BISMARCK, ND–The Bismarck Bobcats host the Austin Bruins Friday and Saturday night, continuing a four-game homestand at the VFW Sports Center.
Saturday’s game will include a special tribute to former Bobcat head coach Chad Johnson, who passed away Monday, November 18th. Johnson coached the Bobcats to two national championships during his tenure in Bismarck, and was most recently a coach with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.
The Bobcats will hold some unique fundraising activities to help Johnson’s son, Jack. There will be photo tributes on display at the VFW Sports Center, and there will be a special presentation on Johnson before faceoff Saturday.
Bismarck began the homestand with a tough 4-3 overtime loss to the Minot Minotauros Wednesday night, surrendering the game-winner with just 30 seconds left in overtime. Stanislav Dzakhov (Moscow, Russia) forced overtime with a tying goal late in the third period, but the Bobcats could not overcome 28 minutes of penalties.
Austin leads the Bobcats by eight points in the NAHL Central Division race, and owns two shutout wins over Bismarck in the first meetings this season, a weekend series played at Austin November 8th and 9th. The Bobcats trail the Aberdeen Wings by three points for second place in the division entering play this weekend.
Faceoff for both Friday and Saturday is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Tickets are still available at the Bobcat ticket office, by phone at 222-3300, or online at www.bismarckbobcats.com.