Following a 4-2 Thursday matinee defeat in Sherwood Park at the hands of the Crusaders, the Lloydminster Bobcats (3-5-1) will try to bounce back Friday night when they host the rival Bonnyville Pontiacs (8-2-0) at the Centennial Civic Centre. The Pontiacs have been one of the AJHL’s hottest teams through the first sixth of the season currently sitting tied for first place in the Viterra North Division. The Cats meanwhile, come into the contest 7th place in the North.
Heading In: Crusaders Double Up Bobcats
Surrendering a pair of goals in both the first and second period, the Lloydminster Bobcats were never able to fully recover as they fell 4-2 to the Sherwood Park Crusaders Thursday afternoon. Sherwood Park outshot Lloydminster 41-21 for the game. The Bobcats went 1 for 5 on the power-play, while the Crusaders finished 0 for 4 with the man-advantage. Ethan Mack and Tucker Scantlebury had the two goals for the Bobcats, while Curtis Meger made 37 saves.
Head to Head
Believe it or not, this will be the first meeting this season between the Lloydminster Bobcats and Bonnyville Pontiacs. Although these two teams normally play a home-and-home series against each other to start the season, that was not the case this year. Last season, the Pontiacs won the season series between the two teams four game to two, while outscoring the Cats 27-12.
Hogan and Willis Set to Face Former Team
Just prior to the 2018/19 AJHL season getting underway the Lloydminster Bobcats made a pair of deals with the Bonnyville Pontiacs to net two defencemen. The Cats first acquired Ryley Hogan (’00), and then traded for Bekkam Willis (’99). Both defenceman played their rookie seasons last year with the ‘Yaks, with Willis posting three goals and ten assists, and Hogan registering two goals and nine assists. Hogan has already scored his first career goal with the Bobcats. That came back on October 6th against Drayton Valley.
Upcoming Schedule
Sherwood Park @ Bobcats – Wednesday October 17, 12:00 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre
Bobcats @ Fort McMurray – Friday October 19, 7:30 p.m. – Casman Centre
Bobcats @ Fort McMurray – Saturday October 20, 7:30 p.m. – Casman Centre