BISMARCK, ND – The Bismarck Bobcats, winners of six of their last nine games, return home for a two-game divisional series against the Albert Lea Thunder on Friday and Saturday at the VFW Sports Center.
The Bobcats enter the series fresh off a sweep of the Alexandria Blizzard last weekend, picking up a 4-2 win in Bismarck on Friday before completing the brooming with a 2-0 win at the Runestone Center in Alexandria.
A balanced attack has paced the Bobcats’ recent run with the offense averaging 3.11 goals per game during the team’s current run while the defense has allowed a stingy 1.89 opposition scores per game in that same time span.
One of the biggest contributors to the Bobcats’ success has been goaltender Ryan Faragher, the reigning NAHL Goalie of the Week. Since October 4th, the Fort Frances, Ont., native is 4-1-1 with two shutouts, improving his goals against average to 2.36 and his save percentage to .910 in the process.
Also emerging for the Bobcats is rookie forward Ryan Jacobson. In his last four games, Jacobson has posted four goals including Saturday’s game-winner at Alexandria. The Denver, Colo., native leads the time in goals with nine, a total which places him sixth-league wide in that category.
In addition to his strong recent play on the ice, Jacobson was named AmericanJuniorHockey.com’s Student Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the classroom. The Bobcat winger carries a 3.6 GPA and scored a 28 on his ACT exam.
On the other side, Albert Lea comes into the weekend in transition. Having recently promoted Chuck Linkenheld from assistant coach to head coach, the Thunder visit the VFW looking to snap a six-game losing streak dating back to October 9th.
In 15 meetings last season, the Bobcats dominated the last-place Thunder, going 13-1-1 against Albert Lea.
With the games falling on a holiday weekend, the Bobcats are turning up the fun off the ice as well. Prior to Friday’s game, the team is offering “Bobcat Buck Beers”—that’s beers for $1—from 6:15 PM until puck drop at 7:15 PM as well as free samples of Russell’s Reserve Ribs from Cloverdale Meats.
Saturday is Trick or Treat with SCRRRATCH night, with all kids age 13 and under admitted free (with paid adult) along with candy and prizes for the youngsters and an intermission costume contest. For the adults on Halloween night, the team has “Buck-Off Beers” all game long.
Both Friday and Saturday nights games get under way at 7:15 PM.
The contests will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide at BismarckBobcats.com via B2 Networks. The pre-game show starts at 6:45 PM each night.
You won\’t want to miss any of the games this season, so order your Season Tickets, Family Packs and Group Night’s today by calling the Bobcat Hockey Office at 701-222-3300 or by e-mailing the office for more information at gobobcathockey@aol.com.
BOBCAT HOCKEY
IT’S ADDICTIVE!