Storm swept by Bobcats to kick off homestand

Jan 18, 2022 | 7:25 AM

The Lloydminster Bobcats solidified their hold on sixth place in the AJHL’s North Division with a pair of wins over the Grande Prairie Storm.

On Sunday, the Bobcats scored four times with the power play, as they erased a 3-1, second-period deficit to beat the hometown Storm 6-4.

Ethan Aucoin and Jayven Leslie each scored twice for the Bobcats, while Chase Visser and Matthew Swanson added singles.

Zach Brooks, Ty Toews, Hudson Foley, and Ethan Strang replied for the Storm, while Aidan Feddema made 24 saves to take the loss.

Monday’s rematch was a goaltenders duel, that was only decided when Hassan Akl was the lone goal scorer in the shootout, giving the Bobcats a 2-1 victory.

Leslie had the lone Bobcats goal during regulation time, scoring on a 5-on-3 powerplay in the first period.

Ben Keon would reply for the Storm with a powerplay goal in the second.

Connor McKenzie, who was making his Storm debut, was solid in stopping 27 shots.

At the other end, Kolby Thornton kicked aside 43 shots for his second win in as many days.

The point for the shoot-out loss moves the Storm to within nine points of Sherwood Park for the final playoff spot in the North Division.

They will wrap up their three-game in three-night homestand on Tuesday night by hosting Spruce Grove in a 7 pm start at Bonnet’s Energy Centre.

by Jeff Henson