The Centennial Civic Centre's rafters and roof remain intact, even after students tried to blow them off during the Lloydminster Bobcats' annual Hockey Hooky Day.
According to the Bobcat's GM, Nigel Dube, Oct. 2 will be the game players won't forget anytime soon.
"They couldn't even hear themselves talk on the bench, and there was lots of emotion," said Dube. "There was a lot of energy in that building and it was really cool to see."
The building got loud throughout the game between the hometown 'Cats and Camrose Kodiaks.
Cheers of "Go Bobcat's Go" echoed throughout the confines of the 57-year-old Civic Centre. When the Bobcats scored, one person was overheard saying it was louder than the rock concert they had recently returned from.
Students from Lloydminster Public School Division and Maidstone caused the noise, supporting the Bobcats. LPSD Director, Jason Neville, and the students from his board were in attendance.
"Hockey Hooky Day is an awesome chance for Grade 3-5 LPSD students to come together, cheer their hearts out, and witness the excitement of high-level hockey and sportsmanship in action,” said Neville.
“We love our partnership with the Lloydminster Bobcats. You could feel the energy and enthusiasm throughout the arena. For some students, this is their first live game and an unforgettable experience. "
Meanwhile, if you looked closely during the game at ice level, you found 10-year-old Ayden rapidly snapping photos.
Ayden is a student at Jack Kemp Community School and, according to his teacher, loves photography and working with his hands.
"I like watching hockey and taking photos," said Ayden during a pause in the action. "The school is going to use them during an assembly."
He told the Meridian Source it was fun to get a school camera and take photos of the game, students and players.
Students packed the concourses and concessions throughout the event, filling up on candy, popcorn and sugary drinks.
"Some of these students may not be able to come to a game on the weekend and experience this," said Dube. "Some students have never seen a hockey game, so it also helps teach those life lessons in a different environment."
On the ice, the Bobcats had a goal called back early in the first period due to a penalty. Moments later, the Kodiaks scored to make it 1-0. They took the one-goal lead into the locker rooms. However, by the end of the second, Gus El-Tahhan had scored two goals and one response from the Kodiaks, and they were tied 2-2. However, at 2:08 of the first overtime, Camrose's Avery Trotter ended it, sending the kids home on a losing note.
Undeniably, it's been a bad start to the season for the Bobcats. However, Dube thinks his 0-6-1-1 team just needs to win one to go on a streak.
"I think when we get one, we can get a lot here; it's not like the games are out of reach; two of them are overtime games; we just got to keep working hard and find a way to score more goals," said Dube.
"Six of the eight games were by one goal; we just need to find a way to score two more goals a game."
The 'Cats next chance to earn their first win of the season will be on Oct. 4 against the Pontiacs in Bonnyville. Lloyd hosts Bonnyville at the Civic Centre on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, then Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. So, whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
