After suffering just their 8th loss in the Civic Centre this season last night, the Lloydminster Bobcats (21-28-2) will be looking to bounce back at home tonight when they host the Whitecourt Wolverines (30-15-6). Not that the Bobcats need any extra motivation for when these two North Division squads square off, but with a win or an overtime/shoot-out loss Lloydminster would secure one of the seven North Division playoff berths. The Cats are also still in hot pursuit of the Sherwood Park Crusaders, who are just two points ahead of Lloydminster for 5th. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre. Tonight, will be the second and final meeting this season between the two teams. Tonight’s contest can be heard starting at 7:15 with Lloydminster Bobcats Hockey on Real Country 95.9.
Heading In: Bobcats Win Streak Snapped at Five Game by Bandits
The Lloydminster Bobcats will look to start a new win streak on Saturday after the Brooks Bandits put an end to the Cats five game tear last night. The Bandits used three first period goals and two more in the second to down Lloydminster 5-2. In the loss, Daniel Hilsendager and Kobe Walker had goals for the Bobcats. On Walker's goal, Zach Kaiser drew one of the assists, meaning both he and Kobe were able to extend their point streaks to 7 games a piece in the defeat.
Head to Head
So far, the season series between the Bobcats and Wolverines has been all about the home team. In all four meetings, the home team has come out victorious. With the first two games of the season series taking place at the Civic Centre, the Bobcats came away with victories of 2-1 and 3-2. However, once the scene shifted to the Scott Safety Centre, the Wolverines won two straight, by scores of 3-0 and 8-0. The Bobcats will do their best to make sure that trend holds true once again tonight.
The Brkin Wall
Since making his debut with the Lloydminster Bobcats on January 24th, goaltender Bailey Brkin has been nothing short of spectacular for the Cats. Brkin has made three starts, going 3-0 in those games, and did not allow a goal in over 29 minutes of relief last night against Brooks. Over those four appearances, the Sherwood Park product has posted a sparkling 0.86 GAA and a .977 Save Percentage. Bailey was also named the AJHL Defensive Player of the Week in late January. The Bobcats acquired Brkin from the Brooks Bandits at the trade deadline in exchange for Future Considerations.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Whitecourt – Friday February 16, 7:30 p.m. – Scott Safety Centre
Bobcats @ Spruce Grove – Saturday February 17, 7:00 p.m. – Grant Fuhr Arena
Camrose @ Bobcats – Monday February 19, 2:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre