BISMARCK, ND – The Bismarck Bobcats capitalized on a big first period and held off the visiting Aberdeen Wings in their preseason finale Saturday, defeating their closest geographic rival 4-2 at the VFW Sports Center.
The ‘Cats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to a 5-on-3 powerplay strike from defenseman Mike Malady, who ripped home a one-time blast just 2:50 into the game.
Mid-way through a feisty opening frame—one that saw the two sides combine for 15 penalties—Bobcat forward Trevor Landgraf batted home a floating Grant Mindt rebound to extend the home side’s edge to 2-0.
Bismarck forward Cody Bisbing capped the Bobcats’ first-period outburst with 2:54 to go in the frame, depositing the rebound from a Dan Kovar attempt into the Aberdeen net for a 3-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Wings forward Cody Marooney staged a one-man rally for the visitors, however, pouring in two straight goals nearly a period apart—4:06 into the second and 1:56 into the third, respectively—on virtually identical bad-angle bank-in attempts to cut the Bobcats’ lead to 3-2 early in the final frame.
The Bobcats steadied defensively after Marooney’s goals, blocking shots and clearing rebounds away from the net of goalie Dan Harper, and got a little late insurance as Jacob McDowell made the most of a shorthanded 2-on-1, making a pretty move to beat the Wings defense and goalie Trent Caspar to give the ‘Cats the final 4-2 margin.
The win lifted the Bobcats to a 2-0-0 finish to the preseason heading into next week’s Sherbrook NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn.
The defending champs will raise the curtain on their 13th season Wednesday at 1:30 PM against the expansion Fresno Monsters, led by former Bobcat goaltender Jake Williams.
Wednesday’s season opener will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide at http://nahl.fasthockey.com/. Pre-game coverage for the 2010-11 lid-lifter will begin at 1:00 PM CT.
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2010-11 season! Call the Bobcat Hockey office at (701) 222-3300 or email gobobcathockey@aol.com for more information on reserving your seats for the entire season as the Bobcats look to defend the Robertson Cup!
BOBCAT HOCKEY
2010 ROBERTSON CUP CHAMPIONS
Strong Start Guides Bobcats to Preseason Sweep
