Kolby Nygren has his face painted by volunteer Amber Fast at the Bobcats’ kids zone prior to their game on Sept. 16. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
The Lloydminster Bobcats had the fans roaring in the stands this weekend, winning back-to-back home openers.
Friday night was a nail-biter, but they pulled out the win in overtime, beating the Calgary Canucks 2-1. Saturday they slayed the Drumheller Dragons 7-5.
Both evenings were preceded by kids’ zone activities to get young fans pumped for the new season.
“It was a great weekend overall. An exciting one, with the kids zone and bouncy castles, face painting, live music and then the minor hockey shootout,” said Lloydminster Bobcats general manager Nigel Dube.
“It was a great opportunity for fans of all ages to take in the pre-game activities and to watch some great hockey, too.”
Dube said without support from sponsors and volunteers, events like that wouldn’t be possible.
“Relay Distributing, Dave Kadun Real Estate and Fusion Pro Audio really stepped up big-time for us there and also countless volunteers,” said Dube.
“Junior hockey doesn’t happen without volunteers … we’re forever grateful for the volunteers. From the mascot, all the way to the people taking the tickets by the door.”
Opening weekend saw over 1,500 people in the stands at the Centennial Civic Centre to cheer on the ‘Cats.
“We were very pleased with the turnout and the support we had over the weekend, we’ve seen a real increase in attendance since last February and it continues to take off,” said Dube, adding the fact they’re excited to be back at the Civic Centre again, and there’ll be some exciting promotions going on throughout the season.
“We’ll be coming out with some more specials as the year goes on—from Timbit Hockey at intermissions to a couple of the Honda shootouts to win $10,000, as well as the roll it to win it by Anderson Co-operators.”
The Bobcats are on the road this weekend to take on the Fort McMurray Oil Barons Friday and Saturday night.
