Bobcats Scratch to 3-1 in Showcase
September 18, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
Bismarck, ND .. The Bismarck Bobcats started regular season play at the North American Hockey League annual showcase in Blaine, MN September 13-16th. The Bobcats finished with a 3-1 record in the four-game in four day event. It was a good start to a new season and the Bobcats showed some potential as they kicked off the season.
After a rude introduction to the new rules the Bobcats bounced back to win three straight. In the initial game however, the Bobcats gave up 5 power play goals in the first 10 minutes of play against the Santa Fe Roadrunners. They came back to play the last half of the game but could not muster any offense and lost that game 8-0. The loss hit home with the boys however and the next three days were a different story.
The Bobcats faced North Division rival Traverse City in the second game and came out fast to score two goals in the first period. The goals were scored by Kyle Maggard (Sacamorehills, OH) and Tyler Romasco (Perry, OH). The Bobcats fell asleep in the second however and Traverse City scored the next three goals to take a 3-2 edge after two periods. The Bobcats were not to be denied though and the Dan Siira (Anchorage, AK) and Garrett Hooker (Dayton, MN) scored the only third period goals and Bobcat goalie Tim Krystosek (Maple Grove, MN) gave up no goals in the third as the Bobcats came back to win 4-3.
The Bobcats faced the South Division Wichita Falls Wildcats on Friday in the "Battle of the Cats". The Bobcats momentum continued as they got on the board early and often and they beat the Wildcats in every aspect of the game. The Bobcats got tallies from five different players, Mike Baker (Brainerd, MN), David Kirsch (Superior, CO)Tom Menozzi (Lakeville, MN), Alex Maginnis (Mason City, IA) and Jeremy Robert (Maplewood, MN). Clark Oliver (San Diego, CA), in his first action of the season was a wall between the pipes giving up just one goal and making 37 saves in a brilliant effort. The Bobcats won the game 5-1.
In the Bobcats final game they faced the North Division Mahoning Valley Phantoms who had also played well during the week. The Phantoms scored first at only four minutes into the first period. The Bobcats took exception and went on to score the next four goals on tallies by Ben Bengston (Warroad, MN), Ryan Kayes (Maple Grove, MN),Ross Janecyk (Grand Rapids, MI) and Kirsch to take a 4-1 lead. The Phantoms showed no interest in giving up the ghost and came back to haunt the Bobcats scoring two goals to come within one score half way through the third period. Clark stood tall and held off the rush and the Bobcats held off the Phantoms to take the win 4-3.
The showcase turned out to be just that with every NHL team and over 125 college head coaches in the stands. As for the Bobcats it was a good chance for the coaches and scouts to see what they had to work with in the coming season. "The start was slow but I was pleased with how the boys rebounded to compete. We have a lot of things to work on but I did like how our 13 goals came from 12 players. We have a little more depth vs. super stars this season and hopefully they will all continue to contribute" said Head Coach Dane Litke.
Friendly reminder: Bobcats season opener this weekend! Games Friday and Saturday night vs. Alaska. Puck drops at 7:05 - hope to see you all there!
North American Hockey League Stories from September 18, 2006
- Roadrunners shine at NAHL Showcase - Topeka Pilots
- Willms, Ritter named NAHL Players of the Week - NAHL
- Bobcats Scratch to 3-1 in Showcase - Bismarck Bobcats
- Team USA wins NAHL Showcase Tournament - NAHL
- Innovative Promotions Enhance FM Jets' Home Schedule - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- FM Jets Start Season with 2-2 Record at Showcase - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms drop Showcase finale - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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.
