The Christmas break is nearly upon us, but first things first for your Lloydminster Bobcats (7-24-1) as they head south for three games in three days beginning Friday night against the Calgary Mustangs (14-13-6). Friday will be the Cats first game since Saturday after having nearly a full week off. It’s the final push before the Bobcat’s players get to head home for a few days and spend the holidays with their family and friends. All the action can be heard live on Real Country 95.9 beginning at 7:15.
Heading In: Bobcats Mobbed by Barons
Right from the word ‘go’ the Bobcats simply did not have it Saturday night in Fort McMurray. A day after coming up just short against the Sherwood Park Crusaders, the Cats headed north and had no answer for the strong Oil Baron’s attack. In the loss, Breydon Berthold scored his first career goal with Lloydminster, while local kid Chase Stephenson netted his first goal of the season.
Head to Head
Although one team is from the North, and one from the South, these two teams will play three times this season with one of those meetings having taken place in September at Showcase weekend in Camrose. In their only contest so far, the Mustangs rolled to a 5-0 victory over the Cats. After the two squads square off on Friday, they will meet once more when Calgary travels to Lloydminster on January 12th.
It’s Almost Christmas.. But Not Yet
For most athletes playing junior hockey, you are spending most of August to March away from your families. Sure, there are the couple of local kids that get to stay at home, but for most that isn’t the case. With that said, everyone is getting eager this time of year (players included) to head home and enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. That soon will be a reality for the Bobcats but not quite yet. First, they face three tough teams on a southern road trip in the likes of the Calgary Mustangs, Canmore Eagles and Okotoks Oilers. It certainly is stiff competition, but for a team that is resetting midseason and continuing to build a foundation, it also serves as a potential spring board to start building some momentum. Besides, there is no better early Christmas present than a few more wins under your belt before heading home.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Canmore – Saturday December 15, 7:00 p.m. – Canmore Recreation Centre
Bobcats @ Okotoks – Sunday December 16, 4:15 p.m. – Pason Centennial Arena
Sherwood Park @ Bobcats – Friday December 28, 7:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre
