As it has been all season, playing at the Centennial Civic Centre proved to be exactly what the Lloydminster Bobcats needed on Wednesday. Now the Bobcats (17-27-2) will head back out on the road tonight for a visit with the Drayton Valley Thunder (11-32-3). These two teams meet just a week and a half ago at the Omniplex, with the Thunder securing the victory. Now the Bobcats will be looking for a bit of payback and a little more separation between themselves and the Thunder. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Drayton Valley Omniplex. Tonight, will be the fifth of six meetings 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: Walker’s Hat-Trick Sparks Hockey Hooky Day Victory
Playing in front of roughly 1,400 grade 3-6 students from the Lloydminster Public School Division, LPSD’s own Kobe Walker led the way on Wednesday against the Sherwood Park Crusaders, using three goals and an assist to defeat the Cru 4-1. It was the third career AJHL hat-trick for the Lloydminster product. Zach Kaiser scored his 20th goal of the season during the contest, and net-minder Bailey Brkin stopped 34 of the 35 shots he faced in his Bobcats debut.
Head to Head
In their four meetings so far this season, it has been the home team that has won every game. Fortunately for the Cats, three of the games this season have been played in the Civic Centre. Lloydminster has picked up wins of 5-0, 4-2 and 3-2 (OT), but the Thunder took their most recent match-up in a 4-0 shutout on January 6th in Drayton Valley. Following tonight, the two teams will meet once more this season in Drayton.
Race For The Final Playoff Spot
Currently sitting 7th and 8th respectively in the AJHL’s North Division, the Lloydminster Bobcats and Drayton Valley Thunder are battling to avoid the division basement. The Bobcats do hold the upper hand though, sitting 11 points ahead of Drayton Valley with just 14 games to go. A win tonight for Lloydminster would obviously do them wonders as they try to return to the post-season after missing out last year. For the Cats though, their eyes are looking ahead and not behind. Just three points back of the Bonnyville Pontiacs, Lloydminster will be looking to jump into 6th place in the North, if not higher.
Upcoming Schedule
Fort McMurray @ Bobcats – Saturday January 27, 7:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre
Bobcats @ Bonnyville – Saturday February 3, 7:30 p.m. – RJ Lalonde Arena
Bobcats @ Drayton Valley – Wednesday February 7, 7:30 p.m. – Drayton Valley Omniplex
