The Bismarck Bobcats had a historic run last season winning it all for the first time in 15 years. That Bobcat team consisted of plenty of veterans who aged-out and moved on to the next level. This season, two Bobcats are back for another run.
Gianni DiVita, who appeared in 14 games last season for the Bobcats, was a key addition to this roster. DiVita scored twice and tacked on 3 assists for a total of 5 points last season. The Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan native spoke on why he wanted to come back for another season here in Bismarck and lead this group to another successful year. “Obviously we have a great program and a great staff here. After a successful year last year why not come back, already having a foot in the door with everyone here…Our team has done a pretty good job so far, I think we could have a better record right now, but it’s all about working those things out at this point in the season and getting ready for the long run,” DiVita said.
Weigel is a home-grown Bobcat. He grew up in Bismarck, but played his high school hockey for Moorhead High in Minnesota. Last season he went 9-4-0 with a 1.88 GAA and a .916 save percentage and was in a tandem with last year’s NAHL MVP Tomas Anderson. He’s not only been victorious in his last 3 starts, but also has come up big in key situations for Bismarck. He talked about his excitement to be back this season for the Bobcats in an age-out year where he looks to secure a college commitment. “It’s awesome to be back. Working hard at practice, working on little things, especially with Layne [Sedevie], and taking every rep seriously at practice like it is a game, it translates well into actual games. I feel really confident right now in the net, which is always what you want…Obviously me being in my age out year and uncommitted you need to play in a lot of games and need to play well. I try not to think about that, I just go out there and have fun, it’s hockey. You never know when it’s going to be your last game, so every game is just fun being out there, especially at home. You can’t ask for anything else as a player,” Weigel commented.
This Bobcat team is 5-4-0 through their opening 9 games of the season as they head back on the road this Saturday and Sunday to take on the Watertown Shamrocks. Puck drop is set for 7:00 P.M. on Saturday and 6:00 P.M. on Sunday. Be sure to tune in on NATV or Super Talk 1270.
Tickets for future Bobcat home games can be purchased at tickets.bismarckbobcats.com or you can call/text the Bobcat Hotline at 701-390-7422.