Cats Outclawed by Carolina in 5-4 Thriller
March 16, 2024 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Blue Ridge Bobcats News Release
WYTHEVILLE, VA - In one of the most entertaining and thrilling games of the season, not just for the Bobcats but across the league, Blue Ridge fell one goal short in a 5-4 regulation defeat to the Carolina Thunderbirds before a Saturday night crowd of 1,612 at the APEX Center.
The Bobcats nearly scored in the first minute of the game for the second night in a row, but had it waived off after official video review. Carolina jumped to a 2-0 lead, but the Bobcats never stopped fighting all night long.
Vladislav Vlasov put home a huge goal for Blue Ridge on the power play at the 18:36 mark of the opening frame, pulling the Cats within one after the first period.
Carson Andreoli continued the scorching start to his Bobcats tenue, roofing home a backhand goal at the 8:24 mark of the middle frame, evening the score. Things would remain even at 2 after 40 minutes, preluding a thrilling third period.
Both teams traded blows and went back-and-forth in an electrifying final frame. Vlasov's second goal of the night gave the Bobcats a 3-2 lead just 72 seconds into the third period.
Both teams' number 14's and acting captains followed with goals, with Carolina's Jon Buttitta and Blue Ridge's Josh Newberg trading markers. Newberg's shorthanded goal came on a 3-on-1 rush and put the Bobcats ahead 4-3 at the 5:09 mark on the third.
Carolina showed their mark down the stretch, tying the game late, and reigning league MVP Gus Ford put home the game-winner on the power play with just 37 seconds remaining in regulation.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday night at 7:30.
Federal Prospects Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2024
- FPHL Ice Chips - Game Recaps - FPHL
- River Dragons Double up Zydeco 4-2 - Columbus River Dragons
- Cats Outclawed by Carolina in 5-4 Thriller - Blue Ridge Bobcats
- A Lot to a Little - Binghamton Black Bears
- Prowlers Fall Short in Fraser - Port Huron Prowlers
- Trevor Babin Back with the KWings - Motor City Rockers
- Lockheed Martin & Black Bears Celebrate 3rd Year Partnership - Binghamton Black Bears
- Rockers Drop Opening Weekend Game to Port Huron in Battle of I-94 - Motor City Rockers
- Rabbits Roll River Sharks, 8-1 - Elmira River Sharks
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.
Other Recent Blue Ridge Bobcats Stories
- Blue Ridge Bobcats Sign Forward Jordon Kromm for 2025-26 Season
- Blue Ridge Bobcats Release 2025-26 Home Schedule at Hitachi Energy Arena
- Bobcats Hire Equipment Manager Devon Rapley
- Bobcats Sign Defenseman Lare Pahtayken
- Bobcats Re-Sign Brandon Reller for 2025-26 Season
