Coming off their second straight 4-1 victory last night, the Lloydminster Bobcats (18-27-2) will now try and extend that win streak to three straight games when they host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (32-9-3) Saturday night at the Civic Centre. It will mark the final time this season that the two team’s will meet, at least during the regular season. It’s worth noting that if the playoffs started today, the Bobcats and Oil Barons would meet in the first round. Tonight’s contest can be heard starting at 7:15 with Lloydminster Bobcats Hockey on Real Country 95.9.
Heading In: Top Line Leads Bobcats to Road Win in Drayton Valley
As it has been for most of the season, the Bobcats top line of Zach Kaiser, Tucker Scantlebury and Kobe Walker was once again in synch last night in Drayton Valley. The three line-mates combined for two goals and two assists in a 4-1 victory. That performance came just days after they combined for eight points on Wednesday. They’ll look to stay hot against Fort McMurray on Saturday, a team they have seven goals and six assists against in their last four meetings.
Head to Head
Perhaps no season series as been closer than the one between Lloydminster and Fort McMurray during this AJHL campaign. Minus their first meeting of the season, the last four times these two teams have met, it has come down to a one goal game with a goalie being pulled. The Oil Barons have won four of the five meetings (7-1, 2-1, 4-2 and 5-3), with Lloydminster lone win coming in the middle of November 4-3 (OT). These two teams could wind up facing each other in the first round of playoffs, and given the quality of their games so far, it could make for a whole lot of fun in March.
Kobe Walker is RIT Bound
Lloydminster’s own and current Bobcat is now playing his final season with his local Junior ‘A’ hockey club. It was announced yesterday that Kobe Walker committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at RIT for the 2018-19 season. Walker is now the second local product currently on the Bobcats to commit to college hockey, joining Daniel Hilsendager (Western Michigan). The forward led the Bobcats in scoring last season with 17 goals and 23 assists as a rookie, and so far this year, it’s been the same story, just with more points. Walker again is leading the Cats on offence having produced 25 goals and 25 assists in 47 games this campaign. Congratulations Kobe! And all the best down the road!
Upcoming Schedule
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
Brooks @ Bobcats – Friday February 9, 7:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre