Still seeking their first win of the season, the Lloydminster Bobcats (0-3-0) will look to break through in their second opportunity against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (3-0-0) Saturday night. Following a 4-3 defeat at the hands of The MOB on Friday, the Cats came close to that first win of the season, but ultimately just a little short in the end. Following Saturday’s game, Lloydminster will hit the road for a couple of weeks before returning to the Civic on October 6th. All of the action can be heard starting at 7:15 with Lloydminster Bobcats Hockey on Real Country 95.9.
Heading In: Bobcats Fall to Oil Barons on Koch’s Game-Winner
Despite a strong effort, the Lloydminster Bobcats came up empty Friday night in search of the first win of the young 2018/19 AJHL season. The Cats dropped their third straight game to begin the new campaign with a 4-3 loss to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at the Civic Centre. In what was a tightly contested, back and forth affair, it was a Lloydminster product who put the final nail in the coffin for him hometown Junior ‘A’ squad. Just shy of the midway point of the third period, Lloydminster’s own Braydon Koch scored his first career Junior ‘A’ goal, to give The MOB a 4-3 lead they would not relinquish.
Head to Head
Friday night marked the first meeting of the season between The MOB and the Bobcats, with the Oil Barons coming away with a 4-3 victory. Last season, the Cats were able to take two of three games against Fort McMurray that took place in the Civic Centre, but now must win on Saturday to have a chance at repeating that same task. These two teams will play four more times after tonight. Two of those games are in October, one in December and one in January.
Nivon Makes Quick Impact in Season Debut
After missing the start of the season with an injury, second-year Bobcat Rylan Nivon made his presence felt early on in his first game of the season. The Saskatoon product provided quite the spark for the Cats Friday night scoring not once but twice, in Lloydminster’s attempt to keep up with Fort McMurray. The latter of his two goals was a highlight reel solo effort. Nivon posted five goals and five assists last season, and is now already one-fifth of the way to that point total.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Drayton Valley – Tuesday September 25, 7:30 p.m. – Drayton Valley Omniplex
Calgary Mustangs @ Bobcats (SHOWCASE) – Friday September 28, 1:00 p.m. – Max McLean Arena (Camrose)
Bobcats @ Canmore (SHOWCASE) – Saturday September 29, 12:00 p.m. – Encana Arena