Lloydminster Bobcats keeper makes a big save to keep them in the game against the Canmore Eagles on home ice Oct. 7. They are back on home ice this weekend taking on Bonnyville Friday and Camrose Saturday. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
The Lloydminster Bobcats were busy over Thanksgiving weekend with a game Oct. 4 followed by back-to-back games Oct. 6 and 7.
They came out of the weekend with two wins and one loss, leaving head coach Brad Rihela satisfied with their gameplay.
“We really played to our identity. We want to be a fast, aggressive team and I thought we really established ourselves within the game consistently,” said Rihela.
“Our habits were really good, all those intangibles we talk about as a group since day one of main camp really, I thought came into it and we were really happy with the way we played in those three games.”
The ‘Cats started out strong with a Wednesday win against the visiting Spruce Grove Saints, who they hadn’t acquired a ‘W’ against since 2021.
The ‘Cats gained the lead early, heading into the second period with 2-0 lead, until the Saints gained one back, narrowing the gap to just one until hometown boy Kade Fendelet scored on an empty net in the final minute of play for a 3-1 final score.
Friday’s home game against the Olds Grizzlys also netted them a ‘W’, with a final score of 5-2.
The ‘Cats weren’t quite able to clinch a third consecutive win against the Canmore Eagles on Oct. 7, which Rihela said it wasn’t due to a lack of effort.
“That was a hard physical game for both teams and I really liked how our guys stayed in the fight and went down off a couple unfortunate plays,” said Rihela, adding they got down by three but still managed to get back to a one-goal gap.
“The thing with our team is they never quit,” he said.
“Obviously you want to come all the way back, but it’s good for our guys to learn those lessons, too—if you spot teams a lead in this league it’s tough to climb out of.”
Rihela said the support from the fans was as great as the determination shown by the players on the ice.
“I thought it was great. Every game I just come back into our coach’s office and I say to Jeff, ‘it’s so loud out there,’” said Rihela.
“The fans are so passionate and they care so much about our team and it’s really fun to be a part of. What we want to do is just keep doing our part and playing hard.”
The ‘Cats are back in action at home this weekend, taking on Bonnyville Friday and Camrose Saturday.
