It wasn’t a bad weekend for the Bobcats.
The Lloydminster Bobcats (2-6-1-1) snapped an eight-game losing streak last weekend with back-to-back wins over the Bonnyville Pontiacs (2-4-0-1).
The boys in black and orange were in Bonnyville on Friday night, shutting out the Pontiacs 5-0. The 'Cats earned a 2-1 victory after a lengthy shootout at the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday.
“That was a really, really good turn in the right direction, and something we’ve been waiting for a few games,” said Bobcats head coach Jeff Woywitka. “It was nice to get it there and build from there.”
Having spent time playing and coaching in Alberta, Woywitka knows how formidable the ‘Yaks’ RJ Lalonde Arena can be. He’s also aware of how quickly success in that building can translate to confidence.
“Anytime you go in there and get a lead, sustain the lead, and then shut them right out, that gets guys off the boards and guys feeling good,” said Woywitka.
“Guys gain confidence when they’re getting points, and let’s be serious, points make kids feel good.”
After playing 10 of 57 regular-season games, Woywitka and the Bobcats believe the future is bright. They also know there’s work to be done.
“I still believe we’re gonna score our share of goals. It’s not coming yet,” said Woywitka. “We’ll do some skill development and get the guys more connected.”
“I think as we continue to do that, our group will continue to score, but right now, we must defend and do things properly without the puck. When we have the puck, we have to manage the puck.”
The team announced Woywitka’s promotion to head coach in April. They brought on assistant head coach Matt Brassard two months later.
A native of Barrie, Ont., the 26-year-old former Vancouver Canuck draft pick played 249 games in the Ontario Hockey League and 61 games in USports with the University of Prince Edward Island.
“I'm thrilled to be joining the Lloydminster Bobcats organization,” said Brassard in a June press release.
“I can’t wait to work with Jeff Woywitka, Nigel Dube, all the players and the community of Lloydminster. I am a big fan of the junior hockey level and can’t wait to help develop our players and have great team success in the process.”
The Bobcats are back on home ice on Oct. 18 to host the Devon Xtreme. They then host the Pontiacs on Oct. 19.
Read more: Gallery: Bobcats sweep ‘Yaks, snap streak
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