Caden Cabana. Source file photo
The Lloydminster Bobcats captain, Caden Cabana, is the Pizza 73 AJHL player of the week.
The forward scored four goals and registered six points in a three-game weekend before receiving the honour.
“Super happy for him to get the recognition,” said ‘Cats head coach Brad Rihela.
“It’s well-deserved, he’s been playing unbelievable hockey for us, and it’s obviously an exciting honour for him, so hopefully he’s catching the attention of the NCAA programs.
“He’s first over the boards on the power play, same with the penalty kill. He plays in all situations for us. Plays hard … he’s just an impact player at every level here.”
Cabana leads the ‘Cats in scoring and is currently tied for 11th in league-wide scoring with 22 points (12 goals, 10 assists). This is his fourth season in the AJHL, and Rihela says he does well in his role as captain.
“He’s a quiet leader, but he leads by example every day. His practice habits, the way he prepares for ice times, the way he prepares for games,” said Rihela.
“He just sets a really good example for our group and he’s somebody that puts a lot of time and effort into being a better player, but most importantly, puts a lot of time and effort into being a positive face in the community and really enjoys that side of it as well.”
The Bobcats played three games up north between Nov. 3-5. They lost 3-1 Friday to Grande Prairie, but made a comeback on Saturday beating them 4-3. They also beat Whitecourt 6-5 on Sunday.
Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win in GP may have also been record-breaking as Ben Aucoin put the nail in the coffin as the 17th shooter for the ‘Cats on his second attempt. That’s right, the ‘Cats went through their entire roster before the shootout was won.
The ‘Cats are back at home this weekend, with back-to-back games against Okotoks. The puck drops Sat. Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. and Sun. Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m.
