and forward Jacob Tibbatts (99').
Warkentine, a product of Prince Albert, comes to Lloydminster with plenty of experience having played in 87 career WHL games with his hometown Raiders, as well as 45 games in the SJHL between the Humboldt Broncos and Melfort.
In 36 regular season games with the Mustangs last year, Warkentine posted 15 goals and 16 assists.
“Anytime you can bring in an overage player with the kind of skill that Drew possesses, you have to be pretty happy,” said Bobcats Head Coach and GM Travis Clayton. “We’re confident that Drew can be a top-line forward and can help provide leadership as well.”
To acquire Warkentine, the Bobcats gave up a pair of Manitoba products in Andrew Liwiski and Jacob Tibbatts.
Liwiski played his rookie season as a Bobcat last year, scoring two goals and tallying four assists in 50 regular season games.
Tibbatts, meanwhile, was acquired by the Cats at the 2018 trade deadline from the Battleford North Stars (SJHL). In 11 regular season games with Lloydminster, Tibbatts finished with two goals and an assist.
“It’s tough giving up the likes of guys like Liwiski and Tibbatts, but unfortunately, you have to give up good talent, in order to acquire good talent,” Clayton said. “Both of those guys will have a good chance to continue developing their skills in Melfort, and I want to personally thank them for their contributions this past season.”
With the Bobcats season just over three months away, be sure to secure you season tickets by visiting http://lloydminsterbobcats.ca/tickets/season-tickets.html or by calling the Bobcats office at 780-871-0900.