FRISCO, TX – The Bismarck Bobcats released their full 2011-12 schedule Friday, including preseason plans and who their opponents will be at the 2011 NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn.
The 2011-12 slate will have a bit of a new feel as the three-time defending Central Division champions look to defend their divisional crown again in 2011-12: the North American Hockey League has expanded the regular season schedule to 60 games while the Central Division will feature five teams—as opposed to six in 2010-11.
Expansion to 60 games will, however, allow the Bobcats—and the rest of the division—to play a perfectly balanced schedule, with six home games and six away games against the Minotauros, Aberdeen Wings, Alexandria Blizzard and Austin Bruins.
A 60-game schedule also means that Bobcat Hockey fans will have one more home date to enjoy than previous years.
The Cats will open their home schedule with a two-game weekend September 23 and 24 against 2010-11 archrivals Aberdeen and Alexandria.
Some highlights of the Bobcats’ divisional slate include a Thanksgiving double-dip on November 23 against Aberdeen and Thanksgiving Night against Minot, a Veterans Day showdown with Minot and the Cats’ third-annual St. Baldrick’s night on St. Patrick’s Day versus Alexandria.
In addition to their 48 divisional games, the Bobcats will play two home games and two away games against both the Coulee Region Chill, who transferred to the Midwest Division for the upcoming year, and the Dawson Creek Rage, based in eastern British Columbia, Canada.
The 2011-12 season opens September 14th at the 2011 Showcase against the South Division’s New Mexico Mustangs. Other Showcase opponents include the defending South Division champion Amarillo Bulls, the Alaska Avalanche and the expansion Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings.
Before the lid-lifter, Bobcat Hockey fans will be able to get an early look at the defending Central champs as they host the Minotauros for a pair of preseason games September 9 and 10 at the VFW Sports Center.
The Bobcats’ busy 2011 offseason keeps rolling with the team’s open camp, scheduled for July 15-17 at Arctic Edge Arena in Canton, Mich. Players interested in attending the 2011 open camp can sign up right now at http://www.BismarckBobcats.com.
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2011-12 season! Call the Bobcat Hockey office at (701) 222-3300 or email gobobcathockey@aol.com for more information on reserving your seats for next season!
Bobcat Hockey would like to once again thank all of its fans, staff and sponsors for a wonderful 2010-2011 season—you are part of the team!
BOBCAT HOCKEY
2011 CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS