The Bobcats are gearing up for another exciting hockey season in the border city. The season officially kicks off on September 7th in Bonnyville, the night after the team’s formal ‘Evening of Champions’ dinner, featuring former Toronto Maple Leafs Wendel Clark, Russ Courtnall, and Gary Leeman. Home Opener takes place on Saturday, September 8th. Fans are invited to come out to the pre-game Synergy Credit Union tailgate party, kicking off at 3 PM.
The team will be wearing a commemorative 3rd jersey for their 2012-2013 home opener, honouring the franchise’s 30th year of junior ‘A’ hockey in Lloydminster. Originally joining the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 1982 as the Lloydminster Lancers, the team joined the AJHL in 1989 as the Lloydminster Blazers. In 2005, under new ownership, the team changed its name to the Lloydminster Bobcats. The 30 year anniversary will be marked with an alumni celebration and honourary ceremony taking place on October 6th. Lancers, Blazers, and Bobcats alumni are encouraged to contact the Bobcats head office at 780.871.0900 to get involved.
In partnership with the City of Lloydminster, The Bobcats will be hosting the Bonnyville Pontiacs on February 9th at 7:30 PM as the feature for the 2013 Scotiabank Hockey Day In Canada. Fans looking to guarantee their seat at this game, which will feature appearance from Don Cherry, Ron Maclean, Cassie Campbell, and other hockey celebrities, should be sure to purchase their season ticket for the year from the Bobcats office at 780.871.0900.
2012-2013 also marks the first season under new head coach Ryan Parent, who was hired on in the spring following the departure of the previous head coach. Last season the Bobcats finished 3rd place in the AJHL North Division; the best finish for a Lloydminster Jr. ‘A’ team in 12 years. The team also earned a 10th place national CJHL ranking and committed eleven players off their 2011-2012 roster to post-secondary hockey programs.
The organization would like to thank its loyal fans and generous sponsors for their continued support. See you at the rink!