Bobcats Hold off Brookings for Preseason Victory
September 8, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
BROOKINGS, SD - Paced by two goals from Mike Dockry and 33 saves by Bryan Nies, the Bismarck Bobcats edged the Brookings Blizzard 3-2 Friday at the Larson Ice Center, improving to 2-0 in the 2012 preseason.
With the game tied at one in the second period, Mike Dockry converted a broken play with Filip Starzynski on the power play, firing a loose puck off Starzynski's stick past Blizzard goalie Drew Weigman to boost the Bobcats to a 2-1 lead after two.
"Filip and Mike and Kevin [Becker] were working hard and controlling the puck well on the "ËPP'," credited Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie. "The play was a bit of a lucky bounce but they created their own luck with hard work and good positioning."
Dockry got an even luckier bounce early in the third when his centering pass bounced off a Blizzard defender's stick and in past third-period netminder Nick Deery, posting the visitors to a 3-1 lead just 45 seconds into the final frame.
Third-year veteran forward Craig Lindegard put the heat on the Bobcats, slamming a rebound past Nies with 1:36 to go in regulation to pull the Blizzard within one at 3-2.
When Starzynski took a checking from behind penalty at the 1:03 mark and Blizzard head coach Cory Laylin pulled Deery in favor of an extra attacker, the Bobcats found themselves with their backs against the wall, but the penalty kill held firm and a last-second clear from veteran Terry Hennen sealed the Cats' 3-2 win.
Though Nies and Blizzard first-period keeper Eric Majerle largely stole the show in the first period, combining for 22 saves, Bobcats rookie forward Johno May broke the scoreless tie with a mere six seconds left in the opening frame, using a Brookings defender as a screen to blast a rising shot over Majerle's glove for a 1-0 lead after one.
"I knew there wasn't a lot of time so I just wanted to get the puck on net," explained May, a 6'4" front-liner from Mahtomedi, Minn. "I got around the "ËD' and I don't think their goalie got a good look at it."
Brookings pulled even at 1-1 mid-way through the second period when Justin Moody cashed in a 2-on-1 rush with Thomas Williams, setting the stage for Dockry's back-to-back tallies.
Nies made numerous highlight-reel saves on the Blizzard, including a left-to-right dive to deny Nick DeCenzo in the third period to record the exhibition win Friday.
The preseason will wrap up with a home game Saturday against the Minot Minotauros at 7:15 PM. Following the game, anyone with a Bobcats ticket will be able to get into the Lowdown Dirty Dogs concert at the VFW Sports Center, presented by the OK Corral. The show is only open to ages 21 and older.
Season ticket holders' game tickets for the intrastate clash can be picked up at will call starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday.
Saturday's preseason finale will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide on the official internet television partner of the NAHL, FASTHockey, at http://nahl.fasthockey.com. Pregame coverage gets under way at 6:45.
Season tickets for the 2012-13 season are now on sale-and going fast! Call the Bobcat Hockey office today at (701) 222-3300 to reserve your seats for another great season of Championship Entertainment.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from September 8, 2012
- Four straight goals lead Texas to victory over OU Hockey - Texas Tornado
- Jacks Top Coulee Region 2-1 in Preseason Opener - Odessa Jackalopes
- Kalamazoo Caps off Preseason with Win - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- 'Runners Tripped up in Preseason Loss - Topeka Pilots
- Bobcats Hold off Brookings for Preseason Victory - Bismarck Bobcats
- Bulls Dump Wichita Falls Wildcats 5-2 to Even up Exhibition Record - Amarillo Bulls
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
