Despite surrendering a late goal, the Lloydminster Bobcats skated out of Bonnyville with a 2-1 OT victory over the Pontiacs in their first exhibition game of the 2017-18 season.
Following a scoreless first period, the Bobcats got on the board when Leyson Coleman snapped a wrist shot past Bonnyville goalie Justin Travis for a 1-0 lead.
It was the only goal allowed by either starting netminder. Reese Jones maintained a shutout through the first half of the game for Lloydminster before Jacob Bennett subbed in right after Coleman scored.
The game remained 1-0 until the final minute of the third. With just 1:05 left to play in regulation Bonnyville was able to tie the game up as Brandon Abb beat Bennett from in tight.
Although both teams had a couple of chances in the final minute, neither could convert and overtime became necessary.
In the 3-on-3 session, it was Ian Dubourdieu who played the role of hero for Lloydminster. The Calgary native fired home the game-winner from the slot to start the Bobcats exhibition schedule with a win.
Lloydminster will resume exhibition play on Friday when they host the Bonnyville Pontiacs.
Puck drop is at 7:30pm from the Centennial Civic Centre.
