Trying to work their way back into the win column the Lloydminster Bobcats (9-38-1) will play host to the Canmore Eagles (25-19-5) for the first and only time this season, when the Eagles visit the Civic Centre Saturday night. Soaring high after an overtime win over Bonnyville on Friday, the Cats will look to claw the Eagles back down to ground level and grind out a couple of points. All the action can be heard live on Real Country 95.9 beginning at 7:15.
Heading In: Saints Sink Cats at Civic
Much like Wednesday night in Bonnyville, the Lloydminster Bobcats came out strong in the first period Friday night at home against the Spruce Grove Saints, but it was not enough as the second and third periods did not go in their favour. The Bobcats came out strong tallying seven of the game’s first eight shots, but from then on, the defending AJHL champions were able to take control en-route to a 5-1 victory over Lloydminster.
Head to Head
Despite Lloydminster and Canmore being in separate divisions, this will be their third meeting of the season, as the two teams faced-off at Showcase to go along with their regular two meetings in a season. So far, the Eagles have gotten the better of the Cats in both games. At Showcase, Canmore came away with a 3-2 shoot-out victory, before taking down the Bobcats 8-2 in Canmore in mid-December. However, Saturday will be the first time that Lloydminster will get to play Canmore at the Civic Centre this season, and they’ll look to use home ice to help propel them to victory.
Youth is Served
Having the youngest roster in the AJHL with an average age of 18.8 years old, the Lloydminster Bobcats are certainly in a youth movement. They will also have to slow down a youthful player on Saturday if they hope to get by Canmore. Eagles 01-born forward, Alex Young has been tearing up the AJHL this year. With 64 points in 48 games, the youngster sits fourth in league scoring. He also managed to put up one goal and three assists when these teams met in Canmore.
Upcoming Schedule
Bobcats @ Brooks – Friday February 8, 7:00 p.m. – Centennial Regional Arena
Bobcats @ Olds – Saturday February 9, 7:00 p.m. – Olds Sportsplex
Bobcats @ Calgary Canucks – Sunday February 10, 2:00 p.m. – Ken Bracko Arena