Following a tough loss Friday night in Sherwood Park, the Lloydminster Bobcats (22-31-3) will look to end a four-game losing streak this afternoon when they play host to the Grand Prairie Storm (26-26-3). Today’s game will start a stretch which sees the Bobcats take on the Storm in three of their final four regular season games, with the final two taking place in Grand Prairie. Now five points back of the Crusaders for fifth in the AJHL’s North Division, today’s game is essentially a must-win for Lloydminster if they hope to catch the Cru late. Puck drop is at 2:30 p.m. at the Centennial Civic Centre. Today’s contest can be heard starting at 2:15 with Lloydminster Bobcats Hockey on Real Country 95.9.
Heading In: Cats Comeback Not Quite Enough in Sherwood Park
The Lloydminster Bobcats dug themselves a pretty deep hole Friday night in Sherwood Park, yet nearly found a way to get themselves out. Trailing 4-0 to the Cru early in the third period, the Cats used goals from Connor Odelein, Tucker Scantlebury and Zach Kaiser to trim the lead to 4-3 with just over ten minutes to go. However, the Bobcats were unable to find the equalizer despite a couple of late power-play opportunities in a 4-3 defeat. Odelein, Scantlebury and Kaiser all finished the game with a goal and an assist each, while Bailey Brkin stopped 37 of 41 shots.
Head to Head
Although only one full week remains in the AJHL regular season schedule, the Lloydminster Bobcats and Grand Prairie Storm have only met three times this season. In those three games, the Storm have won two, while the Cats have taken one. Back in September, GP rolled to an 8-1 win at the Civic. The Bobcats responded on Remembrance Day with a 5-1 win over the Strom, before Grand Prairie took the most recent meeting 5-3 on January 20th.
Kaiser Hits 30-Goal Plateau
For just the fifth time since the Lloydminster Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club changed their name to ‘Bobcats’, a 30-goal season has been recorded. Thanks to his third period marker in Sherwood Park on Friday, Zach Kaiser has tallied 30 goals this season, putting him into a tie for 4th in the Bobcats record books. Despite only scoring four goals in his first 18 games this season, the Orangeville, Ontario product has been on a torrent pace since, collecting 26 goals in his 38 games since, including 16 goals in his last 17 contests.
Upcoming Schedule
Sherwood Park @ Bobcats – Wednesday February 28, 7:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre
Bobcats @ Grand Prairie – Saturday March 3, 7:30 p.m. – Revolution Arena
Bobcats @ Grand Prairie – Sunday March 4, 2:00 p.m. – Revolution Arena