Bralin Technology Solutions Recap
by Shane Tomayer
Wednesday night the Bobcats played host to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons for the final time of the 24/25 season. In their previous 4 contests against the AJHLs most Northern team the Bobcats have had zero success. Against all other AJHL teams the Cats have allowed just over 2 goals per game – impressive. Versus the Oil Barons the Cats have allowed double that. The MOB have simply owned the Bobcats through the first quarter of the campaign.
Wednesday at home however it was a different group facing off. Perhaps one could say that the Bobcats had an unfair roster advantage. While the Oil Barons iced the standard 20 man roster the Lloydminster club was hundreds strong as Team Peyton was in attendance and boisterous in their support of the Walker family and the home team. The Bobcats were wearing their #TeamPeyton jerseys in support of local athlete Peyton Walker who is currently fighting rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Walker continued to show her impressive strength as she was on hand to drop the puck with her U18AAA Steelers teammates there to support her. From that ceremonial puck drop the home team was ready to go.
Four minutes in, local favourite Teague McAllister opened the scoring on the powerplay, and by the end of the first the Cats were leading 3-0. Goals were added by El-Tahhan and Fritz. Prior to this game the Cats had only mustered a 1 goal lead over the Barons, so the 3 goal lead on its own was a mild victory.
Second period saw more Cats success with Kaiden Wiltse scoring his 6th of the season ahead of a Oil Barons marker to carry the 3 goal lead into the third period.
The final period saw Lloydminster add additional insurance with goals by both McAllister and Wiltsie again who each had 3 point nights in what would end as a 6-2 highly decisive win for Team Peyton.
The 20 players on the ice for the home side were strong in all areas of the game. Andres Miller made 21 saves enroute to his 3rd win of the season. Showing he likes home cooking as all three wins have come on home ice. 9 players in total contributed to offense in front of Miller to help ensure his success.
Cats have seemingly found their stride – winning 4 of their last 5 games. Offense was a struggle during a heavy schedule to start the season. They’ve certainly found their touch scoring 24 of their 45 goals in those same 5 games. While looking at standings they’ve now jumped up to third spot in the AJHL North Division. Additionally while still below .500 they’ve now got a goal differential of 0. Certainly a team moving in the right direction and finding success at both ends of the rink.
While the Cats will hit the road Friday for a two game weekend away from home there will still be action in the border city. The jerseys worn Wednesday night are being auctioned off at 32auctions.com. Proceeds from those jerseys will be combined with donations and revenue from Wednesdays ticket sales and given to the Walker family to aid them in their current journey. Ensuring that Peyton is getting the care she needs and reducing the burden on the Walker family. Peyton has undergone 28 weeks of treatment with another 39 weeks to go.
Follow the link below to get your bids in on your favorite Bobcat player, while supporting our favourite Steeler.
