Blue Ridge Bobcats Fall in Overtime to Athens Rock Lobsters in Season Opener (10-18-24)
By: Joey Raymond
Headline Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network
The Blue Ridge Bobcats welcomed the Athens Rock Lobsters to Hitachi Energy Arena for an intense opening night of FPHL action in Wythe County, Virginia. In just their second season, the Bobcats looked to make a statement, while the Rock Lobsters, fresh off two wins, sought to continue their early season dominance.
First Period: The Bobcats came out firing, taking three quick shots within the first few minutes. Despite the early pressure, the Rock Lobsters responded with solid defensive play, turning the first five minutes into a back-and-forth battle. Eight minutes in, the Rock Lobsters committed a cross-checking penalty, giving the Bobcats a two-minute power play. Blue Ridge capitalized when Lucas Rothe unleashed a blistering slap shot, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. For the remainder of the period, both teams locked down defensively, but the Rock Lobsters began to tilt the ice in their favor, racking up six shots in the final four minutes. The Bobcats maintained their slim 1-0 lead as the period ended.
Second Period: The Rock Lobsters carried their late-first-period momentum into the second, outshooting the Bobcats 5-1 in the first five minutes. Their persistence paid off as they tied the game 1-1 with a goal just moments after a tripping penalty against the Bobcats was called. Midway through the period, Blue Ridge found themselves shorthanded after a roughing call on Jakob Stahl, but they successfully killed off the penalty. With three minutes left in the period, the Rock Lobsters committed a slashing penalty, giving the Bobcats another power play opportunity. However, Athens’ penalty kill held firm and the period ended with the score tied at 1-1.
Third Period: The deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the third period when Devin Sanders found the back of the net, giving the Bobcats a 2-1 lead. Athens soon found themselves in penalty trouble again, committing a delay of game infraction. This led to a 5-on-3 power play for the Bobcats after a subsequent holding penalty, offering a golden opportunity to extend their lead. However, the Rock Lobsters displayed incredible resilience, killing off both penalties and keeping the game within reach.
With just over three minutes remaining, Athens seized a crucial opportunity on an odd-man rush. Hunter Alden capitalized on a defensive breakdown, scoring to tie the game at 2-2. Regulation time expired with the teams deadlocked, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime: The Bobcats came out strong in the extra period, registering four quick shots on goal. Yet, the momentum soon shifted in favor of the Rock Lobsters. Athens began to pepper shots on the Bobcats’ net, and Kayson Gallant eventually broke through, firing home the game-winner to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Rock Lobsters.
Despite a strong start and numerous power play opportunities, the Bobcats couldn’t overcome Athens’ gritty play and clutch scoring. The overtime loss was a heartbreaker for the home crowd, but the Bobcats showed they can compete against one of the league’s top teams. They’ll look to bounce back in their next game and make their mark in season two.
Final Score: Athens Rock Lobsters 3, Blue Ridge Bobcats 2 (OT)
