The Bobcats have signed hometown player, Kobe Walker.
The Lloydminster Bobcats organization sent out an official release regarding the acquisition on June 20.
The local forward measures 5’10’’, at 160 lbs. and is third member currently signed by the Junior A team from last year’s midget AAA Bobcats.
The Midget AAA Bandit Pipeline Bobcats made it all the way to Nationals last season, losing in the semi-finals at the Telus Cup championship in Quispamsis, NB. During that tournament, Walker recorded a goal and an assist.
“I’m really excited to start the next chapter of my hockey career in my hometown, especially knowing the support the franchise receives from this great hockey town,” says Walker on signing with the team.
Another player taken born in ’98, Walker has played hockey in Lloydminster for the past 4 years, and over those 4 seasons, Walker suited up for the Midget AA Blazers, Junior B Bandits, Midget AAA Bobcats and the Junior A Bobcats as an affiliated player.
“I’ve worked with the coaching staff before including Travis (Clayton), and they have alot of insight on the game and I’m looking to forward to working hard for the franchise and letting them shape me into a better hockey player,” he says.
Walker has been a highly productive offensive player: scoring six goals and picking up 19 assists, for 25 points in 34 games. As well, during the playoffs Walker’s three goals and three assists in ten games helped the Midget team to its first Alberta Midget Hockey League title in franchise history.
“Kobe is a very fast offensive guy who can play Center or Wing. He has great vision with the puck and is someone who instantly makes other players around him better,” says Clayton.
The Bobcats are scheduled to play their first exhibition game on August 31, on the road, against the Bonnyville Pontiacs, which as is tradition, will also be the team for their first regular season matchup, on September 16 at RJ Lalonde Arena in Bonnyville.