After a southern weekend road trip did not go as planned, the Lloydminster Bobcats (5-12-1) will try to right the ship in the comfort of the Centennial Civic Centre Wednesday night when they host the Bonnyville Pontiacs (16-5-0). The Cats surrendered a total of 14 goals in their games in Drumheller and Camrose, and will obviously need to adjust that number on Wednesday. The Pontiacs currently sit top spot in the Viterra North Division. The Bobcats meanwhile, are on the outside looking in at the final playoff spot.
Heading In: Kodiaks Cruise Past Cats in Camrose
Despite a promising start, the result was far from that when it was all said and done, as the Camrose Kodiaks pummeled the Lloydminster Bobcats Sunday afternoon in Canmore. The Kodiaks scored seven unanswered goals en route to a 7-1 victory over the Cats, handing Lloydminster its second straight loss. In the defeat, first-year forward Chance Adrain netted his first goal as a Bobcat. The goal opened the scoring, before Camrose responded with seven straight.
Head to Head
In their one meeting so far this season, the Bobcats and Pontiacs played a thriller. The Bobcats were able to get out to a 3-1 lead, before the Pontiacs responded with three in a row to take a 4-3 advantage. Then in the final two minutes, Hunter Lamb darted straight from the bench to the Pontiacs net after the Bobcats pulled their goalie. Lamb buried the tying goal, but only for Bonnyville to retake the lead 40 seconds later and secure a 5-4 win. Wednesday’s game will be the first of three meetings between Bonnyville and Lloydminster in the month of November.
Moving on From a Forgettable Weekend
Spending the weekend in Drumheller and Camrose, the Bobcats did not come close to the results they were looking for. Giving up 14 goals (seven in each game), it quickly became a weekend to forget. Now as they look to move on, the schedule does not get any easier. Hosting the Viterra North Division leading Pontiacs on Wednesday before visiting second place Sherwood Park on Friday certainly presents a challenge. It is, however, a challenge that could quickly create some momentum for Lloydminster if they are able to find wins against two of the strongest teams in the North. In a battle with Drayton Valley for 7th place and the final playoff spot, each game becomes more and more crucial the rest of the way.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Sherwood Park – Friday November 9, 7:00 p.m. – Sherwood Park Arena
Olds @ Bobcats – Saturday November 10, 7:30 p.m. – Centennial Civic Centre
Grand Prairie @ Bobcats – Wednesday November 14, 7:30 p.m. Centennial Civic Centre