Having defeated the Wolverines just six days ago, the Lloydminster Bobcats (22-28-2) will be looking for the same result tonight when they pay a visit to the Whitecourt Wolverines (31-16-6). It is a start of a two-game, two-day road trip for the Cats as they’ll visit the Spruce Grove Saints tomorrow. Although they have yet to win in Whitecourt in two tries this season, the Bobcats have won three straight road games and will hope to continue that trend tonight. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Scott Safety Centre. Tonight, will be the final meeting of the regular 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 Battle Past Wolverines A second period outburst proved to be just enough for the Lloydminster Bobcats as they hung on late to take down the Whitecourt Wolverines Saturday night. Hosting the Wolverines for the third and final time in the regular season, the Bobcats carried a 4-0 lead after two before surviving a furious Whitecourt comeback in a 5-3 victory. Bobcat’s captain Connor Odelein and Lloydminster’s leading scorer, Kobe Walker each had a pair of goals in the win, with Tucker Scantlebury coming away with a goal as well. Bobcat’s goalie Bailey Brkin made 47 saves in the win.
Head to Head
So far, the season series between the Bobcats and Wolverines has been all about the home team. In all five 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. Just last weekend though, the Bobcats were able to continue that trend with a 5-3 win over Whitecourt to take a 3-2 lead on the season series.
Playoff Ticket Punched
After missing out last season, the Lloydminster Bobcats will be heading back to the post-season this year. Needing either a victory over Whitecourt on Saturday, or a Drayton Valley loss, the Bobcats took care of the Wolverines 5-3 to secure one of the seven North Division spots. Now with their berth in the AJHL Inter Pipeline Playoffs secured, it’s all about positioning. The Bobcats, Crusaders and Storm are all in a battle for seeding, with the Bonnyville Pontiacs not too far behind either. The position races should make for a crazy final few weeks of the season!
Upcoming Schedule
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
Bobcats @ Sherwood Park – Friday February 23, 7:00 p.m. – Sherwood Park Arena
