Bobcats Sweep Chicago Showcase 4-0
Published on January 19, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
Returning home from the four-day North American Hockey League showcase held in Chicago, IL, the Bobcats have plenty to be pleased with. Their first match-up with Springfield Jr. Blues ended in a 4-1 victory in favor of the Bobcats on Thursday, January 15.
The following day the Bobcats were matched with the second-seated team in the South Division, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, which once again resulted in a victory, 4-2. The Ice Dogs grabbed the lead with the first two goals, but Bobcat captain #12 Joe Adams answered back with a powerplay goal at 11:28 from #9 Jake Hipp and the rest was history. The Bobcats controlled the third period by netting three goals: #21 Jason Palmer from #5 Dusty Delisle at 2:32, a powerplay goal by defenseman #14 Jim Henkemeyer from #20 Shawn Bartlette, and finally an empty net goal by #10 Brett Sobolik to secure the win at 19:08. Bobcat goaltender #29 Matt Koenig was 33-35 for the night.
Saturday, January 17 the Bobcats challenged the Toledo Icediggers, who conquered the Fargo-Moorhead Jets the day before with a score of 5-2, but the Bobcats were fired-up with their two wins in the showcase behind them and that was enough to outscore the Icediggers 5-3.
Capturing the Bobcats' first hat trick of the season, Bobcat forward #15 Bill Johnson managed to accomplish this admirable task in just one period of play. The first was assisted by #8 Chris Mattson and assistant captain #36 JJ Koehler at 6:38. At 8:51 Johnson accumulated his second goal at 8:51 from #17 Jacques Lamoureux and #27 Ben Noah. The Icediggers then managed to score a goal at 11:14, but Johnson fired back with his final goal at 14:40 of the first period from defenseman #7 Brian Bina. The loan goal of the second period was scored by the Icediggers, as well as the first goal of the third period, but the Bobcats wrapped up the win with a shorthanded goal from Brett Sobolik and finally at 18:16 a powerplay goal from Joe Adams.
The final day, Sunday, January 18, the Bobcats faced the Wichita Falls Rustlers, and once again, the Bobcats came out victorious. Accumulating their fourth win of the showcase, the Bobcats edged past the Rustlers 2-1 with both of their goals being shorthanded.
Bobcat Brett Sobolik scored the first shorthanded goal at 4:13 in the first period from JJ Koehler and the second was a role reversal, this time Koehler acquiring the goal and Sobolik being credited with the assist at :42 into the second period. Wichita Falls was able to tally one goal for the night at 14:29, but the third period remained scoreless and the Bobcats rode off victorious.
The Bobcats are now at 7-0 in their last seven match-ups, which brings their overall record to 19-17-2. As far as standings, this now places the Bobcats in fourth place behind the Billlings Bulls, F-M Jets, and Helena Bighons with 40 points, one point ahead of the Bozeman Icedogs.
This Week: Make sure to catch Head Coach Chad Johnson in his weekly appearance on "In the Den" on KXMB-12 this Wednesday night with JR Havens during the 10 o'clock news.
Thursday night during the 6 o'clock and 10 o'clock news you can catch Bobcat forward #27 Ben Noah's "Player Profile" on KFYR-TV 5!
Listen to 94.5 the Fox Friday afternoon around 3:30pm to catch a few of the Bobcats chatting with Dee Daniels on their upcoming weekend match-ups.
Friday night the Bobcats will kick off their weekend of home games at the VFW Sportscenter versus the number one seated Billings Bulls at 7:00pm. The game will be sponsored by Cloverdale Foods and there will be a $1.00 Hotdog special running for that game!
Saturday night the Bobcats face the Bozeman Icedogs, who they just recently edged past in the standings. Sponsored by Jiffy Lube, the theme of the night is "Motor Mania" the intermission entertainment will be spectacular! Also, following that night's game, there will be a "Skate with the Bobcats" where all are invited to join the guys on the ice.
Sunday the Bobcats will wrap up with the week's activities with their monthly appearance at Arby's in the Kirkwood Mall. A few Bobcats will be there from 1:00pm-3:00pm having lunch and visiting with fans while giving autographs. Make sure to stop down and register to win Bobcat merchandise and tickets to the next upcoming home game!
North American Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2004
- Bobcats Sweep Chicago Showcase 4-0 - Bismarck Bobcats
- Barons Wrap up Windy City Showcase - Cleveland Barons
- Indians Shutout Tornado; Dominate Windy City Showcase - Soo Indians
- Successful Showcase for Cavalry - Topeka Pilots
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