The Lloydminster Bobcats may be ready to hit the links, but they’re also reflecting on a successful season while preparing for a new home next year.
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Playing out of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the Bobcats season came to an end on March 26 after four first-round playoff losses at the hands of the Grande Prairie Storm.
Despite the quick postseason, general manager, Nigel Dube, is proud of the team’s accomplishments.
“I thought we had a great group of kids. They brought it on and off the ice every day and were heavily involved in the community,” said Dube. “We had a slow start, but after those first eight games things picked up, and you could see the excitement grow in the crowds as the season went on.”
Looking to next season, the Bobcats will be aging out Kaiden Wiltsie, Caden Steinke, Ishan Mittoo, Kai Billey, Jamie Weller, and goaltenders Kaiden Kirkwood and Connor Graham.
They will, however, be keeping bench bosses Jeff Woywitka and Matthew Brassard at the ready.
With the Cenovus Energy Hub set to open in late 2025, another big change for next season will be the ice the ‘Cats play on.
After calling the Centennial Civic Centre home for over four decades, the team is excited for a new home.
Although excited, Dube has fond memories of the old barn he won’t soon forget.
“I don’t think there’s another arena in North America quite like the Civic,” he said. “Many fond memories there, but one that stands out was Game 6 against Bonnyville on a Sunday evening. I think we had 1,619 fans that night and people were sitting on the stairs. That facility’s energy always brought us to a new level, you felt it.”
Moreover, Dube noted the team recently toured the new facility and can’t wait to settle into their new digs.
“There’s a lot of excitement there, and our players will be the first ones to play in that arena,” he said. “It’s special for everyone.”
