The Lloydminster Bobcats stayed red-hot over the weekend, earning back-to-back wins over the Olds Grizzlys and the Drumheller Dragons. Their streak now sits at six straight victories.
On Friday (Feb. 28) the ‘Cats struck early and never looked back. Luke Fritz opened the scoring 3:34 into the game. Alessio Nardelli made it 2-0 on a power play before the first intermission. Kade Fendelet and Matthew Hikida added second-period tallies, giving Lloydminster full control.
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The third period was more of the same. Kaiden Wiltsie, Hikida, and Fendelet each lit the lamp as the Bobcats piled on 58 shots. Keil Schmalz broke the shutout bid late, but ‘Cats tender Connor Graham stopped 19 of 20 shots to seal the win.
Saturday’s game was much closer. Drumheller struck first with a power-play goal from Easton Daneault. However, Lloydminster answered in the second when Gus El-Tahhan buried his 19th of the season. The Dragons regained the lead with a goal from Hudson Gainer, but Kai Billey tied it up before the period ended.
Meanwhile, the Bobcats saved their best for last. Hikida broke the deadlock with 1:15 left in the third, roofing a shot past Matthew Kondro. Ben Costantino sealed the 4-2 win with an empty-netter seconds later. Kirkwood stood tall again, stopping 28 shots.
Lloydminster has outscored opponents 25-6 during this streak. Their offense is clicking, and their defense remains rock solid.
The third-place ‘Cats take on the North division leading Whitecourt Wolverines at home on March 5 before the Devon Xtreme visit on March 7. Both games start at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
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