Hoping to put an end to a two-game slide, the Lloydminster Bobcats (7-22-1) will head to Sherwood Park (22-6-2) Friday evening for a date with the Crusaders. It’s the beginning of a lengthy two-game road trip, and the end of a busy five games in eight days. After Friday’s game the Cats will head to Fort McMurray to battle the Oil Barons on Saturday night. All the action can be heard live on Real Country 95.9 beginning at 6:45.
Heading In: Bobcats Unable to Beat Lush in Loss to Thunder
A pair of second period goals was the story Wednesday night from the Civic Centre as they Drayton Valley Thunder defeated the Lloydminster Bobcats 3-0. On the back of 26 saves from Luke Lush, and goals from Jeremy Klessens, Ty Whitford and Tanner Hopps, the Thunder came into the Border City and evened up their season series with the Cats at two games apiece. Getting his first start since November 14th, Bobcat’s goalie Cale Elder stopped 27 of 29 shots, but unfortunately it was not enough in the end.
Head to Head
Heading into their fourth meeting of the season against the Crusaders, the Bobcats are still looking for their first win of the season against Sherwood Park. In their previous three meetings, the Cru have gotten the better of the Cats 4-2, 8-3 and 6-2. Sherwood Park, who currently sits second in the Viterra North division standings, will now face Lloydminster for the first time under the direction of Head Coach/General Manager Nigel Dube. The two teams will meet two more teams in Lloydminster following Friday’s game.
Halfway Through
Thirty games into the season, the Lloydminster Bobcats have reached the midway point of their 2018/19 schedule. The first half certainly did not go how they had hoped, but with a coaching change in November, you can argue the Cats began a refresh at the same time. Unfortunately, that “refresh” does not come with a clean slate record wise, but the team is continuing to make strides towards the culture that is looking to be established. Although in a tough spot for playoff positioning, we should be in for a productive second half of the season as the team further looks to establish the beginnings of a new winning tradition.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Fort McMurray – Saturday December 8, 7:30 p.m. – Casman Centre
Bobcats @ Calgary Mustangs – Friday December 14, 7:30 p.m. – Father David Bauer Arena
Bobcats @ Canmore – Saturday December 15, 7:00 p.m. – Canmore Recreation Centre